6 myths about AliExpress that keep us from saving

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Many people think that only useless junk can be bought on AliExpress, but it is not suitable for serious purchases. We explain why this is not the case.

1. Only all kinds of nonsense are sold on AliExpress

Millions of products from Chinese manufacturers are collected on AliExpress. Some things seem strange and useless to us, but this does not make AliExpress any worse: here you can still buy clothes, shoes, electronics and gadgets at low prices. We are skeptical about these products because no one advertises them and they cost little. But the trick of AliExpress is precisely this: Chinese manufacturers save on marketing in order to sell goods with little or no extra charge.

Turndown collar sleeve dress

Cashmere scarf

Cat-eye glasses

Long jacket

Genuine leather boots

Sneakers

Waterproof laptop backpack

It is difficult for us to accept this, because we evaluate the goods not only by the appearance of the thing itself, but also by cost, packaging and commercials. In economics, there is even a description of this feature - the Veblen effect. According to him, people tend to buy goods at a higher price in order to emphasize their social status. But is it worth it to prove to others that you have money if you can save it and spend it on vacation?

2. Chinese things are not of good quality

There is a stereotype that Chinese goods cannot be trusted: they are short-lived and of poor quality. At the same time, our stores are packed with Chinese things, Chinese gadgets are sold in communication salons, and Chinese cars in car dealerships. Everyone uses them, but many do not even suspect that all this is made in China.

Apple, Sony, Microsoft, Dell, Nike, Adidas and other world-famous companies manufacture their goods partially or completely in China. And over the past 10 years, reliable brands have appeared there: Xiaomi, Huawei, Meizu, DJI and others.

Xiaomi Mi Max 3

GameSir G5 Bluetooth Gamepad

Anker Magnetic Smartphone Holder

MINIX Neo Multiport Adapter for MacBook

Robot vacuum cleaner ILIFE A40

Mavic Pro quadcopter with 4K camera

The selection contains goods from Chinese manufacturers, but no one will say that they are of poor quality

3. It is difficult to find a suitable product and choose a size on AliExpress

The translation of the product descriptions on AliExpress is really strange, so you can enter queries in English or use the search by photos in the search box.

To order the size you want, take your measurements: there is usually a table on the product page describing which size corresponds to a certain volume of hips, waist and chest. Read the reviews of other buyers: they share their impressions and tell whether the product suits them or not.

4. Items from AliExpress cannot be returned

You can return things, but it doesn't always make sense: the cost of delivery is higher than the cost of the thing itself. Nevertheless, in the description of the goods there are notes: delivery guarantee and return guarantee. Not all sellers have these guarantees, so choose those who indicate both of them on the product page.

The delivery guarantee promises that the goods will arrive at your place on time. If the parcel takes longer, the money will be returned to you. The return guarantee is your protection in case the item turns out to be defective or does not correspond to the description. With it, you can send the parcel back and return the money, or keep things for yourself and get compensation.

5. You cannot buy expensive things on AliExpress, because there are a lot of defects and fakes

Selling defects and fakes is not profitable for the sellers themselves: their rating on the site depends on reviews and ratings of buyers. The more enthusiastic posts, the higher they are in search results. The number of orders and the income of the store depend on this.

It so happens that the item you ordered does not match the description or breaks down during delivery. In this case, you can open a dispute. More often than not, sellers will immediately return the money to maintain their ranking on the site.

Additional protection when buying expensive items is the consumer protection law. It operates on Tmall, the Russian platform of AliExpress.

Apple iPad 128GB

Trimmer Philips OneBlade

Vertical steamer Philips GC516 / 20

Boots ADIDAS RACER BOOT

Stroller-cane Happy Baby CINDY

6. AliExpress has raised prices a lot lately

AliExpress does not control the prices of the assortment: it is a platform for sellers who post their products on the site. They indicate prices in dollars, and due to fluctuations in the exchange rate, the value of things in rubles changes all the time.

Nevertheless, the cost of goods on AliExpress is still lower than in other online and offline stores, and delivery has become faster thanks to the new route of the Russian Post. New promotions and tools for saving appear on the site all the time: coupons, sections "With friends cheaper", "Brand focus" and "Discount of the day". We've written a whole guide on how to shop even cheaper on AliExpress.

For example, if you buy in a mobile application with someone, then the prices for goods will be lower - for this there is a section "Discounts for two". There are two prices for all things. The smaller one is for buying with a friend.

On AliExpress, you can find interesting gizmos for 300 rubles, and high-quality goods at a higher price - for example, gadgets and clothes. When ordering goods from China, you can afford good things at reasonable prices.