AliBaba Experience

[6H057]

Hey everyone. I haven’t ordered anything from AliBaba.com and am curious about the process. Some say I can purchase 1 unit while others say 5. For ones with experience, how secure is the website?

 

[365gtb4]

I've used Alibaba and AliExpress a few times. No problems at all with very good pricing. Delivery can take awhile, it's coming directly from China. Alibaba is targeted at wholesale buyers, AliExpress at retail buyers, that's what I've observed.

 

[evnautilus]

Alibaba is geared towards wholesale ordering.

AliExpress is the retail version, where you are more likely to be able to buy a single item.

edit: oops, 365gtb4 already said the same thing.

 

[swaltner]

Yeah, I’ve done a few orders on AliExpress. They were for some LoRaWAN devices (think Arduino with built in GPS, WiFi, radio transceiver). Largest qty of a single item was 10. Relatively fast delivery on a slow boat from China. I think most took 3-4 weeks, which is fine for less than $10 in shipping from China. Today, I just paid the USPS $4.50 to ship a 2 ounce padded envelope across town.

Be aware of the long shipping times and don’t expect the world. If you buy an iPad for $20 on AliExpress, you’re not getting an iPad. You’re getting something that is definitely not an iPad.

 

[6H057]

thanks for the feedback everyone! I unfortunately need a new bumper and have started looking at other styles instead of the oem bumper.

 

[FairladyZed]

if your just looking for a single item I'd recommend even eBay. usually you can manage to find a similar price on there for small quantities and save in the shipping costs.

 

[6H057]

if your just looking for a single item I'd recommend even eBay. usually you can manage to find a similar price on there for small quantities and save in the shipping costs.

You’re so right. The bumper was a great price but shipping was way too much

 

[Kandiru]

The only problem I had is that Aliexpress will not refund fraudulent orders. DHGate on the other hand refunded me fully while letting me keep the bait and switch item (quartz watch sent in lieu of automatic as ordered).

 

[6H057]

The only problem I had is that Aliexpress will not refund fraudulent orders. DHGate on the other hand refunded me fully while letting me keep the bait and switch item (quartz watch sent in lieu of automatic as ordered).

Good to know. I haven’t ordered since the price was great but the shipping was way too high….