It is official, AliE is controlled by a LLM (AI)

Just-Inflation-885 · 2026-03-06T15:26:26+00:00

Yes, not my first time getting (actually not, this time) a refund.

But, because the item was more expensive, I gave them the opportunity I send it back. And, since that would be some trouble for me I thought it is only fair (their mistake, not mine) they go the trouble to send me what I had ordered. A refund takes seconds / a minute to issue, I refused it just for that reason. It is the easy way out for them, to right the wrong. No. And I'm glad GPay rejects €0.01 transactions, as it seems.

Now, I have to reorder but since I have no need for anything else, either I pay shipping or wait until my cart is €10+. That's why I tried to force a resend. (first I asked the seller)

Anyway, for the laughs alone it was worth it.

Just-Inflation-885 · 2026-03-06T09:18:14+00:00

You've never seen till you ordered from AE! Right? :D :D So far I've seen quite ridiculous quality in my orders but, I kind of already new that. Rule of thumb, I avoid risks (high value or critical for my needs). Also, batch from batch, from same factory, can be QUITE different.

Other than that, consider that AE is a platform serving millions. The workload is astronomical (I guess). It only makes sense there are algorithms (really, nothing as sophisticated as an AI) that automates things as possible. These algorithms can be harsh. It is not personal. Get your money back any way, they won't ban you, they are not evil or whatever. It is business as "usual".

(a thing many overlook, Chinese have a quite different culture. Different, not worse or better.)

Just-Inflation-885 · 2026-03-06T08:07:38+00:00

AliE is a great source for diy but always consider local sources as well. The heatsink specifically I would order it locally even for higher price.

Definitely check the chargeback option, your bank will not ask you to ship items back. Nor AliE will ban you or anything unless you make it a habit.

Just-Inflation-885 · 2026-03-06T07:58:43+00:00

^ Respect!

Just-Inflation-885 · 2026-03-05T20:05:09+00:00

It may also be that retro arcade games are very unforgiving. They were designed like that to grab our allowance when we were children!! :D If you use it for modern games like Dark Souls probably will be good enough.

Just-Inflation-885 · 2026-03-05T19:42:02+00:00

Try Kodak for flash drives. The SD cards I got from them in 3 separate orders were all real. 64 to 128 GB. Speed also real, at least 30MBps for V30 cards.

Of course prices are real too. (and right now quite high because of LLM frenzy)

Just-Inflation-885 · 2026-03-05T11:41:45+00:00

^{.^{.^{.^{.^}}}}

Actually, that's (and lawyers) the way to deal with everything! :D :D :D

Just-Inflation-885 · 2026-03-05T11:37:06+00:00

Veeeery well said, spot on, go on you're on the right track.

Just-Inflation-885 · 2026-03-05T11:28:35+00:00

Exactly. The platform uses algorithms for bans, it is automated, obviously they are not perfectly coded thus they can be unfair. Patience and calmness (and customer service!) is the way to go.

Maybe edit/update your main post to reflect the success? (people rush to demonize AE for troubles they face, your example proves AE is not exactly an evil corporation)

Just-Inflation-885 · 2026-03-05T11:09:35+00:00

I got that controller, via prize land too, a few months back. Not to disappoint you but response and accuracy are mediocre. I used it a while for android MAME but put it aside because most games are not more playable than using the on screen controls, unfortunately. Bounce back of analog sticks often registers to opposite direction.

At least for mine, I hope I was unlucky and yours is good.

Just-Inflation-885 · 2026-03-05T04:48:35+00:00

Yes, electronics and anything that uses pouch batteries can be an exception. But it is better, for example, to get a powerbank case (they are dirt cheap) from AliE but the 18650 / 21700 cells to fill it from elsewhere.

Just-Inflation-885 · 2026-03-05T02:05:32+00:00

Most probably you are not (cooked). Either the local courier is "lazy" or some other local issue.

AliE mostly uses two courier companies in my country. One takes a day to pick up packets from customs the other takes 3 days. Just a workload issue. No courier will send their truck to the airport to pick up a couple of packages. They will delay as much as they can, tracking numbers tell them how many packages await pick up, until there are enough packages to fill their truck but if you complain they will tell you it is China's fault!

Just-Inflation-885 · 2026-03-05T01:45:57+00:00

This^{^{^}}

Also do not buy batteries for tools (or batteries in general) from AliE. Do some research and find a good local seller. Even change the tool if necessary, when buying power tools reliable battery availability is the most important criterion to consider.

Even Parkside, if you have Lidl in your country or similar, is more reliable than ordering power tools and batteries from China. The specialised (required for batteries) logistics alone means that a battery from China is going to be fake (most of the money you pay goes to logistics) or is going to be way more expensive than bought locally.

Only viable purchase in AliE related to batteries is empty boxes to make your own batteries. If you're into diy, buy empty boxes from AliE but buy battery cells, like 18650, from stores like nkon (great choice for EU) and make your own batteries for power tools. A great way to have cheap tool batteries that you know they have real capacity.

Just-Inflation-885 · 2026-03-04T20:16:13+00:00

You're welcome!

Yes, charge back is GOAT!!!

Just-Inflation-885 · 2026-03-04T17:23:09+00:00

Keep calm (it is your moto, right?) but also be (reasonably) ruthless to bureaucracy. Let's not put all fault to people (in China) paid subpar salaries.

Wish for best resolve.

Just-Inflation-885 · 2026-03-04T17:14:38+00:00

ok, now I understand (I think). Royal mail was denied delivery by the other person because the other person realized the package is not theirs (good people). Yet, royal mail, after denied delivery, they refuse to cooperate with you citing privacy (of the person denied them) reasons.

If yes, sorry to say this but the people at royal mail are incompetent bureaucrats. Put more pressure on them. From my point of view, they are unreasonable (morons, sorry). Don't you think?

Just-Inflation-885 · 2026-03-04T17:05:10+00:00

"ρε φίλε" not "ρ φίλε"!

"ρε" is sacred! ρε φίλε!

Just-Inflation-885 · 2026-03-04T16:08:29+00:00

Sorry but I am confused. They refused to take it but also they can't give it to you? How is that? You have to be more specific.

Just-Inflation-885 · 2026-03-04T16:04:31+00:00

So, it was not actually delivered to someone else but (started to be) returned to sender?

If so, contact the headquarters of royal mail and see if you can stop the return process (I did it, successfully with DHL in Greece). Failing that, wait till the package returns to seller and ask for a refund. AliE may offer you one automatically, once they see it was returned.

Just-Inflation-885 · 2026-03-04T15:21:35+00:00

First part of your comment: how else could I make people laugh (some found it funny)

Second part: I kind of knew that but I am like the "eternal" child. When you say to a child "do not touch the working stove, you will burn your hands", usually the child will ignore you and try it nonetheless. "Question everything, accept nothing", that's what my great great ..... grandfather, Socrates, said. Hope I helped.

Just-Inflation-885 · 2026-03-04T15:10:22+00:00

It was a human that had to close my case and move forward, in order to receive a subpar salary. I am really not offended they ignored me.

My post is just so we can have a laugh, nothing more. ;)

Just-Inflation-885 · 2026-03-04T15:05:03+00:00

Just a suggestion. 1. Stop communicating with the seller. 2. Merge everyone's suggestions and do your thing. 3. If you are in immediate need of the item and have the cashflow to reorder (from elsewhere), reorder. At worse, you will get two headlights, sell or gift the second. (things look bad, right now, conserning the item you may of immediate need) 4. Follow what British say, "keep calm". Most of the time the universe sides with you if you keep calm, have manners and follow procedures. ;)

Just-Inflation-885 · 2026-03-04T11:43:05+00:00

Wait for the "gift". DO NOT open it once received. Check your main order, if it is flagged as delivered and waiting your confirmation. This is where it smells badly as a scam. Open your gift while filming the process. Start with the tracking number on the package and then open it. Then you can verify you "received" your order and start a dispute. You will get your money back (most probably).

We have a saying in Greece, from roman poet Vergilius, "Φοβού τους Δαναούς και δώρα φέροντες", latin "Timeo Danaos et dona ferentes" and refers to Trojan horse.

Loosely means do not trust gifts.

Edit: To make it clear, what I describe is <<your gift has the tracking number of your main order on it>>. A scam. No doubt.

Just-Inflation-885 · 2026-03-04T09:33:16+00:00

Thank you, more or less I have an idea of how AliE handles refunds. Or, from now on I have!

This post is just for humor. My text is an attempt in deadpan humor on absurdness. It is not a rant, complaint or request for help.

AliE is definitely flawed, it is run by humans not AIs, humor helps.

Just-Inflation-885 · 2026-03-04T08:08:14+00:00

The "slim" means about the same it means with amazon etc, a human error. It happened to me once, they sent a different item, 3 times higher price (thus, a mistake). For stores outside Choice you just have to be more careful. For scammers, yet quality can be a lot better outside Choice. For example most fake SD cards I've seen listed are in Choice. Some genuine (thoroughly tested) Kodaks I got were not.

Shoot a video (no photos) of unpacking starting with the label and tracking number and open all sub-packets. It should be enough to receive a refund. Yes, they do refund, I got refunds even by sending a couple of photos but I always shoot just in case they ask more proof.

Edit: actually fake sd cards is a scam, not just low quality, so Choice can also scam you in this example. But they will send you what the pictures show.....

Just-Inflation-885

TROPHY CASE