Aliexpress buying knockoff bricks and minifigures tips

Choosing a seller:

When you've chosen what item you wanna buy, get its set code. Set code is the easiest way to find all possible items on sale. Sellers often use different names and some of them avoid using Lego naming, but they always use set code.
You can find several manufacturers' set codes here
Though some sellers may not use proper set codes or make new ones and erase logos on images. In this case Google Images search may help you find needed sets.

If you have your favourite sellers list, check their stores first.
To search the store, click store name (to enter the store), then paste or type set code in search string (Don't pick suggestions, i.e. don't click the pop up list and don't press "Enter") and click "In this store" button)

But if those sellers don't have set you want, filter function will help:

Search for set code. Filter results by "Orders made" and "4+ stars". You'll get most ordered item with high marks. Check item's feedback, especially from your country residents. Decide if you wanna buy there or somewhere else.

But if the set is new (presell or was out recently), there will be no feedback yet. Then use filter "Seller rating" to find sellers with highest ratings (that have needed item for sale), check store feedback, and decide to buy there or somewhere else.

From personal experience bricks shop rating shouldn't be less than 97%. Almost all brick manufacturers have decent quality, so low store rating usually may indicate bad service/communication/delivery time, etc.

Warnings: 

1) Some delivery methods may be way to expensive for some countries, check that delivery is either free, either relatively small comparing to set price. It's a good idea to check several prices to know what average price of certain set is.
In case of disputes (when order is received, but damaged for example) compensation is counted based on set price, when set price is reduced because of delivery is not free, you may get fewer compensation.

2) Some sellers may use fake feedback. They choose old item with good marks and change its description to make it look like they sold a lot of newest sets. However the original item text is still present in the URL. For example you shop for SW set and the url name say: Lepin-NexoKnights, etc. This one obviously is fake. New sets can't have a lot of reviews. Though this doesn't mean store is bad.

3) Some stores sell different brands in one lot: "Lele Lepin", "Lele Bela SY", etc.
Some manufacturers really have matching sets. If description stated only Lepin and they send Lele, you should open a dispute with reason "not as described".

4) Never go for sets marked as "presell", wait untill they are out. Presell price usually is higher, while actual price drops. Presell has no time advantages, sellers will ask to extend processing time, i.e. the set will be shipped when it's out, in other words when you will be able to order it normally.

The Presell is written on images and in product description, also it always assumes you'll extend processing time.

5) Surprisingly not all knockoff sets are significantly cheaper than originals. Check prices before ordering something, maybe you can add a couple of bucks and order original.

6) There are degrees of sellers' ratings score. It depends on orders made at their shops. Check here for more info and make sure to pick not the ones that have few orders (i.e. low score - medal symbol), unless you're an experienced buyer.

If you have questions to seller ask them before placing an order.

If you country have custom fees, leave a note to seller while placing an order to reduce prices written on parcel.

Placing an order:

Your item is it the cart already. Now it's time to learn few tricks on saving money and specifics of chinese e-commerce.

First, discounts. Literally almost every seller has discounts, all the year long. That's a psychological trick, people love to buy stuff with discounts so it's how sellers try to attract buyers.
Those discount are ticking, like "oh only 10 hours have left". So when time's over seller should renew discount, but not everyone does this on time, so watch out, you can accidently overpay.
Always learn average item price to know how much exactly item should cost. And remember that not all sellers play "discount game".
Also, if you're buying Lepin, just make sure the set you are ordering is not "Presell".

Second, app discount. Some items have higher discount if you place an order via AliExpress app. Usually it's additional 1%.

Third, sometimes there are discounts that seller can provide in social networks for example. Those are made via keyword code. In such orders seller should manually change the price. You have to leave discount code in notes, place order without paying (click other payment methods, order and close the page) and wait till seller adjusts the price (notification email will arrive), then pay with usual method.

Fourth, you may wanna use cashback service to save money. There are different services for different countries so I can't advise you something specific. Search for services from your country and how to use them. That's extra 5-10% of the order sum (discounted sum actually if you use other discounts). Some services even allow to use cashback services if you make purchase via AliExpress app.

If you have message for seller (like some wishes about the item color or maybe discount code) you should leave it in order notes.

Processing:

After the order is placed and paid, seller will start to prepare your order. Most of the sellers don't have items in stock right now, they bring them from factories and it takes couple of days. There is time limit called "processing time", which you can check in your order details. If sellers fails to send order in that period, the order will be closed and you'll get full refund. In case of ordering presell (which ia not a good idea) sellers will ask you to extend processing time, you can do it in your order. See warnings for additional info.

The order is considered shipped when seller registers tracking number for your order in AliExpress system (you'll receive notification email). However, there's a warning that tracking may take several days to start.

If the tracking hasn't started after 10 days since shipping, message your seller for information.

Warnings:

1) Order cancelling is tricky thing. If you haven't paid yet you can cancel it easily. Never leave unpaid orders, if you're not going to pay, just cancel it.

If you paid an order, order can only be cancelled after seller confirms cancellation as well. It's seller protection feature. Sellers don't like to lose orders. They'll let you cancel only if not much time has passed (they didn't start to prepare your order). Sellers won't accept most cancellation reasons, pick either "I don't need this order" or "Other". If they'll started preparing your order, there's no way they'll let you cancel. So pay an order when you are really sure.

2) Sellers have limited time for processing, however they have several tricks.
First one is shipping delay or fake tracking number. They give you track number that doesn't have package behind it yet or is just a fake tracking number. Considering the warning that tracking starts up to 10 days, there are restrictions in opening disputes. You can open a dispute only when 10 days have passed since the "shipping" (receiving track number). Seller will have plenty of additional time to ship your order before you can start doing something.
Seller can change track to normal one later, but it will be visible in order history.
I do not recommend opening dispute because of tracking information absence right away (after 10 days).
It'll be safer to wait remained protection time. Unfortunately dispute escalation takes some time. Seller may ship the order for real while dispute will be escalated. Valid tracking info will make your dispute reason ("No tracking info") invalid so dispute team may reject it and close the dispute. And you can only open 1 dispute per order (more correct: 1 closed dispute per order, so please check Dispute section for more information). So if item will arrive damaged or without some parts you won't be able to request refund if your dispute was closed before. That's why I'm afraid to open disputes if tracking info is unavailable.

Delivery:

Your order has delivery time, also called "buyer protection" (protection time). There's guaranteed delivery time, blue truck icon on item page. If the order is not delivered in guaranteed delivery time you can request refund. However that doesn't mean you'll get your order for free, seller most likely will turn the parcel back (though you may be lucky) as well as AliExpress dispute team may offer you to wait some more time.

The buyer protection time can be extended, but only seller can extend it, also you can request extension from order options (seller can confirm and extend it). Maximum buyer protection time is 120 days total and cannot be extended more. Each time seller extends delivery date you'll receive notification email (by default).

When 5 days of buyer protection will be left, you'll receive notification email, then it will be repeated when 3 and 1 days will be left. If your parcel is still on the way, you can request delivery date extension via button in order options.

You can track your orders here:
https://global.cainiao.com/ - that's the tracking service Aliexpress uses
http://www.17track.net/en - another service that can read different delivery companies' tracking info.
Or use website that seller will point out in your order information.

Warning:

1) Do not receive the package if it's badly damaged or if it looks like it was opened already (unless you know customs have opened it).

2) You may need to pay customs fees depending on your country laws. Those are taxes and sellers are not responsible for customs fees.
So if your country has customs fees, ask seller to reduce declared price of the parcel (in the order notes).

3) Always keep track of your delivery time. After it runs out, oreder closes autimatically. There will be 15 days left to open a dispute. If those 15 days will run out as well, you won't be able to return your money via AliExpress anymore. The last resort is chargeback operation performed via your bank (read dispute section for more info).

Unpacking:

When you've received your package you can get a solid proof in case something is wrong. Film the unboxing video: show the parcel from all sides - means it wasn't opened, also show your tracking number and name with address. Open it and show all the contents - minifigures, packets, whatever you've bought (the parcel should be always visible, means you didn't toss anything). If you spotted damaged pieces - show them. It's usefull when you order a lot of items like minifigures.

Lepin (at least latest sets) and Decool have packets numbered. 

Info on Lepin:

• Packets have numbers, indicating quantity. Such numbers are setcode.packet_number: 07045.03. From 01 to 16 for example. Easy to figure missing bags.
• Newest set may have assembling sequence from now (1, 2, 3, etc printed on several packets) along with setcode.packet_number or setcode.assembly_sequence_number.packet.number

While unpacking (and filming) show each packet number on camera and better write them down on a paper (should be always visible on the video). It'll be the best proof if something is missing.

For example you ordered Lepin 21006 (10219) Maersk Train. The highest packet number was 21006.29. However you got only 28 packets. If you wrote all packet numbers on a paper you'll figure out missing one. So seller's fault will be proven easily.

However be aware that sellers may repack some parts in ziplock bags, so you may receive unnumbered packets or packets with handwritten number.
Also refer to Lepin set list, there is data on packet count for few sets.

Assembly and protection time leftovers:

When the Aliexpress sytem reads tracking status "Delivered", the protection timer will be reduced to 10 days (in case it had more than 10 days left) and you'll receive notification email about that.
When protection time ends, the order closes automatically (you can also confirm "goods delivered" manually and close order this way, but don't rush, better check everything).
After order is closed you will have 15 days to open a dispute in case anything was wrong.
It's a good idea to sort parts at least (before confirming "Goods received" to get some extra time to check quality and quantity).
Sort your parts and compare it to the bricklink set inventory (if set is Lego copy), knockoff instructions almost never have parts catalogue. Or you can download Lego manual from Lego website and check inventory there.
Though sometimes knockoff sets may differ from original ones in several details.

Disputes:

In case of missing parts or whole packets you can open a dispute. However, you should try to resolve situation with seller first. Message him and ask what is possible to do, he may send you missing parts, etc. But all refunds are always made via dispute, do not accept paypal refunds if you've bought it via AliExpress.

When you open dispute you should provide proofs - videos or photos and correct description of your problem. The description should be short and simple, but you should always point out all minuses and how they spoil your experience, for example:
I've received my package. But I'm missing several parts, also some pieces were deformed (see the photo/video). I cannot continue build without those parts/Those parts can't be used as they are damaged.
Please refund me/resend me missing pieces.

At first only you and seller participate in dispute. In this period dishonest sellers may try to trick you, by telling lies, asking to cancel the dispute, promising to send new package if this one doesn't arrive, etc (see Warnings). If your seller is of those kind just wait for dispute escalation. You can check aproximate timer on dispute page.

When dispute escalates AliExpress dispute team will review yours and seller's proofs and may ask for additional information. After that they'll make a decision.

Warning:

1) Never change the dispute reason, especially if seller asked to change it so he'll refund you immediately! Always point out real reasons, because pointing out fake reasons will cause you directly violate AliExpress rules so seller can complain on you and win the dispute.

2) If you want to link your conversation with seller as a proof, make screenshot and upload as a dispute proof, otherwise all your messages won't be read by dispute team.

3) If dispute is not escalated you can cancel (not accept offer!) it and reopen later (in case something changed for example). But remember about protection time. By the time you cancel it, make sure there's still time left (unfortunately you can't check protection timer while dispute is active so check emails - when 5 days of buyer protection remains, you'll get a notification email about that - check it and count days), otherwise order will be closed immediately after cancellation (though you'll still have 15 days to open a dispute).
Never accept seller's offer untill you are sure it is good (usually it's empty, 0$ refund), because after you accept it, the dispute will be closed and you won't be able to open a new one.

Btw if you have several reasons to open dispute, chose the most significant, but describe all the problems.

4) Never threat seller or promise good/bad feedback if he'll agree/won't agree with your conditions. Dispute team won't approve it. Behave correctly, even if seller pretends to be a fool and provokes you. Conversation screenshot will be your proof.

5) If the dispute ended and seller won, you still will have about 5 days to complain on result. Make sure to link all proofs and describe why are you sure decosion was infair towards you.
You also can try to perform a chargeback operation via your bank. Remember that this procedure is provided by Visa or Mastercard, not the bank so bank can't reject it, they must accept your claim (complain to Visa/Mastercard if they don't). If the cargeback is successful, your AliExpress account will be banned most likely so it's really the last resort.

6) Never agree on seller insisting on resending package to you. First, the order will go in same period of buyer protection, this is problematic if you live far from China and if previous package was lost by the time majority of protection has passed. Besides you'll have no idea what exactly he'll send to you, and the dispute will be closed when he'll give you new track so you won't be able to check new parcel.
Always go for refund and then reorder, better at another store.

7) There's Transaction screenshot which is copy of item page at the moment you've placed an order. This may be helpfull as a proof when you received not what you've ordered.

8) Sending items back is usually very expensive, in some countries it may cost even more than the item itself, especially if it was a big set. So when you open a dispute, make sure to pick "Refund only".

So shortly. You can only have 1 closed dispute per order. If it's closed you can't reopen it or make a new one, so open it smartly. "Closed" means some solution was found: refund or rejection of your claims - depends on the case.
First stage of dispute is negotiations with seller, if you can't come to conclusion, AliExpress dispute team will join the process some time later to help you resolve it. When Ali mediators step in it's called "Dispute Escalation"
But while dispute is not escalated, you can cancel it to reopen later (you can do it several times). The keyword is "Cancel", and it's not "Accept offer" (this will make your dispute closed).

Hope this helps. If you have questions left, ask them. Or if you see any mistakes.


This guide is written by me. So if you wanna post it somewhere, ask permission before doing so. Thank you.

Thanks for additions:
drplztik

https://www.reddit.com/r/lepin/