AliExpress

[Reef Pilot]

Just wondering what your experience is with AliExpress? Several months ago I tried my first ever order (not big money, just some after market camera batteries) through them with an order from China,... and it did not go well. They took my money immediately, but the order never got shipped. The seller even faked shipping by issuing a tracking number (I think he sent order info, but not the product), but the shipper (SingPost) would not show any info with that number. Finally after a few weeks I hit the Dispute button (my time was running out). It took a few more weeks, but I eventually got my money refunded on my credit card (most of it anyway, assume lost some due to exchange fees).

I have ordered many times through eBay and Amazon and have never had a problem. So is my experience with my 1st ever order through AliExpress unique or is this not uncommon? Oh, and the seller had a 99.7% positive rating, as did most of them. Needless to say, I am a little skeptical.