AliExpress Saver Shipping - Delivery unsuccessful
As an Engineer and a DIY hobbyist, I frequently order through AliExpress. I find it easier and faster than sourcing components in Sri Lanka. Unfortunately, since the COVID19 pandemic, shipping times have increased alongside costs.
Delivery issues
In early March, I placed several orders for components for a DIY solar project I am doing. On April 11th, I got five e-mails that there had been an "Unsuccessful delivery" and contacted a number and a home page.
The number was Dialog GSM number ending with 0338 was a private number. The guy was furious, scolding "AliExpress හොරු". I apologised and hung up. Then, I visited their website, https://www.thelastmile.lk, and tried their hotline with no success. Then I sent an e-mail to some contact persons and have not received a response. I was worried that I might have lost hundreds of dollars worth of packages.
Some came today
Today I was thinking of reaching the delivery agents in Sri Lanka for one last try before contacting the seller, and just 10 minutes ago I got a call saying that there were some parcels for me. I got 2 of the five packages that experienced this complication. I hope the rest will reach me in due time.
Delivery reliability
I have ordered over 150 packages from AliExpress and an equal amount from eBay. I have only had five delivery incidences, and 3 of them were for orders under $2.00.
The remainder were about $20~30 in value. I followed up with the Central Mail Exchange using the tracking number. One package ended up in Kaluthara (I live in Malabe), and the other went to Central Province.
I opened a dispute, and on both occasions, I got a refund within days. I ended up re-ordering the items and got them delivered successfully.
Delivery during the pandemic
About 20 packages of mine got caught in the mail during the pandemic. As the Mail Exchange said, the addresses were no longer visible, and they had to send them to Malaysia to fix the issue.
I didn't lose a single package. But it did take a long time to come. So if you are wondering, it is relatively safe to order online.
About the Author
Ziyan Junaideen -
Ziyan is an expert Ruby on Rails web developer with 8 years of experience specializing in SaaS applications. He spends his free time he writes blogs, drawing on his iPad, shoots photos.