AliExpress…worth the savings?

[Kevin BeallParticipant @kevinbeall91525]

I’ve never used AliExpress as I normally just order from the UK, but after my recent issues with a UK retailer who is saying items are in stock when they are plainly not I’m a little tempted to cut out the middle man. I don’t mind supporting a local retailer but someone who is just using “drop shipping” methods is not in my eyes a local retailer.

Is AliExpress worth the risk? I know I have to add 20% VAT on the prices, but is that it? Item is just under £50.

 

Thanks in advance.

[Richard SimpsonParticipant @richardsimpson88330]

Never used them and tend to avoid because it is an unknown.  I totally agree as regards UK vendors who do not maintain accurate stock levels on line.  They push us towards ordering on line because it is easier for them but then we get an e-mail to inform us that something is out of stock after we have gone through the performance of ordering it.

I tend to stick with known, tried and tested, vendors as much as possible but there is always going to be that one occasion when you can’t get what you need. I also still prefer to visit an actual trade outlet whenever possible but they are becoming quite a rare thing nowadays.

I have heard of people getting caught out with import duties as well with such vendors as AliExpress, as I did with Shapeways, so another thing to be aware of.  I bought an item from Shapeways that was designed by a British designer but I hadn’t realised that it was printed in Holland.  Consequently I ended up paying import duty as well.

[Fred Ellis 1Participant @fredellis1]

I have used AliExpress, as has been said you could have to pay import and VAT when it come into the U.K, but as most of the items I have ordered are under £5.00 I have been luckey.

Fred

[David Marks 2Participant @davidmarks2]

I make use of AliExpress a great deal for items such as servos, motors etc. Much of what we purchase in the UK originates from a manufacturer in China, particularly anything electronic. You obviously have to check on the cost of an item from a UK supplier and compare that with AliExpress. Go through the full purchasing process with AliExpress including the postage and taxes and if you feel that any saving is not worthwhile, duck-out before pressing the Confirm button. The average delivery time from China is 10 days and not three weeks as some will tell you and on the one occasion something (a computer fan) arrived damaged, I was offered a replacement or a full refund.

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

Kev. Ask 10 people and get 10answers on this I reckon.

Is it any different to using Temu or one of the other Chinese sites? I think odds are in your favour for a decent outcome unless they invade Tiawan.

Ashley

[Richard SimpsonParticipant @richardsimpson88330]

Perfect example today.  I received some stanchions and some brass wire from a UK based model materials supplier, via Ebay.

The wire was described as being in 1M lengths in the order but right down at the bottom of the description, which was for multiple items so I didn’t notice it, was the fact that the wire would be coiled.  Why don’t these suppliers realise that coiled wire or copper pipe is useless to the majority of half decent modellers!

On top of that they didn’t have enough wire for the complete order and they didn’t have enough stanchions so both are on back order.  Yet, if you go to the order page now on Ebay, both items are still listed as available!!!

[harry smith 1Participant @harrysmith1]

Hi All

I have been using Aliexpress with no problems.

Updates on your order by the dozens.

I love my little 63mm mini bench saw, great for cutting planks for boats,etc.

Planked a whole 41″ LS Dolly steam launch in Ikea 3mm wooden blind cut into 5mm strips.

A lot cheaper and stronger than balsa.

Also cut plastic at a slower speed with no problems.

As for brushless motors I get the Surpass ones and ESCs with the program card.

The brush motors 540 80 turn ones (5500 rpm @ 7.2  volts(no load)) with Quicrun 60Amp ESCs.

Great for fishing boats with up  to 60mm 3 blade props.

Small stainless screw eyelets, D rubber for a Solent 4 foot Lifeboat as I did not find a place in Australia for these !!!

I have dropped Hobbyking and Banggood.

Happy Aliexpress Customer.

Harry

 

[Author]

Posts