AliExpress is a part of the Alibaba team. This collection is a Chinese e-commerce corporation that provides an assortment of retail companies to both consumers and businesses across the globe. Back in April 2016, it freed Walmart to turn into one of the greatest retailers on earth.
Alibaba founded the AliExpress sub-division in 2010. It is an online-only provider which sells chiefly Chinese services and products. It works like eBay and is similar to Amazon: it’s a server platform which enables third-party businesses to promote their products. It does not sell services and products.
Is AliExpress Risk-free?
This brief question has a very long answer. The AliExpress online site is safe as a result of the well-publicized data breach being patched. But, there’s a whole lot of buyer wariness when it comes to marketplace sites. A number of dangers can be found on any such platform; you can find them on Amazon marketplace as well. Follow-through of deals depend entirely upon the trustworthiness of the owner. The same goes for AliExpress.
Rather than listing all of the risks, I’d rather focus on constructive points and offer several actionable tips for using AliExpress safely.
Guidelines for Staying Safe on AliExpress
1. Purchase from Established Sellers
Always make sure to assess the sellers on the site, read reviews, and determine whether they can be trusted. There are workers on AliExpress that can assist you if there is an issue with your purchase. Examine how often people purchase and how many sales they’ve made.
2. Read Entire Product Details/Description
Most of the time, product descriptions will contain crucial information that can sway your decision. Don’t simply gaze at the pictures. Read the description to know exactly the sizing, materials, and manufacturer of the product. The seller will note if it’s an original item or a copy. Tracking info and any warranty information should also be provided.
3. Warranty
Speaking of warranty, make sure that any expensive items like electronics or appliances come with a warranty. If an item covered under the warranty is discovered to be fake, you’ll receive a full refund, including shipping charges. Also check to see if returns are allowed. That way, you can send back the item if it’s not what you hoped for. You may have to pay to return the product.
4. Communicate with the Seller Before Purchasing
Before making a purchase, speak with the owner of the product via the chat system that’s supplied by AliExpress. Ease doubts by gaining all information you can directly from the source, regarding delivery, shipping, or quality of the item. Check with the owner if the product is new or is a knockoff piece.
5. Think Twice About Purchasing Items at a Low Cost
If you think that the price tag of an item is suspiciously low, listen to your gut. Don’t purchase, as it may just be that the product is refurbished, a fake knock-off, or has some defect. In the same vein, be careful about overpaying for a product.
6. Avoid Completely Free Shipping for High-Priced Items
Free transportation is generally done by the nationwide postal service. It can take quite a bit of time to arrive after purchasing. There’s a risk of items becoming damaged in the mail or never arriving at the destination. Free shipping is ideal for smaller, cheaper items; pay more for expensive products. Request transport insurance if agreed upon with the seller.
7. Do Not Open a Dispute Before Receiving the Items
AliExpress enables one to dispute a trade if they’re dissatisfied with the ordered services and products or in the event that they don’t receive it by the delivery date. You can dispute a trade; don’t throw the product away. You’ll need to provide proof of what you’re complaining about.
8. Use It Before Confirming Receipt
Once you receive the product, don’t get overly enthusiastic and affirm that you received the product and are satisfied. Make sure to use it for a day or so before affirming it’s received. If there’s an issue with the product, contact the vendor and request that it’s settled. If they’re disagreeable, speak with an AliExpress service consultant and discuss the situation. After the experience, leave feedback so other buyers can be aware of what will happen once purchasing.
Aliexpress Shipping
Free Shipping Options
AliExpress’ free shipping, tracking and transportation capabilities are useful. Free shipping will usually happen when the purchase is a larger amount. The shipping route is determined by the vendor (i.e. “seller’s delivery”). Transport times will vary according to seller, so speak with the sellers on projected timing; you may need a product sooner than you’ll receive it. Free shipping can be detrimental if it does not enable timely delivery. Free shipping is helpful for drop-shippers, who are able to maintain competitive rates and work with many eager customers.
Tracking Orders on AliExpress
Make sure to track orders on AliExpress. Luckily, sellers are able to provide tracking numbers for web visitors through text or email, which allows them to make sure delivery is going smoothly. Using a tracking service on AliExpress will minimize loss, as you’ll be able to note where the item is every step of the way, and it also holds the company accountable.
AliExpress Tracking and Premium Shipping
When shopping online, if you purchased high-value items like wedding decorations for an upcoming nuptial, you may require this selection, which is top-quality transport of products. You’ll want to make sure your products are well taken care of. It can be compared to the likes of DHL and FedEx. Tracking the purchase is a key action every buyer should make, and failing to do so can lead to significant hassles.
