This blog was created in 2022 to address the concerns of individuals making their first purchases on the platform, as at the time, few people were buying from China. We had already been using the site for several years (since its inception in 2010), and the most common question we received was, "Is it safe to buy from AliExpress?" Consequently, we wrote this opinion piece to explain that there was nothing to fear.
Surprisingly, even after many years, individuals have been visiting this post with the same uncertainty (Is it reliable?). As a result, we've decided to rewrite the entire article to explain why the platform has gradually become more secure and dependable. If the platform was safe 9 years ago, imagine how much safer it is now, having implemented countless improvements.
This site is part of Alibaba Group, a Chinese e-commerce giant. Although its primary market is China, it may not be as well-known as other big-name stores in your country. In actuality, Alibaba is a corporation so massive that it can only be compared to Amazon. Companies don't achieve this size by scamming users; instead, they do so by ensuring buyer satisfaction, cultivating repeat customers, and generating positive word of mouth.
In fact, user satisfaction is particularly crucial in the business model because it's not an ordinary store, but a "marketplace." It's a platform where we can buy directly from hundreds of thousands of Chinese manufacturers and vendors. This implies three things: Numerous intermediaries and commission agents are removed, resulting in significantly reduced prices.
The website serves as your "guardian" and only releases the funds to the vendor once you have approved what you have received.
Sellers really want to provide excellent service to earn positive reviews, as without them, no one wants to buy from them.
If you're familiar with the American analog, the platform model is similar. The primary differences are that site doesn't have its stock (the American analog does), and the costs are significantly reduced.
Numerous readers are hesitant to enter their credit card information on the platform, usually for two reasons:
Super Deals on AliexpressThe first is the concern that a hacker could access their data. But, it is highly unlikely that hackers could access sensitive information because companies of this caliber invest millions in cybersecurity protocols to protect it. The platform uses the most possible level of commercial protection, making it almost impossible for your data to be intercepted by a third party. Additionally, your credit card provider adds another layer of security.
The second concern is that once they've entered their card information, they might be taken charged unwanted fees. Don`t worry about this: when you got a phone case from a site merchant, they will never get to your secret details. Your information is securely stored on the platform side and will only be used when you decide to buy something else. Throughout the platform's existence, we've yet to encounter a single grievance about an unsolicited charge. Of course, if you still don`t trust, you can easily remove the card after the purchase is finished.
As mentioned earlier, the platform has an extensive buyer protection system. This implies that you’re authorized to receive a full reimbursement if you’re not entirely pleased with your purchase.
The most common cases include:
1. You don`t got your order;It arrives late;
2. The product does not match the merchant's description;It is defective;
3. It is not real.
4. It's crucial to emphasize that although buyer protection covers these situations, it doesn't mean they occur frequently. In most situations, merchants obtain their products in pristine condition and on time, but it's reassuring to know that the platform supports you in the remaining very small percent of cases.
To demand a reimbursement, you use the conflict resolution process: initiate a disagreement resolution process, provide proof, and if you’re correct, the platform reimburses your money. Because of this, the worst scenario - when buying on the site is encountering a problematic seller and having your time wasted.
Imagine ordering some special gift that doesn't arrive on time: even if you get spent money back, you might find yourself in a bind and with no time to search for another gift. That's why it's crucial to know how to found a good merchant, which we'll explain next.
When shopping on a platform, it's essential to examine two factors:
The first provides information about the seller's reliability: if they have a very big percentage of good ratings and many followers, you can trust that they won't send items late or in poor condition and that they'll do their best to resolve any issues.
A reliable seller typically looks like this:
Super Deals on AliexpressSeveral years of experience on the platform
The second factor to consider is the product rating. This is important because a seller might have a good reputation (timely shipping, etc.), but the product could be of not really good quality (a broken zip jacket, for example).
In general, we don't recommend purchasing products with ratings below 4.2 stars. We also advise against acquiring wares that are unrated; someone has to be the first to acquire them, but it's better if it's not you.
In the comments, many readers requested our opinions on specific aspects of the platform, so we'll tackle them individually.
5 stars (perfect)5 years ago, site shipping left much to be desired, with items taking so long to arrive that they'd catch buyers by surprise. Fortunately, shipping has significantly improved over the years, particularly due to 2 things:
Fast shipping around the planet.
For several years, the platform has operated local warehouses in multiple countries, reducing delivery times from 60 days to just 3 to 7 days. Additionally, the Alibaba group has made a concerted effort to expedite international shipments, with 10-day delivery now available in some countries.
Alibaba isn't stopping there, though, as they're working on a revolutionary concept: 72-hour international deliveries. Sending a package from China to America in just 3 days is an impressive feat, even for logistics experts.
Rating: 4 stars (notable)
Why do we only give a "notable" rating to a store with a catalog of millions of products? Because many users are still searching for replicas, which have been removed from the site for several years.
No, you won't find counterfeit products on the platform anymore, but there are many other opportunities to help you not worry about replicas.
5 stars (perfect)
There's no argument here: the platform offers unbeatable prices. Just compare the prices of Chinese-made products on Amazon, and you'll see they're often 2 or 3 times more expensive than on the platform. This is because many other sellers purchase items from sites and resell them at much bigger prices.
3 stars (pass)
We give a "pass" rating for warranties because they vary by seller and are not always easy to understand. Some sellers offer excellent warranty coverage, while others provide minimal support. It's essential to read the warranty information carefully before making a purchase.
In general, the platform offers a 15-day "no questions asked" return policy, which allows you to return a product for any reason within half a month of obtaining it. However, you'll often have to pay for return shipping, which can be expensive for international deliveries. Some sellers may offer extended warranties, but it's crucial to read the terms and conditions to understand what's covered.
Super Deals on AliexpressRating: 4 stars (notable)
Site customer support has improved significantly over the years. The company now provides a live chat feature, where you can communicate directly with a customer service representative in real time. This can be helpful in resolving disputes or getting assistance with a particular issue.
However, there can be some language barriers, as the customer service team is primarily based in China. Despite this, they generally make an effort to understand and resolve issues effectively. Remember, though, that it's always best to communicate with the seller first, as they are often motivated to resolve problems to maintain their reputation.
After years of experience and millions of purchases made by users around the world, it's safe to say that platform is a reliable and secure platform for online shopping. With buyer protection, a wide range of products, and excellent prices, it's an attractive option for consumers.
However, it's important to exercise caution when selecting sellers and products. By carefully evaluating seller ratings and product reviews, you can minimize the risk of encountering problems with your purchase.
Finally, the platform continues to evolve and improve its services, making it an even more appealing option for online shoppers. So, if you haven't tried this site yet, now is a great time to give it a shot!
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