AliExpress can offer great deals, but it’s also very easy to get scammed, receive a cheap knock-off, or even end up with nothing at all. The search engine isn’t very helpful, often mixing reputable merchants with sketchy ones and real products with junk.
So far, I’ve found the AliUp extension, which seems fairly helpful. I wish there were third-party websites with independent reviews, but I haven’t found anything truly helpful or comprehensive yet.
So, what are your tips for buying on AliExpress or similar platforms?
I apply the rule to Temu.
They’re only good for small things like enamel pins, maybe some stickers and probably some everyday average stuff.
I start getting skeptical when it comes to dealing with electronics, clothes, any furniture and any other good that’s considerably higher value. That’s when I turn to thrifting in some cases.
So all that these places are good for is again - smaller stuff.