Ali Express

[markharry66]

Just wondering if anyone here uses Ali Express, its like the pound land of internet shopping, just recently purchased so self heating massage socks seem to be warm not sure if they are any warmer than normal socks. Some of the products are a bit strange to say the least, have found cycling gloves not posting a link dont want to get accused for affiliate marketing.

 

[PaulSB]

I won't use Aliexpress or Temu for several reasons. The main one being the prices are so low a workforce somewhere is being exploited. Then at these prices quality, returns possibilities, security, sustainability etc. all have to be questionable.

There's always a reason for things being cheap.

 

[welsh dragon]

I use Allie Express for certain things like crafting supplies. I am not a fan of Temu. 1. you have to spend £15 minimum and 2. They keep pestering you once you buy something.

And most things you buy nowadays come from China and then have a huge mark up added to them by shops and stores so I would rather buy from the source rather than a rip off store IMHO.

 

[Drago]

Used Alexpress once for an alu oil filter adaptor for my smart car thatmI simply could find anywhere else.

Beyond that I'm with PaulSB on that one.

 

[wiggydiggy]

No. The one time I tried AliExpress (not my bank) refunded my order because of 'fraud' and they refused to answer queries as to why so I haven't bothered trying again since. I'm happier paying higher prices elsewhere for better customer service.

 

[rogerzilla]

I've used it two or three times for stuff that was unobtainium elsewhere, e.g. 20 hole Kinlin 349mm rims and a battery terminal cover for a Suzuki car. Took a long time to arrive but there were no problems.

 

[FrankCrank]

I've used Ali quite a lot these past few years, all with no issues, other than sometimes long delivery time.
The low prices were mentioned as if this was a negative thing.
I would turn that around and say if you're happy paying inflated prices when it gets to your own local stores, then so be it.
China is the world's factory - doubt that will change any time soon.

 

[markemark]

I won't use Aliexpress or Temu for several reasons. The main one being the prices are so low a workforce somewhere is being exploited. Then at these prices quality, returns possibilities, security, sustainability etc. all have to be questionable.

There's always a reason for things being cheap.

Ali Express tends to be direct from manufacturers or supplies in the far east. If you buy in the UK, there's a good chance all you're doing is paying the middle man who buys in bulk from the likes of Ali Express or from the same manufacturer. This may mean you'll get better contact and returns polices but on a moral ground, it's all the same. In addition, I've bought a few items over the years and found the customer service as good as buying from the UK although sometimes the translators they can use is a bit quirky but the sentiment has been fine.

 

[Sixmile]

Self heating massage socks though, surely they are foot heated? How does the foot massage feel?

The wee website guy in China must be wetting himself. "Guys, guys, wait till you see the product claim for these things..."

 

[slowmotion]

I use AliExpress for electronic and engineers' stuff. Their descriptions have to be checked because often they are contradictory. They are usually the same products that get sold for far more by suppliers here in the UK.......

........or a reasonably good copy.

 

[derrick]

I won't use Aliexpress or Temu for several reasons. The main one being the prices are so low a workforce somewhere is being exploited. Then at these prices quality, returns possibilities, security, sustainability etc. all have to be questionable.

There's always a reason for things being cheap.

Most things come from China or that region, british companies buy from them, they add a big mark up on them, then you buy from the british company, so it's ok to make the rich richer.
I use aliexpress a lot , never had a problem, not a lover of temu though.

 

[wonderloaf]

I use Aliexpress all the time, never had a problem with them and on the couple of occasions an item hasn't turned up I've raised a dispute and have been refunded very quickly. One downside though are the potentially long delivery times, although just recently even that seems to have improved as the last few items I bought only took a week or so to arrive.

 

[sevenfourate]

I use Aliexpress all the time, never had a problem with them and on the couple of occasions an item hasn't turned up I've raised a dispute and have been refunded very quickly. One downside though are the potentially long delivery times, although just recently even that seems to have improved as the last few items I bought only took a week or so to arrive.

Ditto. Only positive vibes here.

Not only are some items ‘cheap’. Some are impossible to find in small quantities, almost unobtainable or just plain unique to AE (Seemingly).

It’s not all about the price per-se……

 

[EltonFrog]

Chap who rebuilt this Brompton used AliExpress bolts . Whilst out on a group ride the bike literally collapsed in front of me.

 

[sevenfourate]

Chap who rebuilt this Brompton used AliExpress bolts . Whilst out on a group ride the bike literally collapsed in front of me.
View attachment 751052

Cheap Chinesium bolts in a high load area ? Not his smartest move…..🙄