Many customers placing orders on AliExpress often have questions like: Why is AliExpress shipping so slow? Why haven’t I received my parcel after a 2-month delivery? Why is there no updated logistics tracking information? Why do sellers ask me to wait for more days after I open a dispute? These concerns lead to doubts about the safety and reliability of shopping on AliExpress.
In this post, we will objectively analyze the most frequently asked questions about AliExpress and provide practical tips to help you avoid common problems and ensure a happy shopping experience.
1. Is AliExpress Legit?
Yes, AliExpress is 100% legit. It’s operated by Alibaba Group, headquartered in China, allowing buyers and sellers to trade globally. Like eBay, it connects individual consumers with sellers, ensuring lawful business conduct through a set of rules and regulations.
2. Why Is AliExpress So Cheap?
The majority of sellers on AliExpress are based in China, where the cost of labor and raw materials is low. Additionally, AliExpress eliminates the middleman, connecting consumers directly with manufacturers, which significantly reduces prices. Economic shipping methods, although slower, also contribute to the lower costs.
3. Is It Safe to Buy from AliExpress?
AliExpress is a reliable online marketplace with hundreds of millions of visitors, including over 150 million active buyers. It offers buyer protection in three key areas:
- Privacy Protection: Safeguards your personal information, such as bank account details.
- Refunds for Non-delivery: If you don’t receive your package or there’s a significant delay, you can get a refund.
- Refunds for Misrepresented Items: If items aren’t as described, you’re eligible for a refund.
4. Why Do Some People Think AliExpress Is a Scam?
“Scam” is an exaggerated term. Issues in international trade, such as delivery delays and product problems, often lead to negative perceptions. Common complaints include long delivery times, outdated tracking information, receiving items that don’t meet expectations, and dissatisfaction with dispute resolutions.
5. What Are Common Shipping Methods for AliExpress Sellers?
AliExpress offers several shipping options:
- Economy Shipping: 20 to 60 days, cheapest but slowest.
- Saver Shipping: 30 to 50 days.
- Standard Shipping: 10 to 45 days.
- Premium Shipping: 5 to 10 days, most expensive but fastest.
6. Why Is the Delivery Time So Long?
Long delivery times are mainly due to economic shipping methods. Factors contributing to delays include unqualified parcels requiring extra checks, transfer flight delays, full aircraft logistics warehouses, low customs clearance efficiency, and the need to change customs checkpoints. Major holidays, shopping days, and events like COVID-19 also cause delays.
7. Why Is There No Tracking Info or Delayed Tracking Updates?
Economic shipping methods often lack detailed tracking information. The postal services involved in cross-border logistics are less efficient in updating tracking information compared to commercial couriers. The cooperation between different countries’ postal services adds to the delays and tracking issues.
8. What Should You Do If You Don’t Want to Wait So Long?
- Choose Sellers with Local Warehouses: This reduces shipping time significantly.
- Opt for Special Line Delivery: Special lines offer faster delivery than postal services and are cheaper than commercial couriers.
9. How to Select Reliable Sellers?
Look for detailed product descriptions and clear images, including usage videos. Avoid sellers asking for payment outside of AliExpress. Always pay directly on the AliExpress website using secure payment methods like credit cards or PayPal.
10. When to Open a Dispute and File a Claim?
You can open a dispute if:
- Order Not Received: Open a dispute after the agreed delivery time (usually 60-75 days).
- Unsatisfactory Products: Provide explicit evidence, like photos or videos, to negotiate partial or full refunds.
AliExpress will mediate disputes, but resolution times can vary. Always contact the seller first and try to resolve issues before opening a dispute.
Conclusion
Shopping on AliExpress is safe if you follow the right steps. Make sure to choose reliable sellers, opt for appropriate shipping methods, and understand the dispute process. By doing so, you can enjoy the benefits of low-cost shopping on AliExpress.
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