Reviews: SheInside & AliExpress
9:48 AM
This is my personal experience with buying from site like SheInside & AliExpress. Nothing was given to me for free from either site, and both had positive and negative buying experience. Base on my review, I'm sure if you wanted to; you can buy from site like Oasap and LightInTheBox, which I believe are very similar in concept to the sites mention above.
Site/Navigation
SheInside is very easy to navigate because of how its site is lay out. It is also cleaner, and more targeted toward fashion purchases then anything else. The only issues I have with them are their searches, and how it is not as accurate compared to AliExpress. For example, if you are searching for a yellow shirt, the search result will show all different color shirts, and not just the yellow shirt you looking for (even when you click on the actually product to see a yellow version of that shirt).
AliExpress on the other hands sells everything, and I mean
everything. I would say AliExpress would be comparable to eBay & Amazon but
from China. Because AliExpress is such a huge market place, it
is not easy to navigate, unless you know what you are doing, and you know what
you are looking for. They have a pretty good search engine for the most part, and that made them really hard to beat.
If I have to rate it, and I was basing it purely on ease of use for
a newbies, then the winner for site/navigation experience will have to go to
SheInside, and that is only due for ease of shopping.
Pricing
SheInside & AliExpress pricing used to be comparable, and was cheaper than American stores, but now the prices has gone up for a lot of their
items. So unless you are buying something that is hard to find or extremely
rare, I don't believe their site are worth the hassle when you can find
something similar or in season at your current country.
Winner for affordable pricing would be AliExpress; because
of its flea market type pricing (you will see multiply sellers selling the same
items at different prices). Note: If you go super cheap, then the item you buy will
reflect that pricing, and you are not offered a guarantee (for the most part) that
the product you getting will match the pictures as advertised. So from my
experience, the higher the price, the better quality you get.
Please note the example I show you above (second image) is an example pure and simple,
note that the seller has no feedback, and he/she is selling this skirt for way
too much. I'm just showing you the concept of the flea market pricing at
AliExpress.
Quality of Products
The people that tend to buy from these sites are looking for
either cheap goods or rare items. I fall under the rare items (or hard to find
items).Even though you know the items are super cheap, you still hope that you can at least get a couple of wears from them. I find if you
spend less, the quality of what you get there will also look and feel cheap.
If you pay more, you are gambling with your money, because A) you don't know if the product is worth the price you paying for, and B) you also don't know how it will fit, because compared to the USA and European size standard, Asian are considered petite and their size run SMALL. Below is my experience with both sites.
If you pay more, you are gambling with your money, because A) you don't know if the product is worth the price you paying for, and B) you also don't know how it will fit, because compared to the USA and European size standard, Asian are considered petite and their size run SMALL. Below is my experience with both sites.
I find if I go to quality store on AliExpress, the clothes
are really nice, and the quality is up to par, but you have to be a VERY
experience shopper to buy from AliExpress. You have to look at so many factors
before even hitting the buy button. I something like to visit store that have a
higher price margin items, with better review to at least assure myself that
I'm getting something good. I sometime spent a couple of minutes combing
through reviews (using Google translate to translate some at times) and then
looking at the actually picture of the product before I even buy an item from
there.
Below is an example of what I look for when I'm viewing pictures of the product from either site, I like to see the product image of stitching and the fabric.
Below is an example of what I look for when I'm viewing pictures of the product from either site, I like to see the product image of stitching and the fabric.
SheInside for the most part can sell pretty good items, but
it is truly a hit and misses there sometime. I had an experience of pre-ordering
an item base on the picture (which was an American modal), and the quality
appeared to be good at the time I purchase that item. When I got the item, the
quality was way different, and when I went back to the item to leave review,
the picture was change to an Asian modal with a lower quality version of the
product I purchase. This I what I considered a bait and switch, and that is why
I stop buying from SheInside.
That is why I like to state that sometime it is not worth the hassle to buy from site likes these, unless the item is hard to find or rare.
Winner of Quality of Products goes to AliExpress, and only
if you are a good and well train shopper. Which you will be after fully reading
this review ^_-.
Delivery
Both site can be considered slow compare to American & European delivery time, since it can take anywhere between 2-6 week for delivery of your items. SheInside is terrible though with the processing time, as well as the delivery time. Another negative against SheInside is that they charge for shipping, if your cart is less than $30. AliExpress sellers don’t charge a shipping rate most of the time.
So the winner for delivery goes to AliExpress hands down. AliExpress has free shipping, and a much faster shipping and processing time depending on the sellers you buy from.
So the winner for delivery goes to AliExpress hands down. AliExpress has free shipping, and a much faster shipping and processing time depending on the sellers you buy from.
Scam Factor
Both sites are not a scam, their customer service suck, but their sites are not fake. The people that use the site to sell their goods are the ones you have to worry about (as an example to eBay).I notice a lot of the sellers use other "known" website images to depict their items to sell, and those are the one that tend to be shady if their pricing are super cheap. Most items on both sites tend to be knock-off of some fashion item or another. I personally like some fashion items that come from Korea, and China, and that why I purchases some stuff from there. I normally try not getting stuff that are knock-off of American fashion.
SheInside had some hit, and misses as far as representing their actually product, and so has AliExpress. I'm only giving this to AliExpress by a little bit, because some of their sellers do actually show images of what they are actually selling. As an example shown on your right, this is an item I purchase from one seller that was clearly legit.
Honest Reviews
AliExpress truly is the best place to see honest review! At
AliExpress, you can only review an item or seller if you actually purchased
from them.
SheInside lets anyone review their items or clothes, you just have be a register user, and that just defeat the whole purpose to me (plus they offer reviewers 10 SheInside Points on top of that).
SheInside lets anyone review their items or clothes, you just have be a register user, and that just defeat the whole purpose to me (plus they offer reviewers 10 SheInside Points on top of that).
Winner here for "honest review" hands down goes to
AliExpress.
Conclusion: Personally I like buying from AliExpress,
because I always had a much better experience with them, and know what to look for vs.
when I first started. I also really like the fact that their reviews are from
HONEST BUYERS, unlike SheInside that lets anyone review their stuff.
If you new to buying from site like these, and you don't want to read this long post, I suggest getting your feet wet with SheInside. To tell you the truth, if you don’t want to read this post, in my honest opinion, I would suggest you to save your money, and don’t buy from either of these site.
If you can take your time, then read the step below and buy from AliExpress.
If you new to buying from site like these, and you don't want to read this long post, I suggest getting your feet wet with SheInside. To tell you the truth, if you don’t want to read this post, in my honest opinion, I would suggest you to save your money, and don’t buy from either of these site.
If you can take your time, then read the step below and buy from AliExpress.
How to Buy
1) Know your "body" measurements!!!!! That is the
most important factor when buying from these sites.
You need to understand that the clothes are coming from China, and they are SMALL compared to the American/European Standards. So please, and I mean PLEASE, look at their measurement, and description of each of the clothes you are "considering" buying. Most good seller’s on AliExpress (and SheInside) states the dimension of each item.
So if you want to buy from either site, get a measuring tape, and start measuring your bust, waist, sleeves, etc.
Check out below, I show you an example of what not to look at. Their sizing are often incorrect. I like to look at their measurement. As you can see below, the largest size they carry is an American Large.
You need to understand that the clothes are coming from China, and they are SMALL compared to the American/European Standards. So please, and I mean PLEASE, look at their measurement, and description of each of the clothes you are "considering" buying. Most good seller’s on AliExpress (and SheInside) states the dimension of each item.
So if you want to buy from either site, get a measuring tape, and start measuring your bust, waist, sleeves, etc.
Check out below, I show you an example of what not to look at. Their sizing are often incorrect. I like to look at their measurement. As you can see below, the largest size they carry is an American Large.
Tip: If you wear a medium in US size, mostly likely you be
wearing Large and Extra Large (something XXL). Also make sure you check the
sleeve length of each long sleeve items you thinking of buying. I'm tall with
board shoulders, and long arms, and I only purchase long sleeve items that
clearly states 62 or more cm for the sleeve.
2) Check their images for quality of their clothes, and the
type of material use. Usually that will be a dead giveaway whether the items
are good or not. Try not fall for the images that are taken by other site. They
tend to be knock offs.
3) Check seller review, as well as review of the item you
are purchasing. SheInside is terrible in regards of that.
4) Be willing to gamble just a little, and pay a little
higher for an item you really want (usually the material and stitching are
better). Also try to stay away from items where you know the fit will not be
the same, especially if you are a westerner, and you are tall. Example, I have
not purchase any pants from there or any long rompers. I just have a feeling that
their version will be consider very "high waters" on me lol.
5) Only shop there if the items you want can't be found
anywhere else.
Hope this post help make buying from these site a little bit easier. Sorry for the long post, but this will help you in the long run. I wish I found something like this when I first started buying from either site.
31 comments
I am a fan of Sheinside, and have gotten some really great coats from them. The only drawback is that it always takes a month for me to get my items. Boo! Thanks for the write up, I enjoyed it! -xo
ReplyDeleteShauna
www.lipglossandlace.net
It takes a while to get beside that like what they have to offer great detail information.
ReplyDeleteI have never shopped from either sites, with this i just mite try Ali express
ReplyDeletefashionitazbybuiti.blogspot.com
Wow girl, what a thorough and insightful tips you came up with! I really found it helpful since I am not a active online buyer, for most of part, I like to see and touch whatever item I am considering buying.
ReplyDeleteFrom Jing at www.bejingxu.com
Great post! I shop at aliexpress when I want knock off item, like wildfox sweaters!
ReplyDeletexx Sera | STARDUSTBOHEMIAN.COM
✪ CLICK HERE TO VIEW MY GIVEAWAY POST! ✪
(IG: @TheStardustBohemian)
Oh wow, what a great, thorough and detailed post! I have never ordered from either of these retailers although I've heard of both through blogs. I just get nervous about fit issues because I'm so picky about that. Thanks for taking the time to do all of these comparisons! This will be a great reference post for many people I'm sure!
ReplyDeleteGina - On the Daily Express
Wow great review of these sites-- I agree with you that sometimes buying their stuff isn't worth the hassle unless it's a very unique item. When I bought a couple of things, they were worth the wait bc they were so cheap. But the wait was so long that I was not impressed! Also, once I bought a pre-sale item from Sheinside and it took FOREVER to arrive (like 2-3 months) and it DIDN'T FIT in the end... That was the last thing I ever bought from them...
ReplyDeletexx Debbie
www.whatdoffydoes.com
When the shipping takes 2-3 month, usually mean it a big holiday over there. They are bad not disclosing that though, and that is why I say their customer service suck.
DeleteI never bought any clothes online, but I'm really curious about it. One day I'l give it a try! Great post! :)
ReplyDeleteFrancesca
XoXo
MALICE'S FASHION WORLD
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
Nice review! I love Sheinside
ReplyDeleteSTYLE VANITY
Hi sweetie
ReplyDeletethis review is so useful!
Very interesting site.
Kisses
Maggie Dallospedale Fashion diary - Fashion blog
Essa loja e tudo de bom amei a postarem, uma semana abençoada.
ReplyDeleteSiga e curta o meu canal;https://www.youtube.com/user/NekitaReis/videos
Excellent review. I must admit - I have come very close to buying from Chicwish, Sheinside etc but I always change my mind in the last minute. Not worth the hassle I feel like. It also sounds like doing returns is basically out of the question. Also, one thing I noticed with Ali Express is that they sell a ton of counterfeit goods - which did not make a great impression on me!
ReplyDelete- Deniz
www.dressedupdeniz.com
Yes they do sell a ton of counterfeit good. They are some store that are actually designer store from China, and use the site to sell their stuff. So not all of them are bad though. Just wanted to point that out.
DeleteWhat a great and detailed review Kreyola, awesome job! I have to admit I have never bought anything at all at any of these shops such as Choices, Sheinside and so on, I am with Deniz. I like my shopping to be as easy as 123. Same goes for returning.
ReplyDeleteHappy Monday girl
kisses
Lenya
FashionDreams&Lifestyle
Measuresment and sizes can be such a nightmare! I don't know about the states, but every European country had different sizes...even shoe sizes vary...In a store I may try shoe size 41 and 38- and have them both fit perfectly...it's a bit tiring process sometimes because when I find shoes I really like I must try so many sizes. Sorry, I went way off topic.
ReplyDeleteYour review is excellent, very detailed and quite interesting to read. I don't like to order clothes online, usually I prefer to wear local brands or second hand, but this will surely stick in my head in case I decide to shop online.
thank you for your comment btw<3
xoxo
The sizing here in the States are just as bad...trust me. That is why your measurement is good thing to know when buying from either site. That is why I don't go base of their sizing anymore.
DeleteGreat post! Very informative. I always see AliExpress come up in my search engine searches at times, but I've never given it a shot. I thought it was an online novelty store. LOL Since I've started blogging, I've seen SheInside quite a bit, but have yet to try them. Now I'll know what to look for, if I do. Thanks doll!
ReplyDeletewww.dressed2dnines.com
We've been wondering about these sights. Thanks so much for the reviews!!
ReplyDeletexx 365hangers
Great reviews, i have never heard or shop from these site. Nice to read the review.
ReplyDeletehttp://sophialastyles.blogspot.co.uk/
This is a great review. I love Sheinside, but I hate waiting so long for my items. I almost always try to find something from a domestic side. I'm not that patient....
ReplyDeleteNicole
Nicole to the Nines
great review! I've never heard of AliExpress and have no real desire to shop on that site. I'm fine with paying more for a more known and reputable site. I know nothing about AliExpress until now so it may be well-known. I'm not sure. My brother bought me (or rather, I asked for it as an Xmas present) a Sheinside cardigan. I was aware the sleeves were shorter, which they were, but I don't know. I love the cardigan's style - something I haven't found yet in American stores. The only downside is that it's SUPER itchy, holy cow. Had I bought it in an American store or website, I would've returned it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review! I've never seen a blog post like this before :)
Wow such a helpful post! Thanks dear!
ReplyDeletexx
cvety
So nice to know about your complete experience, I have nerver buy in AliExpress, but after your words i hav to have a look there too
ReplyDeleteLove the playfull swetshirt
Melange-Boutique Blog by Noe&Lolita
Great post! I love using Aliexpress too. Its so good for price
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful week!
xx Cissy
www.idreamofbunnies.com
Great review, I'm thinking of ordering from Sheinside,.Aliexpress is new to me.
ReplyDeletewww.effortlesslady.com
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteLmfao <3 I love that you said neither are a scam, but that their customer service sucks balls. That's very honest and I find that to be true for a majority of the on-line stores based in that particular region (i.e. slow to answer customer inquiries and generally unaccepting of returned items). So, I always take measurements and just really think long and hard about what I buy (and USE PAYPAL!) with those sites because I don't plan on returning anything. This is a very detailed and helpful review!
Delete- Anna
www.melodicthriftychic.com
P.S. Sorry, I found two typos and I just had to fix them or I'd lose sleep. Hehe.
Haha...that is fine...I have those days too. The customer service suck balls have me cracking up here LOL.
DeleteThis was an outstanding review of SheInside vs. AliExpress! Thank you so much for taking the time to write everything down and share it!! I have a question; the measurements, are the the circumference of your body or the width of the shirt? I have seen some with ridiculously small measurements and I'm wondering why? Again, thanks!!
ReplyDeleteMuch Love,
-Stephanie Eva
www.stephanieheva.blogspot.com
You would have to measure the circumference of your body. That is what I do.
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