Pros and Cons of AliExpress: My Personal Experience

If you're reading this, you're probably hesitating to order from AliExpress. You're wondering if the very low prices hide unpleasant surprises, or if the pros really outweigh the cons.

You're not alone. I've been buying from this platform for over 10 years — tools, electronic gadgets, spare parts, clothes… you name it.

In this article, I share my detailed experience, my tips, and also my concerns. The goal? To help you weigh the pros and cons of AliExpress so you can make an informed decision.

The Pros: What AliExpress Does Really Well

1 – Unbeatable Prices (Seriously)

The most obvious advantage is price. AliExpress often offers products 70% cheaper than local stores. Why? Because you're buying directly from Chinese manufacturers or wholesalers, with no middlemen.

Real-life example: I got a replacement remote control for my Samsung TV for €2.50 on AliExpress. In-store, it was €29.90.

These low prices also let you try new things without much risk — a tool, a bike accessory, a tech gadget… for just a few euros.

2 – A Huge Selection

Simply put: you can find everything on AliExpress. RC parts, Arduino modules, custom pens, afro wigs, modular storage boxes, tech clothing, rare batteries… It’s a true treasure trove.

But you need to know how to search (and how to spot good sellers — more on that below).

3 – Free or Very Cheap Shipping

Many items come with free shipping, even for small orders. AliExpress also partners with shipping services like Colissimo, Colis Privé, and La Poste for delivery in France.

Some orders (especially “Choice” products) arrive in 6 to 8 days, with full tracking. That’s a huge improvement from the multi-week waits of the past.

4 – Fairly Flexible Return and Refund Policies

AliExpress has improved its guarantees. You can:

• Request a refund if your parcel is marked “lost in transit.”
• Get $1 compensation if a “fast delivery” item arrives late.
• Take advantage of free returns on some items, up to 90 days after delivery (it’s mentioned in the product page).

In most cases, you keep the product even if you're refunded for delays or non-compliance.

5 – Secure Payment and Data Protection

The site accepts major cards, PayPal, Google Pay, Apple Pay, etc. Payments are secured with certificates like Visa Secure, Mastercard ID Check, SafeKey…

On the privacy side, your personal data isn’t shared without your consent — or so the platform promises.

The Cons: What to Watch Out for (or Accept)

1 – Sometimes Long Shipping Times

Even though many items arrive quickly, some still take 3 to 4 weeks, or longer. And to request a refund, you often have to wait 30 days after shipping.

Tip: if it’s for a birthday in 5 days, this isn’t your best option.

2 – Quality Varies by Seller

AliExpress is a marketplace, not a single store. Some sellers are great, others much less so.

What I do before every order:

• Read customer reviews with photos.
• Check the number of orders.
• Look at the seller’s positive rating percentage (above 95% is good).

I recommend my dedicated article on this: How to Find the Best Sellers on AliExpress?

3 – Customer Service Isn’t Always Human

Support starts with an automated FAQ. You have to insist to get a real response. Once you do, the service is usually polite but has limited flexibility.

Example: I had to follow up 3 times for a seller to agree to a refund when an item arrived broken. Eventually, I got a full refund without return.

4 – Invoicing Isn’t Always Easy (Especially for Businesses)

For individuals, the provided documents are often receipts, not formal invoices. For business users, there’s AliExpress Business, but seller availability is more limited.

5 – Returns: Watch the Conditions

Free returns are great… but only for products that qualify (clearly stated on the product page). Otherwise, return shipping is your responsibility, which isn’t worth it for a €4 item.

Verdict: AliExpress Is a Great Option If You're Informed

AliExpress isn’t perfect, but it’s still an excellent tool for:

• saving money,
• finding unique items,
• trying things without breaking the bank.

But it requires some research, patience, and caution. If you're okay with that, you can grab great deals. If not, it's better to stick to simpler (but pricier) local platforms.

My Personal Advice

Start with a small order. Observe the product quality, shipping time, and seller responsiveness. Keep track of your order and enable email alerts. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll shop with confidence — just like I do now.