[IAmSpeed]

I ordered a carbon fiber trim from AliExpress a month ago, and it finally arrived this week, two weeks after the ETA. Because of the delay, I already bought another one from local nearby store as I have no idea is taking this long and think that I can just return it like on Amazon when I receive it.

I started the return request by messaging the seller as soon as it delivered, and no response for 5 days now (they "read" it). Then I contacted customer service stating that seller didn't provide me the return label. All they replied to me is "please patiently wait another 10 days as seller has 15 days to address the issue"....

Super frustrating that not even shipping is slow from AliExpress but also communication. Why a seller need 15 BUSINESS days to provide return shipping label and as far as I know, they can reject my request. Return process is alright painful, I can't even imagine how hard the dispute process would be.

This is first time I return something from AliExpress and I guess it's a lesson learned. I will reconsider ordering stuffs from this platform although they really have some good stuffs with unbelievable price tag.

[suby01]

Yeah. You have to be sure for sure you will want the item from there. And then also be OKAY with losing the $$ when it comes damaged or it doesnt fit or look as described. Oh well.

[spaceman12]

Becareful not to wait too long. I had something I needed to return b/c of classic poor quality/fitment work from Aliexpress.

Seller kept giving me the run around and kept telling me to wait. They gave me the address but at the time the policy was that the seller had to agree to return costs in order for you to be reimbursed. Seller never agreed and stop replying next day return request expired.

Another return request I had the seller kept saying no despite pics/video of incorrect fitment and aliexpress customer service also said no when I tried to escalate. I ended up heavily modifying the part myself to make it fit.

[Rottweiler]

My initial cf center console trim piece arrived cracked/unusable. Seller told me I needed to pack it up and pay return shipping before they would consider doing anything

Was simply easier to toss it and recover my money from PayPal

You’re DEFINITELY not dealing with Amazon

[Alias1431]

I've had issues in the past and the only resolution has been to dispute it with the CC company. Don't even try with those sellers, they all give you the run-around or don't even respond.

[dinan5m3]

Even dispute from CC or payment services take time.

FWIW, if not your fault for initiating return, use the return period to your advantage to get it to ship it, and once post marked, aliexpress (not the seller) will refund you the $.

Even if not your fault, insist the seller screwed up, somehow.

If you screwed up and came out as your fault, i.e. returning for no fault on seller's part, and you are past the return period, then you are SOL. Pray you have descent seller that is willing to give your money back, less shipping cost because tracking shows it's (somewhere) in China. Even better, ship it, and seller pays you, and somehow China Mail can't deliver, and comes back through eg. USPS. Now you have your $ and also the part. I see it as pain of doing business with Aliexpress.

Always, always purchase, if you can, item that has "free" return shipping.

[brettl]

Originally Posted by Iamthespeed

I ordered a carbon fiber trim from AliExpress a month ago, and it finally arrived this week, two weeks after the ETA. Because of the delay, I already bought another one from local nearby store as I have no idea is taking this long and think that I can just return it like on Amazon when I receive it.

I started the return request by messaging the seller as soon as it delivered, and no response for 5 days now (they "read" it). Then I contacted customer service stating that seller didn't provide me the return label. All they replied to me is "please patiently wait another 10 days as seller has 15 days to address the issue"....

Super frustrating that not even shipping is slow from AliExpress but also communication. Why a seller need 15 BUSINESS days to provide return shipping label and as far as I know, they can reject my request. Return process is alright painful, I can't even imagine how hard the dispute process would be.

This is first time I return something from AliExpress and I guess it's a lesson learned. I will reconsider ordering stuffs from this platform although they really have some good stuffs with unbelievable price tag.

I figure anything I buy from Aliexpress is non-returnable. That said I don’t buy expensive things from them. If I don’t like it, it goes in the trash. I did buy a center console cover that was bent and damaged in shipping, I contacted seller and they refunded me and told me to just throw away damaged piece, guess I got a good seller on that one.
Quick question for OP, you said you bought something at a local store, are there shops you like here in the Bay Area? I struggle to find car specific merchandise. I’m in Mountain View by the way…

[IAmSpeed]

Update: PayPal made the decision in flavor of the seller so I can't return and get the refund. Seller rejected my return request, claimed that there is no damages or fitment issues. I wanted to escalate but figured that it's only $50 bucks, probably not worth my energy and time.

For folks in Bay Areas who is looking for an interior upgrade, Wardell Auto Interiors & Tops in Santa Clara is pretty good at it! I went there around March this year, and luckily they had carbon fiber trim that I wanted in stock. I am not sure where they sourced those parts from but it looks and feels great. They said it's in stock because someone cancelled the appointment and decided not to come.

It's a bit pricey and probably overpriced, but they did a great job installing those trims on my car. Worth a shot to give them a call, describe what you want, and see what they can offer!

[bocabimmer]

I just found the CF center console trim we’ve been getting on Amazon. Maybe we don’t need to keep using Ali…

Toworldit Dry Carbon Gear Box Shift Panel Auto Accessory Replace Part Frame Compatible with BMW X3 X4 X3M X4M G01 G02 F97 F98 2022-2023 (Carbon Fiber Bright) https://a.co/d/gIVwhPh

[HeatJoey]

Although mine came on time and mostly perfect, although one side is slightly raised but no one but me notices, otherwise it worked out . But what is the lesson here, don’t buy stuff from china ? I didn’t buy from Ali I got from eBay and we have an entire thread about it with a link somewhere here maybe try them instead ?

[IAmSpeed]

The lesson I personally learned was to avoid purchasing items with slow shipping and questionable necessity from AliExpress. It's uncertain if returns will go smoothly. Personally, I've had no issues buying/returning items from China through platforms like Temu and eBay. While I don't advise completely avoiding purchases from China, there are certainly reliable sellers and quality products available. China is a major global parts supplier for a reason. Also, the thread you mentioned was highly useful, and the shared link by fellow members proved accurate and beneficial

[bcwalks2]

Not surprised an upstanding country like the communists of China are giving you a hard time.