AliExpress

I have had issues with only 2 sellers of the 6 I've used so far. Both of them shipped with a method I didn't chose. In one case the items never came and The dispute process with the user was a challenge. In the other case I ordered and paid for one shipping method but the seller decided to use a different method then asked me for more money. I filed a dispute and got my refund within a few days. Other than that my experience has been good.

Customer reviews are really helpful especially when the reviews are from users in the same country as you are. I tend to only buy items with photo reviews as well so that I can get a better look at the quality. The sellers I have dealt with and the ones i have asked questions before purchasing are very helpful and communicative.

There are definitely scam items on there like items with 0 orders but 3 reviews. It is important to look at the number of orders as well as the reviews.

I also do not buy from stores younger than 1 year.

The best news is that Aliexpress holds the funds for the duration of the buyer protection period (typically 60 Days).

All in all I am happy with the fantastic sellers I found and blacklist the ones who are untrustworth.

I have ordered a Halloween costume accessory for $24 with AliExpress. I do realize that it's going to be a cheap Chinese piece of crap, but it's just a costume. I had 4 weeks until I had an actual costume party. So, looking at seller's reviews and estimated shipping time, I figured, it should make it on time. The seller wouldn't ship it forever. I messaged them about my timeframe, they suggest to pay extra $15 or $45 for another expedited service, where as it clearly states that their e-packet makes it to the States within 10-15 days. 2 days later I cancel the order and bought exact same item with the guaranteed delivery on time. Once I cancelled my order, there was a button "awaiting seller's approval". I contacted a customer support with the question about that, and already had a suspicion that that is not going to happen. The customer support assured me that they will contact the seller and will do their best to take care of this issue.The seller wakes up and 2 days later sends me 2 messages, one that they will hurry up, and the next says it's already shipped.
Horrible customer service practices! Once they have your money, there is no way they will let go of it! This was my first and last transaction with Aliexpress. They force their item down your throat.

It is necessary to be searching, because there are many scammers. In general the service is fine, but they need to clean up their page leaving what is really valuable and removing all the scammers.

Bought an expensive item located in France. Paid more (with a big shipping cost) than direct shipment from China (where item was offered much cheaper with no shipping cost) to avoid possible import duties.

Item was defective.

Was told by AliExpress via the seller resolution (after weeks to resolve!) to return item to China at my expense before they would refund (NOT back to France where purchased).

Has long arrived back in China but has since got lost in China postal system for the past 5 weeks. Because not received back by AliExpress return deadline (even though tracking showing the issue and don't forget they AliExpress quote sellers deliveries may be delayed due to Covid)) - arbitration has decided not to refund. So not only lost the cost of the item but additional shipping cost to return to China...

So be aware - EU rules not followed - do not expect compliance in paying for return of items. Suggestions as follows to avoid my experience with expensive items purchased from EU location (or China)...

- Order through Paypal when using AliExpress and arbitrate through Papal if item is defective (NOT AliExpress - just advise them) as they will pursue the case on the buyers behalf - not the sellers. AliExpress only provides protection if item not received!
- During a dispute - if item bought in the EU and AliExpress seller resolution is to return to China - demand the item be returned where purchased and seller organises return as required under EU regs. DON'T accept...

I missed this till too late - don't get caught...

I stupidly ordered a product from Ali express and they took my payment immediately but after 2 months went by and I didnt receive my purchase, I tried to contact the seller... Thats when I knew it was all a scam! 6 months later and still dont have a refund!
DO NOT ORDER ANYTHING FROM THIS COMPANY!
And I thought I was an educated human being... My bad...

I ordered a 10,2 inch multi media from Aliexpress website and paid in
Advance 268 Euros (306$). The actually did not have it in its inventory
Tried and almost forced me to buy a 9 inch one. When I at last made it
Clear that I do not want it, the seller instructed me, via email, to ask
For a full refund, the reason being (package not received). Since I was
Dealing with my mother's illness, I saw the message after about 5 days.
In the meantime the seller send another email saying that he has sent
The package. When I replied that he did not ask my approval for this
Action, he answered that he thought it was OK with me, since I did not
Reply to his email immediately! I told him that what he things is his
Problem and responsibility and that I do not want the product any more.
He replied that this is not possible and if I opened a dispute,
Aliexpress would support him. I contacted Aliexpress via live chat many
Times without any result. Now when ever I try to contact Aliexpress
Again, a message appears saying that all consultants are busy!
Actually I think they avoiding me! The most important fact is that I
Never received the product and have no clue where it is!

AliExpress changing policy and prices/shipping right time when you want to apply to pay,be careful with them because they changing from free shipping to hundred bucks shipping just for a moment.If you want to buy from them, always use PayPal, because PayPal has superior protection against scammers. China, Chinese government has Superior experience with lie to people from imperators to Communist Party,the LIE for this country it's a part of culture, AliExpress is the part of China government. Everything I wrote is my personal opinion, but you can check it in a Chinese History just order it at a local library.