I've purchased some figures from AliExpress too. There are however certian things to consider when purchasing from AliExpress:
They are a Chinese based company with the profits going to the Chinese economy. To some that might be an issue, others not so much with the global economy the current standard. Just keep that in mind.
Originating in China, they are much more relaxed when it comes to people selling unauthorized copies. The price may be lower, but if we buy pirateed copies are we not hurting our fellow model manufacturers? They are also very lax when it comes to selling questionable (porn) figures in the middle of the regular figures without any filter for young buyers, beware.
The quality varies from figure to figure so look at the figures closely. If they don't provide numerous clear and close photos there's normally a reason why. There are many vendors selling the same figures. That means you should shop for the best deal and be careful to use only long term vendors with high ratings (much like Ebay)
While many items ship free or very cheap, be careful when buying regular box kits as the shipping costs and tax often out weigh the cheaper prices, meaning a deal is not always a deal. Check the final prices closely.
One good thing is AliExpress supports PayPal so you purchases are protected. Shipping from China takes time, sometimes up to a month or two in my experience. Ali will work between you and the vendor should a problem occur (like Ebay).
For the figures that are not illegal copies, many are molded very well. They do represent a nice product for a good price. Many of the Asian vendors are now selling on Ebay and AliExpress at the same time. It's amazing in some instances the savings you can make when buying them from China versus Ebay, other times not.
Here are a few I bought through AliExpress and were quite happy with them.
NOTE: The last two I found out later are unauthorized copies I purchased in ignorance, thinking they were just a good deal. Once I found that they were unauthorized copies I identified who the manufacturers were and went back to them to make restitution (Jeff Shiu for the German Tank Commander and a company in Spain for the Greek Hoplite). The others I believe are Asian originals. At least that is what I'm telling myself to ease my potential guilty feelings. While it may not bother some, it would bother me if I was in the modeling business trying to make a living.
OK, I'm off my soap box now... bye.....
"Everyones the normal until you get to know them" (Unknown)
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