|
Post by pas2 on Sept 6, 2017 12:48:51 GMT
Since we are enabling shopping at Aliexpress i thought we should post advice for shopping on that site all in one place. If you have a tip please post it.
My tips are:
When trying to choose which seller to purchase a die from don't just compare prices and if there is shipping. Make sure you check that the sizes are the same and that sets include the exact same pieces. Found sets of the double stitch dies where some had 8 dies and others only 5 or 6 dies.
Keep a metric ruler handy when reading descriptions.
Watch youtube videos of Aliexpress hauls. They often show examples of the stamp or die results. Helps you get a better idea of the dies size. I like the videos that lay the diecut on an A2 card for reference.
Look at the photos reviewers post, they can also be helpful.
Use Ebates for additional money back, I've gotten 3% to 4% back.
|
|
nicolep
Drama Llama
Posts: 7,080
Member is Online
Jan 26, 2016 16:10:43 GMT
|
Post by nicolep on Sept 6, 2017 14:21:29 GMT
This is great info! My cart is full but have yet to take the plunge lol.
|
|
leeny
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,636
Location: Northern California
Site Supporter
Jun 27, 2014 1:55:53 GMT
|
Post by leeny on Sept 7, 2017 1:14:00 GMT
Just placed my second order! I would say:
-plan on receiving an email from each seller for the purchase, then for the shipping -have patience, some items came quick (2 weeks) others a bit slower (4 weeks for the last item from my first order) -have a system to manage what you have received and not received if you order a lot. I have a separate email folder for Aliexpress. I delete the email once the item is received and I am satisfied. Then I can see what is left.
|
|
FurryP
Drama Llama
To pea or not to pea...
Posts: 6,975
Site Supporter
Jun 26, 2014 19:58:26 GMT
|
Post by FurryP on Sept 7, 2017 5:25:43 GMT
I afraid to order from there because of the pea that posted about her troubles with her order because she had to fax them her ID and something else. And then others chiming in that eventually everyone will have to.
Um...NO!
|
|
|
Post by moraie on Sept 7, 2017 6:04:46 GMT
I afraid to order from there because of the pea that posted about her troubles with her order because she had to fax them her ID and something else. And then others chiming in that eventually everyone will have to. Um...NO! That was me. I contacted them and told them I wouldn't send that info. Another pea here said they sent their info with literally everything blacked out, so I tried it and they took it. They were fine with a copy of my license that ONLY showed my name and address (which they had anyway)--I blacked out my height, weight, license number, birthdate, signature, etc. They were fine with an online copy of my bank transaction that showed no account number, just the date, time and amount of transaction with the bank header. I still think you buy at your own risk because you have minimal buyer protection. I got 3 packages today, one was correct. I ordered 2 halloween dies, they were awesome. I ordered a fake mft set and a die, the mft set is the Polynesian hula girl...and none of the animal eyeballs will stamp on the whole sheet and the girl has a bubble in her head that leaves her faceless. The last one was supposed to be 2 dies...they sent one. I also got a stamp a few weeks ago that was the wrong stamp, but ALL the info is in Chinese except my name/addy. I contacted Ali support, sent them photos, and they still can't figure out who sent it to me, so I'm just waiting it out until I don't get something I wanted, and it's all I can do. I do have to say I like the way Ali will re-start the time to complete the purchase if a replacement is sent, and the sellers have been nicer and more communicative than ebay sellers, but I can't say I feel more secure. So my advice is don't spend more than you're willing to just flat-out lose, and hope for the best, but be prepared to spend time following up. Also, test all your items immediately. My hula sheet animal stamps have eyeballs, so I never would have known they won't stamp if I didn't check them.
|
|
|
Post by pas2 on Sept 7, 2017 9:23:11 GMT
My experience is that i have had great luck with my many die purchases, I've only had one wrong order and all dies cut very well. The same goes for embossing folder although some tend to be thicker than what I'm used to. Clear stamps is always a gamble. I have bought over a dozen and two were defective. They were so cheap I didn't bother to contact seller since I'm able to use most of the set. I do have stores that i favor because of reliability.
|
|
|
Post by pas2 on Sept 7, 2017 9:30:11 GMT
Just placed my second order! I would say: -plan on receiving an email from each seller for the purchase, then for the shipping -have patience, some items came quick (2 weeks) others a bit slower (4 weeks for the last item from my first order) -have a system to manage what you have received and not received if you order a lot. I have a separate email folder for Aliexpress. I delete the email once the item is received and I am satisfied. Then I can see what is left. I screen print my orders, clip them together by date ordered and keep on my desk. As they are received and tested (always same day). I mark my sheet by each picture then go on Aliexpress and mark received. I like having a physical copy. i also have an email account that I only use for online shopping. They do flood you with emails.
|
|
|
Post by scrapaddict702 on Sept 7, 2017 15:27:30 GMT
I would order several from one place and wait a week and order elsewhere if you have carts from several stores. Easier to tell who sent it because: 1. You're not expecting a bunch of things all at once, staggered arrival can help keep things separated a bit 2. Multiple items makes it easier to tell who you ordered from if something isn't correct (if it is just 1 die and it is wrong but you ordered 1 thing from 10 shops, it won't be easy to figure out who sent the wrong thing) 3. Multiple items also tend to have a faster shipping method and will often arrive much quicker than an order with just a few items.
|
|
|
Post by streetscrapper on Sept 7, 2017 21:03:42 GMT
My biggest tip would be to check the size of what you're buying! I just received a set of Mama Elephant knock off dies yesterday that were much smaller than I was expecting. I checked the size today on the website and it was totally my mistake because all of the information was right there but I didn't look closely enough to pick it up. Now I did pay less than $4 for the set, and I'm sure I'll use them but if I had been more careful I could have ordered the larger set right from the start and been happy with the order! C'est la vie... no big deal... just paid another $5 for what would have cost over $35 so it's still a win/win situation.
As for keeping track of my orders, I use the app and it shows me everything all in one spot: what I've ordered, how long the buyer protection is in place, when I receive the order and confirm receipt. If the app didn't keep track of this for me, I'd be lost!
|
|
|
Post by scrappersue on Sept 7, 2017 22:38:48 GMT
I have never had any issues with AliExpress. It takes a while, but when you finally get it it's like a surprise I tend to put a bunch of stuff in my cart and then look at which vendor I have them most stuff from and then go to their site and add more. I usually just buy from one vendor at a time. I have never had them make me send anything extra I just use my Visa. Some take Pay Pal now, but there is a charge for using it - I think the last one wanted .80.
|
|
leeny
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,636
Location: Northern California
Site Supporter
Jun 27, 2014 1:55:53 GMT
|
Post by leeny on Sept 7, 2017 22:46:47 GMT
I afraid to order from there because of the pea that posted about her troubles with her order because she had to fax them her ID and something else. And then others chiming in that eventually everyone will have to. Um...NO! I would not use that seller anyway. I'd look for another. I see no reason to do this and have not been asked so far to do it.
|
|
nicolep
Drama Llama
Posts: 7,080
Member is Online
Jan 26, 2016 16:10:43 GMT
|
Post by nicolep on Sept 7, 2017 23:10:46 GMT
Is there a way to know which sellers accept PayPal?
|
|
|
Post by moraie on Sept 8, 2017 4:24:04 GMT
streetscrapper Would you link the BIG set you rebought? That was the one I was supposed to get and didn't, so I'm going to have to reorder. I'm not sure I want to go with the same seller, since they can't count to 2. leeny It wasn't the store that required it, it's Ali as the "host" or whatever you want to call them. Since they're the payment processor, they require the verification, it's some kind of Chinese law thing, which is why eventually everyone has to do it. I was really upset over it when they asked, but since ultimately it was only address verification (they never got any new info from me), I didn't mind so much. They aren't clear that they'll take the stripped down ID, though. They ask for ALL of it, and no one in their right mind would send all that! nicolep From what I can tell, you can't search by payment processor, but if someone can figure that out, I'd love to know how. You basically just have to stumble from store to store and check the list. Most of the sellers I've seen don't take it. One thing to note, though, if they DO take Paypal, they charge an additional fee for "Marketplace Protection". On the one I looked at, it was an extra .75 or 1.00 on a fairly small purchase ($5-10).
|
|
|
Post by anniefb on Sept 8, 2017 10:13:52 GMT
I've placed a number of orders from Ali Express - mostly dies but also stickers, enamel dots and a cute Peppa Pig purse for my niece All the dies have been great though I agree you do need to check sizes because they vary. Only one issue with an order - 2 dies missing which the seller has advised will be sent. If they don't arrive, then I'll open a dispute. I use my regular credit card and havent had any issues or requests for verification info etc. I just keep track of things on the website - in my experience it's easy to track orders and keep an eye on status from there. I don't print off the shipping emails etc.
|
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
May 16, 2024 11:44:52 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 8, 2017 15:01:34 GMT
What other types of stuff are you ladies buying besides does?
I see some letter stickers but I'm having a hard time figuring out how to navigate as there doesn't seem to be a scrapbooking category?
What kind of search terms are you using?
|
|
|
Post by ellewood on Sept 8, 2017 18:51:36 GMT
I deleted a post I just made about Pinkfresh die knockoffs on AliExpress because I have a more pressing question: Why does every basic die shape (tags & circles, specifically, were what i was searching for) have a stitched embossed edge??!! Am I doing this wrong, because I just keep seeing the same thing over and over again at different prices.
|
|
|
Post by streetscrapper on Sept 8, 2017 19:52:57 GMT
moraie, here is the link to what I bought: Large Knock Off Die
It's not the exact size I was hoping for, but it's not the tiny one that I just received. I wish I could find the "wonky stitched" rectangles or squares on Ali. I love them, but I'm not prepared to pay full price!
|
|
|
Post by anniefb on Sept 8, 2017 19:55:16 GMT
moraie, here is the link to what I bought: Large Knock Off Die
It's not the exact size I was hoping for, but it's not the tiny one that I just received. I bought that one as well. It's pretty close to the original size-wise from what I could tell.
|
|
|
Post by moraie on Sept 9, 2017 4:59:19 GMT
streetscrapperThank you. That was exactly the die I wanted. There are several companies that make wonky stitched rectangles right now. SSS, Avery Elle, MFT, Whimsy Stamps, and I've seen at least one other set, but I'm drawing a blank on the name. I figure Ali will get at least one of them before long because it's becoming a basic die. I fell in love with these. LINK They aren't stitched, but I love the framed look they make.
|
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
May 16, 2024 11:44:52 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 9, 2017 13:22:10 GMT
I bought some circle dies on Amazon, but the item name makes me think they're coming from AliEx. I wonder if some of the Ali merchants are branching out to Amazon? It would make it a lot easier on those of us in the US to be able to do via our Amazon payment system vs. signing up again at Ali w/all their setup steps. What do you think: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072635NK8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00
|
|
|
Post by elegantsufficiency on Sept 9, 2017 15:18:35 GMT
I just placed my first order thanks to all you enablers (!) I tried the first time last evening, when I reached the last bit (after putting in cc number and all of that) and got the message "can't send to your location" or similar. I'm in the UK and knew others in Europe had managed to buy successfully, so was a bit confused, but hey ho, just thought I could manage without those cute stamps. Today, I tried again. Same thing. But shortly afterwards I got an email with "confirm"...which I did. That appeared to be the key to opening up the system, because when I went back (and filled in all my cc details for a third or fourth time) it all went through and I received confirmation of my order. I suppose, what I wanted to contribute to the hive mind here is that it's not always clear what's up when an order doesn't go through - the error messages don't always make sense! It's worth persevering though
|
|
leeny
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,636
Location: Northern California
Site Supporter
Jun 27, 2014 1:55:53 GMT
|
Post by leeny on Sept 9, 2017 17:28:57 GMT
Is there a way to know which sellers accept PayPal? I see the Paypal logo but it has been grayed out on all of my orders.
|
|
nicolep
Drama Llama
Posts: 7,080
Member is Online
Jan 26, 2016 16:10:43 GMT
|
Post by nicolep on Sept 9, 2017 17:29:56 GMT
Is there a way to know which sellers accept PayPal? I see the Paypal logo but it has been grayed out on all of my orders. Hmmmm.
|
|
|
Post by midorica on Sept 9, 2017 20:25:10 GMT
As per a Facebook group I'm on, we should all stop ordering from Aliexpress in October or so, because that's when the postal system in China gets quite inundated and delivery is delayed several months... I believe it has something to do with the lunar new year as well as other holidays all coming up back to back.
|
|
|
Post by twillerbee on Sept 10, 2017 14:59:02 GMT
I deleted a post I just made about Pinkfresh die knockoffs on AliExpress because I have a more pressing question: Why does every basic die shape (tags & circles, specifically, were what i was searching for) have a stitched embossed edge??!! Am I doing this wrong, because I just keep seeing the same thing over and over again at different prices. Can you post a link for those dies please? I am a newbie to Aliexpress and placed my 1st order of enamel dots. How long does it usually take for orders to arrive?
|
|
|
Post by ellewood on Sept 10, 2017 16:42:17 GMT
I deleted a post I just made about Pinkfresh die knockoffs on AliExpress because I have a more pressing question: Why does every basic die shape (tags & circles, specifically, were what i was searching for) have a stitched embossed edge??!! Am I doing this wrong, because I just keep seeing the same thing over and over again at different prices. Can you post a link for those dies please? I am a newbie to Aliexpress and placed my 1st order of enamel dots. How long does it usually take for orders to arrive? I was referencing these dies from Pinkfresh, they aren't on AliExpress (yet?). They aren't even released from Pinkfresh, that's just a sneak. http://instagram.com/p/BYxKf2RnFvn
|
|
|
Post by twillerbee on Sept 10, 2017 16:49:43 GMT
Can you post a link for those dies please? I am a newbie to Aliexpress and placed my 1st order of enamel dots. How long does it usually take for orders to arrive? I was referencing these dies from Pinkfresh, they aren't on AliExpress (yet?). They aren't even released from Pinkfresh, that's just a sneak. http://instagr.am/p/BYxKf2RnFvn Thanks for your reply ellewood. I thought that pinkfresh dies are available on aliexpress. I have been eyeing few of their dies but have no money to spend And that sneak looks adorable and could make an awesome background builder. It looks like a stamp to me.
|
|
|
Post by moraie on Sept 10, 2017 18:17:25 GMT
ellewoodNow I want that stamp. You made me go hunt up their peeks. I peeked at Ali this morning for a minute, and found one of the new MFT die sets from the August release MFT, except it has the stitched edges. I was thinking the exact same thing. I'd post the Ali link, but I closed the tab and didn't bookmark them because the stitching turned me off.
|
|
nicolep
Drama Llama
Posts: 7,080
Member is Online
Jan 26, 2016 16:10:43 GMT
|
Post by nicolep on Sept 12, 2017 19:01:39 GMT
Btt. I just don't want this thread to die lol...
|
|
|
Post by pas2 on Sept 16, 2017 11:43:16 GMT
BTT
|
|