The Internet has helped create a true global marketplace where consumers all over the world can search for products at affordable prices. This was practically impossible just a couple decades. Today, anyone with a reliable Internet connection can purchase items from sellers located in China and other developing countries. These markets typically have extremely competitive prices.

AliExpress emerged has turned into a top global marketplaces. It has a wide range of products at incredibly discounted prices. Before buying, though, you should learn a little more about the company. There are advantages to buying products from China. There are also some disadvantages. It’s up to you to make an informed decision that benefits your household.

About AliExpress.com

AliExpress.com is an ecommerce site owned and operated by Alibaba Group Holding Limited, a company that also owns Taobao. Taoboa is a consumer-to-consumer site similar to eBay. Alibaba Group and AliExpress are headquartered in Hangzhou, China.

Alibaba launched AliExpress.com in 2010 to give international consumers easier access to products sold by small Chinese companies. While based in China, the company ships products all over the world. It is the most popular ecommerce site in Russia.

AliExpress sells a wide range of products, including clothing, electronics, jewelry, toys, and sporting equipment.

The AliExpress website provides a way for Chinese businesses to reach international buyers. While the site facilitates purchases, it does not actually sell items. Each purchase is made between the buyer and the individual seller. This makes it similar to sites like Amazon and eBay that help independent companies sell their products.

AliExpress.com Prices

AliExpress does not control the prices of products on its sites. Individual sellers set their own prices. That said, it’s tough to beat prices on products sold by most companies based in China. Similar products would cost significantly more to manufacture and sell in North America or Europe. If price is your main concern, AliExpress.com will have deals that you can’t ignore.

Criticisms of AliExpress.com

The biggest criticism of AliExpress is that shipping can take a long time. This is true of practically all companies based in Asia. There simply isn’t much that AliExpress or its individual sellers can do to make shipping faster. In most cases, delays are caused by customs. This means that consumers in some countries will wait longer than consumers in other countries. Expect shipping to take at least two weeks. It may take longer if your country’s customs officials hold products for close inspections.

Some buyers complain that AliExpress sellers do not offer good customer support. Some sellers are certainly more reliable than others. It is important to read reviews before deciding to purchase items on AliExpress. The site has a lot of companies selling their items to international consumers. This can create misunderstandings. Reading reviews before buying should help you choose a reliable seller who understands your expectations.

AliExpress.com Customers Support

AliExpress customers should find answers to most of their questions on the website. The site has several user guides that address concerns related to ordering, payments, shipping, and refunds.

Customers who cannot find answers to their questions can contact company reps via live chat. Customer service is online 24 hours a day, seven days a week to meet the needs of international consumers.

Customers can also ask questions on the website’s forum. The forum creates a community of customers who can share information with each other. Asking questions on the forum is one of the best ways to get information about specific sellers. If you aren’t sure whether you will get reliable service from an AliExpress seller, the forum should have an answer for you.

Since AliExpress helps many companies sell their products, customers should send questions and complaints to the sellers first. In most cases, the individual seller is willing to reach an agreeable solution. If the seller does not address questions in a timely manner, customers should contact AliExpress to file a complaint and seek resolution.

Filing a dispute or refund request through AliExpress takes some effort. The company requires customers to submit videos showing that the items do not work properly. Customers must also submit videos if they received incorrect items. This is a slight inconvenience, but it is easy to understand why the company wants some proof. Selling in a global marketplace isn’t easy. The company has to limit fraudulent complaints.

Frequently Asked Questions About AliExpress.com

Q: How long does it take to ship to the United States?

A: Shipping from China will take about two weeks. It can take longer during busy times of the year, such as holidays.

Q: What types of consumer protection does AliExpress offer?

A: AliExpress offers a full refund if you do not receive your order of it you receive an incorrect item. You will have to provide proof that you deserve the refund, though.

Customers can return items they decide not to keep. You may have to pay shipping charges, though. This depends on the specific seller. Customers who receive counterfeit items can get refunds up to three times what they paid for the items. This puts pressure on sellers to provide accurate product descriptions.

A: Why are prices from AliExpress so low?

Q: China has a growing, robust economy with a lot of entrepreneurial activity. Many small businesses find that they can keep prices low because they do not have to pay high taxes or licensing fees. They may also source materials from low-cost suppliers inaccessible to companies in other countries.

Q: How do I know I’m buying from a reputable seller?

A: AliExpress has seller and product reviews that should help buyers learn more about their options.

Pros of Buying Items From AliExpress

• The site lets customers sort sellers by prices and reviews
• Low prices on popular consumer goods
• Reliable customer service available in a wide variety of languages
• Daily deals that make items even more affordable
• Free shipping
• Numerous payment options

Cons of Buying Items From AliExpress

• Depending on where you live, international shipping can take several weeks
• Differences in clothing sizes can make it difficult for international customers to know what they’re buying
• Off-brand electronics may not offer some expected features (always read product descriptions closely before buying)
• Some sellers are more reliable than others

Conclusion

AliExpress.com is a low-price marketplace that connects Chinese companies with consumers around the world. If you want to find reliable products at extremely low prices, you should consider using AliExpress. Understand, however, that it isn’t the right option for everyone.

Shipping times is a significant problem for anyone buying items from China. Even items shipped on the same day of your order may take weeks to arrive. The amount of time items take to reach you can depend on several factors, including how long customs holds the package and where your country is located. This is largely outside of AliExpress’s control. Other companies shipping items from China experience similar delays.

If you want to buy products at low prices, and you don’t mind waiting a couple weeks to receive your order, then AliExpress could meet your needs well. If you need products to arrive quickly, it’s best to buy from companies within your own country. When it comes to matching the prices from AliExpress, though, few companies can compete. Saving a large amount of money on your order could make the delay worth it, but it’s important to know that you will have to wait longer than usual for your order to arrive.