Buying Advice Buying from Alibaba

Russotouristo · Nov 17, 2020

Hi, everyone.
I am new to the forum. A while ago began looking for a 3pt tiller for my Kubota BX2230.
The question: does anyone has any experience buying the tractor implements from Alibaba/ Aliexpress?
Delivery charges, quality etc. I will appreciate any information.

Dwellonroof · Nov 17, 2020

I'm thinking about buying this;
Rm24 3-point Hitch /pto Stump Grinders,24'' Cutting Wheel - Buy Pto Stump Grinder,Farm Equipment,Stump Cutter Product on Alibaba.com

Industrial Toys · Nov 17, 2020

I get a page of all manner of stuff. Already too confusing for me.

I tried contacting Alibaba vendors years ago and never got any response. A language barrier is something not to be taken too lightly. Seems some vendors use that when it is most to their advantage. Speak a little English when they want to sell you something, and that becomes not at all, when you have a problem.

At least with E-Bay, they have purchase insurance. In fact I have learned that E-Bay is quite brutal to their vendors and favours the buyer, even unfairly. If Alibaba had such a mechanism, I would be more favourable to trying.

PILOON · Nov 17, 2020

And when you ask a question the answer is always 'yes, yes very good, you buy, yes?'
LOL, worst conversation was in the car (cellphone) when a Chinese caller tried to close a transaction.
Barely understood 10% of the conversation!

IMO Ali Baba is a decent site, Best is to use Paypal via a CC as you then have double avenues of protection.
If Paypal time limit expires the CC is always a backup as they can reverse payments, mind U the vender can protest but I suspect they rarely do if they are in a questionable situation.

One recent 'quasi scam' in my opinion was a nice photo of an item with some apparent options.
The item in itself was pricy but the listed price was for the minor spare part.
OK, I did get that 'spare part' but really have no use for it as I wanted the main item.
Basically a 'bait and switch' technique.

5030 · Nov 17, 2020

I buy from Bangood once in a while. Guranteed to be 100% Chinese.

Industrial Toys · Nov 17, 2020

I did once. Cheap, but cheesy. Something always seems to be lacking when you go for cost only.

5030 · Nov 17, 2020

With Alibaba and Bangood, you already know what the deal is. No surprises there, unlike buying what you assume is domestic and it turns out to be Chinese anyway.

Jim Nelson · Nov 17, 2020

When ever I've tried shopping with Alibaba they always show large lot prices i:e wheel bearing 150 for $ 25.95 etc.. What am I going to do with 149 extra bearings? Maybe they are so poor that you need a new one every other day.
On the other hand Jack Ma is one rich guy for a reason.

Industrial Toys · Nov 17, 2020

Same here.

I saw a piece on the founder some time ago and it did lend a little more credability to the name, in my mind.

EDIT: Got confused. Yes I bought from Bangood off E-Bay, but I was thinking about buying from Tomtop. A lot of neat stuff!

Frankenkubota · Nov 18, 2020

I'm trying my best to avoid anything chinese. It's virtually impossible but I'm trying.

I swore off ridged tool because they are made in china, except.......found their 15 amp corded! circle saw was made in Vietnam, so I bought it.

Amazing to me, a world power who has publicly stated their goal was to dominate the world, to kick our a**, and we just keep supporting them because it's all so convenient. USAUSAUSA

The donald was the only guy to stand up to them.