AliExpress is an online shopping center owned by the Alibaba Group. It was launched in 2010 in China and has extended to other locations, such as Singapore. It facilitates small businesses to sell to customers all over the world. AliExpress has drawn comparison to eBay, as sellers are independent and use the platform to offer products to buyers.
There is no doubt that Aliexpress offers you an exciting shopping experience wherever you are, but there are several things you need to know before you begin your shopping.
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- A Means of Payment: Since it is an online shopping, you cannot pay with cash but rather you would be required to pay with a debit card (Mastercard and Visa debit/credit cards). You can also make payment via Wire Transfer, Western Union, Web Money, and Maetro Debit card.
- Internet Access: You need an internet access to enable you access the website. You can use a secure cyber cafe, your android phone, tablet or computer.
- AliExpress Account: From the website, click on the Create an Account link on AliExpress to create your free account or signup to register.
- Receiving Address: Your order will be delivered to a physical address as stated by you or the nearest post office.
- Identify the product(s) you want to buy: You can use the search column to search the name of the product you want to buy and choose the type desired from the list available. If you have no idea what to buy, just visit AliExpress.com and browse through the product categories.
- Identify a Good Supplier: Identifying a good supplier can be difficult especially if you are a novice here. With AliExpress rating system, you can identify sellers with good reputation. A store with positive feedback score of 90% or more is a good place to start. Also, to read the experiences of other sellers/buyers, click on the feedback link on the product page.
- Check the Features and Specs: Be sure to go through the features of the product intending to order and make sure it is what you want. On the product page, you will see the specs, features, and photos of the product. You will also see the price and possible discounts as well as the shipping method and cost.
- Clear Issues: If there is any aspect of the product that is not clear to you, contact the seller for clarification. You may also make a request to the seller. If a seller only ships via post office, you may prefer speedy and more reliable services like EMS and DHL. To contact a supplier on AliExpress.com, just click on the Feedback tab on any product page of the supplier and then click on the Contact Now link on the left sidebar to leave a message. Communicate with the seller and confirm the features of the product. Never assume anything, if you are not sure of any details of a product, contact the seller to confirm.
- Order the Product: After you have cleared your doubts and confirmed the products you want to buy, place your order. If you have multiple products to buy, click on the Add to Cart button on the product page of each product. After adding all products to the cart, you can then click on the Buy Now button.
- Track your Order: Once the supplier ships the product, a tracking number will appear in the transaction area of your AliExpress account if your order is successful. With the tracking number you can track the progress of the order on the shipping company used to ship the goods eg. DHL, EMS, etc.
- Receive your Order: With the tracking feature you will know when the products get into your city. If you use services like DHL, EMS, or Fedex, the product will be delivered to your doorstep. If it is via post office, you will be notified by the post office through text message or call. To receive your order, you will be required to show a means of identification.
- Check the Quality of Product Delivered Before Confirming Product: AliExpress has a buyer protection system and hold on to your payment until you confirm delivery of the order. Only then will your payment be released to the seller. It is important you open the parcel and check if the delivered item is exactly what you ordered before confirming delivery. Because, if you confirm delivery before, it becomes more difficult getting your money back.
