Ordering for Alibaba??

Zinger

Active Member

• Mar 22, 2017

• #1

Any experience ordering materials from vendors on Alibaba?

I've got a project that's going to require about $100 of HDPE if I buy it domestically. Alibaba is a bit confusing, but if I'm reading it right, might be half the cost.

Any experience, positive or negative?

 

Jintosh

Master Member

RPF PREMIUM MEMBER

• Mar 22, 2017

• #2

Pay attention to MINIMUM ORDER QUANTITY.
Be aware that they often share photos with each other and your product might be slightly different.

I ordered some black headed matches for my Fifth Element match boxes, and they never arrived. If they give you a certain amount of time to complain,.....do not let it pass if there is an issue.

 

Zinger

Active Member

• Mar 22, 2017

• #3

There was a great deal on HDPE pellets but the minimum order was a ton. I only need 5 lbs!

 

Jintosh

Master Member

RPF PREMIUM MEMBER

• Mar 22, 2017

• #4

Zinger said:

There was a great deal on HDPE pellets but the minimum order was a ton. I only need 5 lbs!

Click to expand...

Yes, I thought that might be the case. You can try Alibaba Express for smaller quantities.


https://www.aliexpress.com/

 

Last edited: Mar 22, 2017

cjchiu

Sr Member

RPF PREMIUM MEMBER

• Mar 22, 2017

• #5

I order Ali Express all the time. It usually takes about 4 weeks to ship to me in Ohio....

 

J

JaggedNZ

New Member

• Mar 23, 2017

• #6

Aliexpress protip: Don't let the order time run out. Always negotiate an extension with the seller or dispute if the goods have not arrived.
A few sellers will provide tracking numbers that look valid, but never become active.
If you see this bug the seller, I've had a few claiming the shipping companies where sitting on the items and the tracking codes started working soon after.

I have not had much luck finding raw materials on AliExpress though.