Alibaba any good?

[inline_online]

Hi all,

Is anybody familiar with the Alibaba website? I've spoken to a few of the folks at work and they all said it was legit but I was hoping to check the brainstrust here.

I'm looking at this: http://kson.en.alibaba.com/product/360426823-210644370/102mm_ED_refractor_telescope.html

I was given a price of US$740 inc freight. It is the aluminum version.

I am well aware of this scopes shortcomings but it would seem ideal as a grab and go scope with a decent amount of aperture.

The scope advertised in 'Sale-Telescopes' raised massive alarm bells hence my previous thread but this one seems to be a fair price and i'm just curious about the website i'd be getting it from. I was unable to find any bad reviews on the internet so maybe it's okay??

Thanks for any advice.

Cheers,
Dan

[Shano592]

Alibaba is a massive marketplace. In itself, it is very legitimate. As for the vendors ...

Honestly Dan, Alibaba can be truly hit and miss for products, depending on who, and even where the goods are being sold from. I isolate to mainland China only in my searches, to be a little safer in my choices.

At least with these guys, they have been on Alibaba for 7 years minimum. Most places won't last that long if they are too shifty.

I guess you will have to let us know what you think of the quality, if you proceed. Just be sure to get a tracking number (and the shipping company name). That way you will know when it is on it's way.

It definitely won't be high end for the price, but it sounds like it is on par with other China prices.

[killswitch]

Alibaba is legit but its generally for wholesale. Those cheap rebadged products you see are usually from Alibaba suppliers.

Id give this one a miss. Quality isnt assured. Also minimum order is 5 quantities.

[Shano592]

If you talk with them, they will generally bypass the MOQ.

I agree though, that the quality is unlikely to be great. And I don't know that you would get a genuine ED102, although anything is possible.

[inline_online]

Hi guys,

Thanks for the replies. Much appreciated.

I'm sure the quality won't be the same as my Tak but to be honest, I don't want to spend that sort of money. I'm not too fussed if there is a bit of CA in the brighter objects.

I'm in no rush anyway as I have no portable mount for a scope like this (not setting up the EQ6 for a grab 'n' go!!). I think i'll sit for a while and see if anything pops up on the IIS Trade.

Cheers,
Dan

[jjz]

I always thought Alibaba was wholesale and http://www.aliexpress.com/ was retail?


I have used Aliexpress in the past with good results, Aliexpress seems to work harder to keep everyone honest.


jjz

[AdrianF]

I paid for goods through Alibaba website for a VHF radio 8 months ago ($289) still waiting for radio and can't get them to answer emails
I can't say this is the same for all of the vendors on the Alibaba site

Adrian

[Shano592]

This is totally correct, Joe.

However, no self respecting Mainlander would dare miss out on a quick and easy sale! You will just pay a similar "retail" price as you would on AliExpress, with the possible exception in that you may actually deal directly with the manufacturer.

I have found that Alibaba is better for product specifics from an actual person, where on AliExpress you generally won't get any more info than what is in the advertisement.


EDIT: Dan, I will be in China next week for a couple of weeks. If I can get to the market that I know sells these, I will try have a look at it for you. (Think of the biggest Westfield you can think of, but 5 floors high, and 7.5km long! One building with over 75000 stores.)

[Stardrifter_WA]

Now, that's my kind of store!!!! :lol:

Where about is that Shane?

Cheers Pete

[Shano592]

A city called YiWu.

Google "futian market yiwu".

[Stardrifter_WA]

Thanks Shane.

That is some place! I thought the MBK building in Bangkok, was a market on steriods, well, it seemed that way, in comparison to markets here.

Cheers Pete

[Shano592]

This place takes about 2 hours to walk from one end to the other. I imagine that you would need a few weeks, just to look inside every store there.

This city has other markets, not as big (only about the size of the MCG - tiny markets).

[inline_online]

Hi all,

A quick update on my original request for information.

Thank you to all those who provided advice while I was considering my options:thanx:.

I took a punt and ordered the Kson 1026 ED refractor from Nick Yang at the link in my original post.

The entire process was flawless apart from a money transfer issue that was entirely my fault. Once the money was in their account I had possession of the scope 3 days later. From Hong Kong (on a Friday) to my doorstep (Monday) was amazing. :eyepop:

I've had the scope for over a month now and am very pleased with it. I'll get around to writing a proper review in the next few weeks.

For now though let me just say that this seems to be a great scope for a fantastic price and the retailer was a pleasure to deal with. He responded to ALL my queries (and I had many) via email within an hour or two and i would have no hesitation in recommending his services to the wider IIS community.

Cheers,
Dan

[wasyoungonce]

There is always the option of buying thru the Chinese online market, "Taobao (http://s.taobao.com/search?q=Kson+102ED+telescope&app=detail)", thru a Taobao agent (http://www.taobaotrends.com/) or this one (http://www.taobaoaustralia.com/). Just have to watch the price conversions some things cheaper some borderline.

Just a thought.