Summary:
- A Savannah man, Sylvester Franklin, ordered a drill from AliExpress but received only a printed photo of the tool instead.
- Franklin also paid $22.47 for a pressure washer but was sent a screw, sparking months of failed refund attempts with AliExpress.
- AliExpress, owned by Alibaba, has faced repeated allegations of fraud, counterfeit goods, and poor customer service, earning a D- rating from the BBB.
- Consumers are advised to research online retailers, file complaints with consumer protection agencies, and use chargebacks if refunds are denied.
A Georgia man’s online shopping experience has turned into a cautionary tale after he received a printed photo of a drill instead of the actual tool he ordered. Sylvester Franklin, a Savannah resident, had placed an order for a drill and other items on AliExpress, a global e-commerce platform, but was left stunned by what he received. “They sent me this. A picture is what they sent me,” Franklin said, holding up the image of the drill.
Franklin’s troubles didn’t end there. Among other items in his order, he paid $22.47 for a pressure washer but received only a screw instead. Since placing his order in November 2024, Franklin has been locked in a months-long battle with AliExpress to secure a refund, but his efforts have so far been unsuccessful. Even attempts to initiate a chargeback through his bank have failed.
AliExpress, owned by Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba, has faced criticism in the past for customer service issues and fraudulent practices. In 2021, the Office of the United States Trade Representative included AliExpress on its list of Notorious Markets for Counterfeiting and Piracy. The platform also holds a D- rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), with numerous complaints from customers reporting undelivered items or counterfeit products.
The State of Georgia’s Consumer Protection Division (CPD) received three complaints against AliExpress in 2024 alone. In one case, a customer claimed to have lost over $400 after receiving a fake tracking number and never receiving their item. However, all three complainants eventually received refunds after filing reports with the CPD.
Franklin’s ordeal highlights broader concerns about online shopping on platforms like AliExpress. Many customers have reported similar experiences, with some alleging that they were provided fake tracking numbers or denied refunds despite clear evidence of issues with their orders. Reviews on consumer forums and platforms frequently describe AliExpress as unreliable, with complaints about low-quality goods, misleading advertising, and poor customer service.
For consumers navigating such challenges, experts recommend several steps:
- Contact the company’s customer service to request a refund.
- If unsuccessful, initiate a chargeback through your credit card issuer.
- File a complaint with consumer protection agencies like Georgia’s CPD.
- Research online retailers thoroughly before making purchases by checking BBB ratings and customer reviews.
Franklin hopes his story serves as a warning to others about the risks of online shopping on platforms with questionable reputations. “This is not good. This is real bad,” he said. “Don’t scam nobody. I don’t like to get scammed because if you spend your money, you want to get what you paid for.”
As of now, AliExpress has not responded to inquiries regarding Franklin’s case. His experience underscores the importance of vigilance when shopping online and serves as a reminder to consumers to advocate for their rights in cases of fraud or deception.
Source: Kplctv
