AliExpress ...ha ha, what a laugh

I posted yesterday about orders for two steel rods, separate orders, from AliExpress, arriving without the rods:

https://bkhome.org/news/202509/starting-steelwork-for-custom-trike-2.html

What happens with Aliexpress, is they ship to Australia and then local delivery is by Australia Post. The items are not signed for, just left at my door. So, I bring the package inside, realise that it is incredibly light, then see the hole in the end. Then take photos of the package, showing the label and the hole, and put in a claim. So, two separate claims.

First response, they asked for more information. I replied that I have done all that I can. Their second reply:

We have received your return/refund request for order XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX.

To better support your request, please provide the following evidence:
1.Postal service proof/logistics documentation confirming abnormalities with the package. The document must include the following details:
• Package tracking number: the tracking number should match the one provided by the seller.
• Logistics status: The content on the document must reflect the issue with your package, such as descriptions of missing items, damage, etc.
• Source of the document: The email address should originate from the logistics company. For off-line documents (such as photos or PDF files), they must come from the corresponding logistics company. For example, they should include the official seal or signature of the logistics company.
2. A complete unboxing video showing that the problem existed before receipt. The video must include:
• Clear and visible package labels.
• A full view of the intact, unopened package.
• When there are two layers of labels, the bottom label underneath must be shown after removing the top layer.
• The vedio recording date and time.
• A detailed and clear recording of the specific issue, ensuring smooth playback without stutter, frame dropping, or editing.
3.Communication records with the seller (e.g., acknowlegement of seller's fault or promise of refunds).

In order to help resolve your issue, please click here to provide the necessary information/evidence within 3 days. On receiving your submission, please allow us 48 hours on average to process your new information/evidence.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

That is basically telling me that I will not be able to get a refund. I just have to laugh at all those requests.

Those two orders have cost about AU$55. What to do in the future? Only have shipping that requires signature on delivery. "Aliexpress Standard Shipping" does not. In future, I might look elsewhere first, such as eBay and Temu.

I need the stainless steel 12mm rod as soon as possible, so have ordered via eBay, coming by Australia Post Express from Sydney, but that does not require, by default, a signature. It just needs to be left at a "safe place", which means the postperson just leaves it at my front door.

EDIT 2025-09-15:
I had made two claims, for orders delivered sans the rod. Both asked for further information, and I replied cannot provide more information. One of them posted as above, and I did not reply, and the claim expired.

However, the other claim, when I replied that could not provide any more information, it was accepted and I got a full refund. Interesting, maybe it depends who handles the case in their "refund claims department".     

Tags: light