After being on this site for almost 3 years with 13 pages of orders, I've learned a few tips and tricks on how to buy on AliExpress. But first, I'd like to focus on the products and experiences I've had.
I like to go into detail, so there is also some information on how these stores on AliExpress work (shipping, shipping time, packaging, etc.)
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| Little baby me buying EXO sweaters in 2014 ;) |
This was my first purchase.
The store: As you can see, the store name is some randomly generated name. This is the sign that this store does not exist anymore. In fact, it "closed" down quite a while ago. I was sad to see it go, because they had some quality stuff on their store.
This store had the most reviews for this particular sweater, and the pictures and reviews all said was of good quality. I do not have access to my order details anymore (probably because the store closed down), but the estimated shipping time was 15-26 days. I think the package arrived around 20 days.
Shipping and Packaging: The sweaters were individually packed in those clear bags clothing come in, and both were put inside a gray shipping bag. This was fine with me, since these were sweaters and nothing much was going to happen to them. The bag also felt and looked waterproof. Since everything was being shipped from China, it would make sense that they cheaped out on the packaging (since shipping is high, but I pay nothing--the beauty of AliExpress).
The product: If you've worn a Gilden hoodie/sweatpants/etc., you will know how this sweater feels. The entire thing was thick and the inside of the sweater was soft and plushy like fleece. It did smell slightly of paint (from the print), but otherwise, the sweater was as good as I expected it to me. The only problem was the sizing. I measured myself and even ordered a size up, but I wish I got an even larger size to make the sweater even baggier.
The sweater was great for the autumn/chillier weather. I cannot say it would be enough for the snow, but layering on a warm coat will do the trick. After a few times in the washers/dryers, the inside of the material wasn't as soft anymore, but it was still a nice sweater. I actually do still have this sweater, but I don't wear it anymore. I think it shrunk a little bit from the dryer, and I accidentally got a paint stain on it.
I also got over EXO thus another reason why I stopped wearing it (sorry EXO fans).
Spiral Fake Ear Plugs/Studs
I saw a picture with someone wearing these spiral plugs, and I wanted them too. Do I actually wear them? No, but I love them.
The store: This store is actually still active, and if I was still into ear plugs, I would continue buying from them. I've made 2 purchases from them, and their items are definitely very good quality. I had one hiccup though, and they were able to talk with me to resolve the problem. More on it later.
I did a lot of research on gauge sizes, and I had to message the seller to make sure these would fit in my regular, pierced ears. These did kind of stretch them out, but it wasn't anything painful. It just took some time for the ears to adjust.
The product: The plugs felt very durable and strong, though I have to admit the screws to connect them together did not feel as durable. One end of the spiral has a tiny screw that connect to the other side; when you can't see behind your ear, it's hard to keep a steady hand while spinning something in the small space behind your ear. I have been careful though.