Ordering off Aliexpress? Advice?

Bundu said:
weird! I've always had great service from them - Pretoria/Centurion area
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I’m literally 10 mins from Comair, that’s where Ali/Temu/Shein come into from airfreight.

I can go collect it, it’s that close ! But you think they can get my orders correct ?

So the moment I get that sms saying they tried or an attempt to deliver ( SpeedAF)my item at 11:40 pm I know I’m for a world of ****.
 
Bit of a thread hijack, but I was using meest to send from China to ZA and service was great.

HOWEVER I see they've discontinued the route. Is there another vendor that' s good for this (other than maybe Aramex Global Shopper which I remember as being overpriced).
 
Does AliExpress super economy deliver to your home or to the post office?
 
Bundu said:
Does AliExpress super economy deliver to your home or to the post office?
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They send it via SPEEDAF, who delivers to your home, but only after Meili has extorted a bribe of 75-80% of the parcel's value as "Taxes".
The SPEEDAF guys have told me that they are very well paid by Meili, so at least they split the loot.
I would stay away from Aliexpress as far as possible, unless you can get the seller to send via a proper, legit courier. Even the Post Office would be better.
 
RonSwanson said:
They send it via SPEEDAF, who delivers to your home, but only after Meili has extorted a bribe of 75-80% of the parcel's value as "Taxes".
The SPEEDAF guys have told me that they are very well paid by Meili, so at least they split the loot.
I would stay away from Aliexpress as far as possible, unless you can get the seller to send via a proper, legit courier. Even the Post Office would be better.
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Thanks!
That's gonna be interesting, as my order was only R24 including shipping (2 connectors not available here)
 
Bundu said:
Thanks!
That's gonna be interesting, as my order was only R24 including shipping (2 connectors not available here)
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Indeed, some peeps have reported the same regardless of amount, even the small amount are inflated by similar percentages, but in your case it's small change.
I wasn't so lucky, ordered a new head unit for my Lexus, and they chased the overall deal price up significantly.
Fortunately, on another big ticket item, the dealer tried to get more money from me because the price "was a mistake", so I seized the opportunity, reported him and demanded a refund, which was paid back in full including the currency conversion costs. These days I just stay away from Aliexpress until they fix it.
 
On my last order (around R500 for a handheld gaming device), it came via SpeedAF. The customs + service fee was lower than what SAPO would have charged for the same parcel, and delivery was significantly faster. So your mileage may vary.

For larger ticket items the Post Office might be cheaper though as they charge a flat handling fee + customs, whereas it seems like SpeedAF charges an incrementing handling fee depending on shipment value (+ customs).

Report back when you receive it - helps everyone to calibrate their expectations!
 
sgs said:
On my last order (around R500 for a handheld gaming device), it came via SpeedAF. The customs + service fee was lower than what SAPO would have charged for the same parcel, and delivery was significantly faster. So your mileage may vary.

For larger ticket items the Post Office might be cheaper though as they charge a flat handling fee + customs, whereas it seems like SpeedAF charges an incrementing handling fee depending on shipment value (+ customs).

Report back when you receive it - helps everyone to calibrate their expectations!
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will do, just hoping I will actually receive the parcel
 
AliExpress also now groups packages so they get delivered as one. I think it's if the item is marked "choice", it goes to a sorting center and gets put together.

That's a step in the right direction. Now they must just deal with duties like Temu did.
 
Ordered one of these 8th July, arrived last week Friday, congratulations to SpeedAF they got their **** together.

Screenshot 2026-07-28 075304.jpg
 
Vox Populi Vox Dei said:
Has anyone ordered cellphone covers from Ali Express? And if so, how was your experience?
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Many times, out of 100 orders i'd say I have had 2 bad experience with AliExpress, that's only due the courier this side being a twat wanting to deliver my items at 11:30 pm.

Never been overcharged in customs clearance.
 
Vox Populi Vox Dei said:
Has anyone ordered cellphone covers from Ali Express? And if so, how was your experience?
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For us, it is always best to see whether the seller is reputable or go through a listed brand store/distributor on AliExpress. Sometimes the oddities are only available through oddly named sellers, but still, AliExpress have good protections in place.

I have never had a issue with AliExpress, but I mainly place orders via the brands themselves. In some cases, other sellers can be cheaper at times.
 
Looking to order an item or so from AliExpress. I see most the stuff is "AliExpress standard shipping" any idea if it would be post office or courier?
 
My Ali parcel seems to be stuck now for the past 8 days....... Does anybody know what "linehaul office" means?
Is it at local airport? Screenshot_20260804-131737.jpg
 
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