Sofirn certainly seems to juggle with tracking codes. I ordered two lights for 11-11 and they showed shipped after 4 days and a few days later showed shipment cancelled. I messaged them, got an answer in bad english that it will be checked and a few days later I received a new tracking code. That was 2 days ago and it so does not show up yet on 17track. Let’s see if this one is genuine. Without real clues I have a feeling that Sofirn sells flashlights that are even not produced yet.
But I am indeed an oldtimer, I do not need my flashlights, have also no Christmas deadline, and live by the motto: it comes when it comes. So whatever the reason for a delay, getting angry I feel as a waste of time, and rather wait how things pan out. Almost always in the end it lands on my doorstep
They might be “working the system” to get those sales. Lol. I heard about this happening on Banggood as well. It may be happening on a lot of Chinese stores, not just flashlight ones. Especially this time of year as there is so much competition. Who knows. I dont like the idea of a business doing this, but on the other hand I know shipping will take a long time, so it’s no big deal to me. If I need something quicker, I try to find it local even if I have to pay more. Sometimes it’s not possible. Fake tracking numbers may be the new “norm”, like jumping through hoops for warranties. It sucks, but what can you do?
My suggestion is not to be too outraged by this. It’s bad for your blood pressure.
Actually even my el cheapo 35 cent light has shipped fine with updated tracking, just like all my other 11.11 orders
One would think ordering on 11.11 would be a fairly safe bet for arrival by xmas especially as i paid extra for aliexpress shipping
But sofirn changed it to epacket without asking me, likely because aliexpress has full view into the ali standard shipping so no fake numbers with that method
When a el cheapo light selling store does their fulfillment better than sofirn …
So they have now send me a THIRD new tracking number which they swear is real
This after i pointed out that the second one they sent me yesterday doesnt exist
Yeah, at this point i dont think any number is even real or if they exists, are actually mine (read other BLFer story above)
Ive filled a dispute
On the positive note, my el cheapo 35 cent light arrived yesterday, and this was shipped china post small package
If even little cheaper sellers can ship stuff under the original tracking nunber with updates quickly … well sofirn maybe u need to learn a bit from them
For 35 cents, im quite impressed with the light and the fairly fast shipping ….
Those little AAA lights are amazing. You’re more likely to lose it than break it. I front pocket carry one clipped next to my folding knife. If you wear jeans, that little fifth watch pocket on the right side is the perfect place to carry a spare battery.
Today I learned that the delivery guarantee on AliExpress might be meaningless.
I just got emails in reference to my Sofirn orders saying: “Seller has extended Purchase Protection for you.” and at the same time, extended the delivery date to 2019-12-26.
That date was 2019-12-07 when I placed my order, and boy am I glad I took screenshots.
The actual text on AliExpress was: “Delivered before 12/07 or full refund. If you finish the payment today, your order will arrive within the estimated delivery time.”
That is very clear, and I will hold them to it. In the meantime, I will be patient until 12/07.
Hi everyone I am new to the forum . After 69 years on the planet I decided to try a rechargeable battery flashlight. I ordered a Q8 from the Sofirn web site and like others I was given a phony tracking number. I live in New Jersey and the tracking number indicated my ordered arrived in Jamaica NY which is very close by . The next day tracking stated it was shipped to Seattle Washington which is completely on the other side of the U.S. And eventually delivered to an address in Kent Washington .
When I emailed Sofirn to find out what was going on , I was told to wait another four days and if I did not receive it to contact them again.
Do you have something (e.g. screenshot of the tracking site) that proves your order was delivered to the wrong place? If so, I'd suggest to send this to Sofirn and ask them to refund your order or resend the goods. Sometimes tracking information is wrong or delayed while the shipment is in transfer. I assume Sofirn just wants to rule out this possibility. As far as I know Sofirn has got some real good reputation in terms of customer service, so I don't think they will let you down. I hope everything will get sorted for you, Bwana.
Yes, I made an on line inquiry with the post office and I forwarded their response to Sofirn .
I am sure it will be taken care of . It’s just not a confidence inspiring way to do business.
The delay in tracking info is normal. I've made 100's of orders from China over the years in this hobby and generally it takes a couple days, maybe a few days for tracking info to appear. You didn't detail exactly what the timing was, but if I place an order today, it's not unusual for the tracking info to appear 3-7 days from now. As far as the "wrong" tracking # you call "phony", it's happened to me several times, even on a 1 or 2 Q8 orders. It happens, I'd say it's not common, but it happens. Literally I placed 12 separate orders for 12 Q8's, and think one of the 12 had the wrong tracking #. Because of the rarity, I never thought they did it intentionally. I'm sure tracking info has to be entered somehow, either typed or scanned in, and someone inadvertently entered or scanned in the same # from another order. I find that much more plausible rather than intentional.
Do understand they really don't intend to lose our business, most are honestly trying to make or keep us happy - it's in their best interest.
Questionable or not it is “standard practice” for ordering items from China. You just pray that the different mail services of China and your own country can co-operate and actually get the item to your door safely. China is still in disarray so it’s fair to cut them some slack for the time being.
They are able to ship an item internationally for surprisingly little money, try ordering an item from a western country and see how steep the charges are, if they ship overseas at all.
Amazon.com is probably a good site for Americans as Sofirn had a 40% off code recently.
