Man in US orders drill, receives photo instead

Sylvester Franklin battles AliExpress for a refund after receiving a photo instead of the drill he ordered

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Georgia resident Sylvester Franklin decided it was time to upgrade his tools. Like many people, he turned to online shopping and ordered a drill from AliExpress. However, instead of receiving the tool he paid for, Franklin was sent a printed photo of the drill he ordered.

“They sent me this. A picture is what they sent me,” Franklin said, expressing his frustration. But the situation only got worse. In addition to the drill, Franklin also purchased a pressure washer for $22.47. What he received, however, was a single screw.

Since then, Franklin has been in a back-and-forth battle with AliExpress, trying to get a refund for the items. Despite his efforts and even attempting to secure a chargeback from his bank, he has yet to recover his money. “This is not good. This is real bad,” he said. “You spend your money, you want to get what you paid for. Don’t scam nobody.”

 

 

 

 

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AliExpress, a subsidiary of Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba and often referred to as the “Amazon of China,” has a history of consumer complaints.

The State of Georgia’s Consumer Protection Division (CPD) received three complaints against AliExpress in 2024. One customer reported never receiving the item they purchased, while another lost over $400 after being provided with a fake tracking number.

None of the complainants successfully obtained refunds until they escalated their cases to the CPD.

While Franklin’s financial loss amounted to around $40, he hopes his experience serves as a warning to others about the risks of online shopping, especially on international platforms. “This picture may be worth a thousand words, but not the 40 bucks I paid,” Franklin quipped.

If you find yourself in a situation like Franklin’s, it’s essential to take immediate steps to protect yourself. Report the incident to consumer protection authorities, reach out to your bank for a chargeback, and document everything.

Franklin’s experience serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of online shopping on international platforms like AliExpress. It’s a reminder to always read reviews and verify sellers, ensuring you get what you paid for and not just a picture or a screw in return.