Shopping in China is very popular, especially because of the range of products and also because of prices that are more than favorable. This trend is subject to more and more people, and for them we have designed this series to guide you through the world of shopping on Aliexpress.com.
What is Aliexpress.com
Aliexpress was launched by Alibaba Group in 2010 as a platform for Chinese companies to sell to foreigners. Basically, Aliexpress is online marketplace that brings together thousands of merchants selling a variety of products “under one roof”. This is comparable to the commercial center, which has various shops offering a diverse range of products.
Shopping
Buying on Aliexpress is the same as on any domestic e-shop. Selected products are put in a shopping basket and than paid. After submitting order you will get e-mail about the acceptance of payment. And another email will inform you that your goods has been sent to you with all tracking information.
Payment
Payment is by various types of credit cards or bank tranfers, other options practically do not exist. You can pay using Visa, MasterCard, Western Union, Qiwi and bank transfer. Two years ago, Aliexpress was using paypal, but they have cancelled this option of payment. More payment options will be available on AliExpress in the future. Once your payment has been approved, your money will be held securely in an AliExpress Escrow account. Payment will only be released to the supplier, if you confirm goods delivery.
Transport
You can choose the type of transport for each item in your shopping basket. In most cases there is Free Shipping, but you can also choose to pay the transport of various courier services (DHL, EMS, Fedex IE, …). However, the amount for this type of transportation is usually several times higher, than the price of the goods themselves. If you choose Free Shipping package will be delivered by China Post Air Mail.
Delivery time
For free shipping is Delivery Time within 2-6 weeks. If you are lucky, you can have your order at home in 10 days. In rare cases, it takes 2 months. These are really exceptions. About 90% of orders are delivered in 3 weeks.
Package tracking
After the supplier ships your order you will get Tracking Number. By this number you can track your order on shipping company’s website. You can star tracking your order in 48-72 hours from your final payment. Till that time there is no information from shipping company about your package. Very popular web for tracking orders is website www.17track.net.
Buyer protection
Many people feel distrust of Chinese traders. But Aliexpress provides buyer protection. Each customer is protected from untrusted sellers. After you place your order the purchase protection will start. You can extended this time for purchase protection. Seller will gets the money only if you confirm, that you gets the order. You are protected when:
- the item you ordered did not arrive within the time promised by the seller in product details
- the item you received was not as described
- the item you received that was assured to be genuine was fake.
If something of this happens, your will Open Dispute and ask for money refund. They will come to you bank account.
Taxes and import duty
For goods coming from third countries are obliged to pay taxes or import duty. But NOT for all orders you have to pay taxes or import duty. Everything depends on state or province. All the taxes and duties will be collected by the shipping company after the delivery. Seller is not responsible for another costs of your delivery.
This is a brief description how Aliexpress works. Please read all other articles about shopping on Aliexpress. Each topic will have individual article in deep details, just to make your shopping easier.
