Man Orders $40 Drill Set From AliExpress, Receives Only a Printed Photo of the Tool
ATLANTA, GEORGIA — A Georgia man’s online shopping experience turned into a frustrating ordeal after he ordered what he believed to be a $40 power drill set from AliExpress, only to receive a printed photograph of the product instead of the real thing.
Sylvester Franklin, who shared his story with Wasted News, said he was lured by what seemed like a bargain listing that included images of drill bits, batteries, and accessories. However, when the package finally arrived, it contained nothing but a printed sheet showing the very tool he thought he had purchased.
From Power Tool to Paper Print
Franklin said he initially thought the delivery might be a mistake, but his disappointment deepened when he realized there was no drill, no case, and no parts — just the picture.
“I couldn’t believe it,” Franklin said. “I paid for a full drill set, and all I got was a piece of paper with a photo of it. It felt like a bad joke.”
To make matters worse, Franklin had also recently ordered a $22.47 pressure washer from the same platform, which allegedly arrived as nothing more than a single screw.
Customer Service Runaround
Since his November purchase, Franklin said he has repeatedly contacted AliExpress customer service, but has not yet received a refund.
While the company’s buyer protection policy typically allows customers to file disputes for incorrect or missing items, Franklin claims the process has been slow and unhelpful. “They kept asking me to send photos of what I received — I sent them the photo of the photo,” he said with frustration.
Online Shopping Risks and Misleading Listings
AliExpress, known for its vast marketplace of global sellers, has faced recurring criticism for misleading listings and deceptive product photos. Experts warn that shoppers should always check seller ratings, product reviews, and shipping origins before making purchases — especially for electronics and power tools.
“Scammers exploit vague listings and poor translations to trick buyers,” said consumer advocate Mark Hensley of the Online Fraud Watch Network. “Sometimes they’ll send a photo or a small item to mark the order as delivered, making disputes harder to win.”
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A Growing Number of Similar Complaints
Franklin’s story has resonated with thousands online, as more customers share similar tales of being duped by counterfeit or incomplete orders from overseas sellers. On forums like Reddit and Trustpilot, users have reported receiving toy versions, empty boxes, or unrelated items in place of the advertised products.
While Franklin hasn’t given up on recovering his money, he’s now warning others to be cautious when deals seem too good to be true.
“You Live and Learn,” Franklin Says
“I just wanted a good drill set for my projects,” he said. “Now I double-check everything before buying online. I’d rather spend more money at a local store than go through this again.”
Despite the frustration, Franklin’s experience has sparked laughter and sympathy alike across social media — with many users jokingly calling it “the most literal interpretation of an online order ever.”
For more stories on consumer protection and online shopping safety, visit NapervilleLocal.com.
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