Aliexpress
I am curious to hear from the Aliexpress fans. What are the things to consider and to watch for in order to get good deals while avoiding knockoffs and getting ripped off?
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Andrew Jenkins
Entrepreneur running a social media marketing agency, Author, University Instructor, Speaker, former filmmaker and, like many of you, a watch collector.
Toronto, ON, Canada
Member since
Last active: 1 week ago
*Avoiding knockoffs?
*Avoiding knockoffs?
Huh?
*Avoiding knockoffs?
Sorry, a little homage humor. Ali is great for certain things. If you're just starting I would stick to the official stores of the more established Chinese brands (San Martin, Pagani, Baltany etc...) They are still a business, and much more reliable than reputation would have you believe.
I buy some stuff for modding off there. The biggest thing to consider is shipping time 3-4 weeks or more is the norm. Some stuff has come quicker, but if I’m in a hurry I don’t order from there.
Got it. I understand the whole homage thing. I just ordered a pagani that is an homage/knockoff of a Rolex. I am more concerned about avoiding the fakes of less expensive brands like orient or baltany
I have been focusing on the official stores too
Sorry, a little homage humor. Ali is great for certain things. If you're just starting I would stick to the official stores of the more established Chinese brands (San Martin, Pagani, Baltany etc...) They are still a business, and much more reliable than reputation would have you believe.
I recognize that I am likely being naive too given that this is a site filled with homages. It strikes as a bit ironic that there are knockoffs of homages/knockoffs. for example, how is a pagani $90 at their official store then $30 from someone else?
I recognize that I am likely being naive too given that this is a site filled with homages. It strikes as a bit ironic that there are knockoffs of homages/knockoffs. for example, how is a pagani $90 at their official store then $30 from someone else?
My understanding is that the Chinese brands (and, honestly, many of the "established" ones) are largely working from the same limited number of suppliers. At any given price point there are only so many places you can go to source a case, movement, bracelet, etc... So sometimes you are in fact seeing the same watch repackaged with a different name / logo, other times a similar watch with say, an inferior clasp etc.
I've yet to buy a watch from there, been tempted several times but nothing stood out to me yet.
I assume that all watches there are knockoffs. I have purchased 8 quick release canvas watch bands. Seem like the exact same band you buy on Amazon with a name brand on it. I get them for $2-$4 each. Also bought the same watch repair kids on Amazon for like $5.
Not sure if this helps: I avoid AliExpress when getting my Paganis, Cadisens, etc. I go to my local online Amazon-esque site and look at the official stores there. I don’t have to deal with the exorbitant shipping fee AliExpress tends to saddle buyers from my country with. That said, the choices aren’t always that extensive and versions may not be the latest.
Personally I think knock-offs are so easily presented as real that it's not worth buying a watch from AliExpress, not worth the so called savings. Reputable licensed watch seller or individual with documentation
I have bought a lot from AliExpress, from watch parts and tools to full watches to keep or mod, or even home stuff. Never had any issue. Their return policy is rock solid and they side with the buyer 99% of the time. Worst case scenario you can always charge back with PayPal if something goes very wrong.
You can find everything you would usually buy on Amazon for half the price by getting rid of the greedy middle man.