How do you like Aliexpress?

i use it for some things, but one small bit of advice ... understand that most vendors dont speak english so actual communication on a problem will likely be non existent and also, the biggie, they consider lost or damaged packages to be youre problem once it leaves their port, so ... i only order things i will be ok with if its a loss .. 25$ on targets etc sure, 500$ on a otherwise excellent price on something, mmm probably not a good idea ...
 
Deliveries from aliexpress can take a couple of weeks (as expected) but I've bought stuff from various vendors there with no problems.

No complaints about quality, in fact I'd say that I was pleasantly surprised.

I bought a bunch of scope levels to outfit all my PCPs. They were 1/10 the price of what was available locally so I figured that I'd could buy a couple of extra ones, cull any that were bad and still be ahead price wise. Turned out that all were good, no blemishes, nicely finished, they fit well and were supplied with quality hardware.

I've bought fly tying materials as well. The products were as advertised, quality was good and the price was worth the wait.

Guess the experience is dependent on the vendor you buy from, just like anywhere else.

Cheers!
 
i use it for some things, but one small bit of advice ... understand that most vendors dont speak english so actual communication on a problem will likely be non existent and also, the biggie, they consider lost or damaged packages to be youre problem once it leaves their port, so ... i only order things i will be ok with if its a loss .. 25$ on targets etc sure, 500$ on a otherwise excellent price on something, mmm probably not a good idea ...
Absolutely not my experience, AliExpress, while slow, has always covered any lost or damaged package. Returns can be an issue, even if you have a receipt if the package gets *lost* in the USPS system you are hosed.

Then there is the occasional *fun* of seeing what has to be a scam, buying it just to see what is the scam and getting a refund from AliExpress. Best on ever, 3D printer, they sent a butt plug. We'll played, scammers.
 
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Their prices on CF tanks can’t be beat.
Yes, they can, the parent company, Alibaba, has better pricing. But you have to work for it and watch the shipping costs and minimum order quantity (MOQ). I generally stick to buying direct from Acecare, Alsafe or Tuxing.

However, when sales on AliExpress happen, like starting tomorrow, with coupons and coins then the best deal can shift to AliExpress.

I have a couple of my crazy idea projects running and I'll need some limited length Alsafe .48L bottles, $169 on AliExpress vs $108 + $23 shipping on Alibaba. I'm waiting until tomorrow to buy, need to see if the discounts add up on AliExpress.

Scopes too.
 
Some of the lower priced items on Ali are knock-offs. Prime example for PCP world are the Huben Power Cricket regulators. None on Ali are the real deal.

I bought 2 scopes 6-24x60 that when they arrived I found they were marked Leupold. Let's just say they were not quite up to Leupold level of quality.

View attachment 547586
Another one i love is the name change game. They change 1 letter or add 1 letter to the product name.
 
I’ve been buying off AliExpress for 5 years:

Camera tripods, arca clamps, lighting modifiers. Youngnuo flashes.

Watches and a beautiful watch box

High Pressure stuff for PCP, carbon bottles, adapters, fillsets, gauges

Tools: allen head, torx, dremmel attachments - felt pads and sandpaper from 150 to 7000 grit

Vector scope rings - the adjustable are an insane value and vector scope bubble levels.

Precision laboratory lift tables for by rear benchrest rest.

Tons of rifle gauges, hammer springs, spring guides, washers, o-Rings - everything for PCP air gun maintainance.

AliExpress is the BEST source I have found (NOTHING else is CLOSE) for things like a “need a 18mm diameter delrin washer with a 10mm diameter raised center to use as a spring guide & top hat for my Daystate Wolverine hammer spring “

I’ve even bought socks on AliExpress - they were excellent, lol.

I use the iPhone App. I read their descriptions. I buy usually from AliExpress “stores”.

I cannot recall being disappointed. The stuff usually exceeds my expectations- usually by quite a bit.

I’ve received great customer service from AliExpress.

Their tracking system has improved massively in the past six months, I get excellent tracking information on everything now - even a $1 order.

I help them - I always confirm delivery in the app so they can close the order. I collect their daily coins which gives me a discount on most orders.

I have not been out money on likely over one hundred orders.

Tip: The app shows a picture and price for the main item. There are usually multiple variations/versions - they are all listed with little pictures that you click on.

The price varies based on the version of the product you pick. Pay attention and put the correct version of what you want in the shopping cart. There is also a detailed description if you click on the “description” link - with specifications, measurements and larger pictures.

Learn to use the app and pay attention and you will not be disappointed.

Highly recommended for items as I discussed above.
 
I was/am very surprised also pleased lately.
Earlier years if the aliexpress seller indicated that is a free shipping on items, that would mean a container is coming in highs sees and usually need about a month to deliver to my door.
Lately I started receiving my orders within a week and no difference if that was a free shipping or some extra minor cost.
I am not aware of any warehouses in Canada, that must be an airmail between "A to B", maybe something similar setup as amazon has their own fleet ??
 
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Well guys that is some great information.I just read a bunch of reviews about them,and many of you stated the same things.
It can be great, but be aware of the sellers; make sure the seller has many good reviews. Also, beware of letter changes,like knockoffs. Aliexpress has many good sellers and some scammers; protect yourself by doing some investigating.It is like eBay, but it is in China,plus you are not bidding. It has many ways to help protect the buyer, but still, be careful, and you should be fine.
The bottom line for me then is that the product better be a lot cheaper from a good seller.(y)
 
Some of the lower priced items on Ali are knock-offs. Prime example for PCP world are the Huben Power Cricket regulators. None on Ali are the real deal.

I bought 2 scopes 6-24x60 that when they arrived I found they were marked Leupold. Let's just say they were not quite up to Leupold level of quality.

View attachment 547586
I bought 2 fake Leupold scopes 6-24x50 too.
For about $40 each I have no complaints.
 
I bought 2 fake Leupold scopes 6-24x50 too.
For about $40 each I have no complaints.
Yep, have no issue with them. Sent one North to my nephew, he loves it. So that means I had 3, I still have 2. Seem to remember paying 45 or so. Still available but are $65 now. Do like that wide field of view. Not too heavy for a big scope, under 2lbs with rings.
 
I was/am very surprised also pleased lately.
Earlier years if the aliexpress seller indicated that is a free shipping on items, that would mean a container is coming in highs sees and usually need about a month to deliver to my door.
Lately I started receiving my orders within a week and no difference if that was a free shipping or some extra minor cost.
I am not aware of any warehouses in Canada, that must be an airmail between "A to B", maybe something similar setup as amazon has their own fleet ??
Yes, several of the tracking updates have to do with airports and airplanes. They arrive, get sent to the Line Haul (sorting center) and get dispersed to the local delivery companies.

Some still use China Post/USPS. Had some scope rings recently take 5 weeks. Spent at least 2 weeks in Hong Kong.
 
Well guys that is some great information.I just read a bunch of reviews about them,and many of you stated the same things.
It can be great, but be aware of the sellers; make sure the seller has many good reviews. Also, beware of letter changes,like knockoffs. Aliexpress has many good sellers and some scammers; protect yourself by doing some investigating.It is like eBay, but it is in China,plus you are not bidding. It has many ways to help protect the buyer, but still, be careful, and you should be fine.
The bottom line for me then is that the product better be a lot cheaper from a good seller.(y)
But don't be too conservative, check the return policy, if it is good then go ahead and pull the trigger. Your money is protected.

Also, collect those coins and wait for the big sales with the big coupons to buy bigger ticket items. Like starting tomorrow 🤩

Got some CF bottles in the cart, waiting to see if the price will be lower than Alibaba.

Need it sooner, see if it is available in local warehouse. Usually a bit more because shipping and warehouse costs.

If you need it even sooner, well, you are hosed and stuck with Amazon.
 
I must admit I bought the parts I need to put 3 PIDs together on 3 separate occasions and all went smooth each time. I still run those units today.
I've been buying a lot of smallish parts for a couple zany plenum ideas. No where else to buy the various adapters. People always recommend McMaster but their selection is small and WAY overpriced.
 
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I've been buying a lot of smallish parts for a couple zany plenum ideas. No where else to buy the various adapters. People always recommend McMaster but their selection is small and WAY overpriced.
I have bought plenty of thread adapters from Aliexpress.
I have 10-20 moderator adapters 1/2-20 to 1/2-28 and 1/2-28 to 1/2-20.

I wish I could find a reasonably priced adapter for the Umarex Zelos air bottle.
I will not pay $50 for the ebay one.