Gearbest tracking

What is Gearbest?

Gearbest was a Chinese online retail platform specializing in the sale of electronic products, high-tech gadgets and fashion items at particularly competitive prices. Founded in 2014 and based in Shenzhen, in the Guangdong province of China, this company had quickly established itself as one of the major players in cross-border e-commerce, competing directly with giants like AliExpress. The platform offered an extremely vast catalog including smartphones, tablets, laptops, drones, connected objects, home equipment, car accessories, sports articles and clothing, all at unbeatable prices.

The company was part of the Shenzhen Globalegrow E-Commerce Co. Ltd group, a Chinese company founded in 2007 that also managed other online sales sites such as Sammydress, Zaful and Rosegal. Globalegrow had been listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange in September 2014 following its merger with Shanxi Baiyuan Trousers Co., Ltd. At its peak, the group employed more than 5,000 people and managed a portfolio of several e-commerce platforms for international markets. Gearbest had become the flagship of this conglomerate, attracting millions of visitors each month thanks to its attractive prices and its extensive catalog of technology products.

• Date of creation: 2014, in Shenzhen China, with initial specialization in consumer electronics
• Parent company: Shenzhen Globalegrow E-Commerce Co. Ltd, a Chinese company listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange
• Headquarters: Shenzhen, Guangdong province, China (Hong Kong for certain administrative activities)
• Traffic volume: More than 50 million users worldwide and approximately 234 million monthly visits at its peak
• Business sector: E-commerce specializing in consumer electronics, high-tech gadgets and fashion

Gearbest's positioning was based on a simple but effective value proposition: offering technology products from Chinese and international brands at significantly lower prices than those practiced on Western markets. The platform mainly listed reputed Chinese brands such as Xiaomi, Huawei, Chuwi, Elephone or Ulefone, but also offered products from major international brands such as Asus, Motorola or Meizu. This strategy allowed European and American consumers to access high-performance smartphones for less than 150 euros, drones 30% cheaper than elsewhere, or robotic vacuums and electric scooters at very attractive prices.

Unfortunately, Gearbest experienced serious financial difficulties starting in 2020, aggravated by the global Covid-19 pandemic and the logistical disruptions that resulted from it. In September 2021, the platform permanently closed its doors after its parent company, Globalegrow, declared bankruptcy. Problems had begun to emerge early in 2020, with much of the catalog showing out-of-stock and significant price increases on remaining products. Delivery difficulties, poor customer service and loss of competitiveness to AliExpress precipitated the fall of what was once one of the most popular Chinese e-commerce sites in the world.

Which countries did Gearbest deliver to?

Gearbest had built a reputation as a truly global platform, capable of shipping its products to virtually any destination on the planet. The company claimed coverage of more than 200 countries and territories, making it one of the most geographically accessible Chinese e-commerce platforms. This international presence was made possible through a sophisticated logistics network combining partnerships with national postal services, private express carriers and a network of warehouses strategically located on several continents.

In Europe, Gearbest had developed a particularly strong presence, with localized websites in many languages and a multilingual customer service. The main European markets included France, Germany, Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom, Poland and the Czech Republic. The platform had also invested heavily in European warehouses to reduce delivery times and avoid customs issues for customers in the European Union. The United States was another major market, with dedicated warehouses enabling fast deliveries throughout American territory.

• Europe: Delivery to all European Union countries and beyond, with local warehouses in France, Spain, Poland, Czech Republic and United Kingdom
• North America: United States and Canada served via American warehouses and direct shipments from China
• Russia and CIS: Important market with adapted delivery options and localized websites
• South America: Brazil and other Latin American countries accessible, although delivery times are longer
• Asia-Pacific: Australia, Japan, South Korea and Southeast Asian countries covered
• Africa and Middle East: Variable coverage depending on countries, mainly via international postal services

To optimize its international shipments, Gearbest had set up an impressive network of 46 warehouses distributed throughout the world. In Europe, the main storage centers were located in England (code G-W-3), Poland (code G-W-4 or FAST-08), Czech Republic (code G-W-5 or FAST-23), France (code G-W-6 or FAST-30) and Spain (codes G-W-12, G-W-16 or FAST-29). This infrastructure allowed European customers to receive their orders in just a few days when products were available in a local warehouse, while avoiding customs procedures and fees.

Customers could identify the origin of their shipment through warehouse codes displayed on each product sheet. The CN code indicated a shipment from mainland China, HK from Hong Kong, EU or G-W for a generic European warehouse, and FR specifically for France. This transparency allowed buyers to make informed choices between fast delivery from a local warehouse and potentially lower prices for a product shipped from China. European warehouses had the major advantage of offering products already cleared through customs, thus eliminating the risk of additional charges at delivery.

What are the Gearbest shipping services and delivery times?

Gearbest offered a varied range of shipping options to suit the different needs and budgets of its international customers. The pricing policy was designed to offer maximum flexibility, with methods ranging from free economical shipping to premium express services. Delivery times varied considerably depending on the option chosen, the warehouse of origin and the final destination, ranging from a few days to several weeks for the most economical shipments.

Standard shipping was the default option for most Gearbest orders. This economical service generally relied on international postal networks, particularly China Post for shipments departing from China. Although delivery times were longer, this method had the advantage of reduced costs, or even free in many cases. Customers had to be patient, however, as packages could take several weeks to reach their destination depending on the country and logistics uncertainties. This option was ideal for non-urgent purchases where price took precedence over speed.

• Standard shipping (China Post): Delivery times of 15 to 60 days depending on destination, often free or at very low cost, limited tracking
• Priority Line: Delivery times of 8 to 20 days depending on destination, good compromise between speed and cost, generally without customs fees
• Express shipping (DHL, FedEx, UPS): Delivery times of 3 to 7 business days, higher rates, full tracking, systematic customs clearance
• Shipment from European warehouse: Delivery times of 2 to 5 days, without customs fees, delivery by local carriers
• Shipment from local warehouse: Delivery times of approximately 4 days, delivery by local carriers, no additional taxes

The Priority Line service represented an excellent compromise between standard and express shipping. This option allowed you to receive your order in 8 to 20 days depending on the destination. The principle was based on optimized routing through a regional sorting center before being handed over to local postal services for final distribution. This method generally avoided customs procedures while offering reasonable delivery times at a controlled cost. It was strongly recommended to prioritize this option when available to get the best value for money.

For urgent orders, Gearbest offered express delivery services provided by leading international carriers such as DHL, FedEx and UPS. These shipments were handled end-to-end by the chosen carrier, guaranteeing delivery in just a few business days with precise tracking at each step. The downside was the higher cost of these services and systematic customs clearance for shipments from China, which could result in additional charges and taxes at delivery. This option was therefore reserved for truly urgent purchases where time was more important than budget considerations.

Shipments from European warehouses represented the ideal solution for customers wanting to combine speed and absence of customs fees. A product stored in Gearbest's French warehouse could be delivered in approximately 4 days, without any additional cost or risk of taxation. British, Spanish, Polish and Czech warehouses offered similar performance for European destinations. Sometimes prices were even more advantageous from these local warehouses than from China, making this option doubly interesting. However, product availability in these warehouses was more limited than in the main Chinese stocks.

What are the rates and maximum dimensions accepted by Gearbest?

Gearbest's shipping fee policy was designed to offer great flexibility to customers. Shipping costs varied depending on several factors: the chosen delivery method, the warehouse of origin, the final destination, the weight and volume of the package. Generally speaking, the platform frequently offered free shipping on many items, particularly for standard shipments from China. This free shipping was an integral part of Gearbest's strategy to attract and retain its international customers.

For paid delivery methods, rates generally followed a decreasing logic: the higher the order value, the lower the relative cost of shipping. French Express shipping, for example, became proportionally cheaper as the total basket amount increased. Shipping fees for a smartphone or valuable electronic item could thus be partially or completely absorbed by the platform. Premium express options such as DHL or FedEx remained significantly more expensive, with rates potentially reaching several dozen euros depending on weight and destination.

• Free standard shipping: Available on most items, no shipping charges, delivery times of 15 to 60 days
• Priority Line: Variable rates depending on weight, generally between 2 and 10 euros, excellent value for money
• Express shipping DHL/FedEx/UPS: Rates of 15 to 50 euros or more depending on weight and destination, delivery in 3-7 days
• European warehouse shipment: Often free or at low cost, fast delivery in 2-5 days

Regarding maximum dimensions and weights accepted, Gearbest aligned with international e-commerce standards. The platform could ship items of widely varying sizes, from small electronic accessories to larger devices such as televisions or electric scooters. The exact limits depended on the carrier used and the destination. For standard postal shipments, the restrictions corresponded to China Post standards and the postal services of destination countries. Express carriers generally allowed shipping heavier and larger packages, at a proportional shipping cost.

It is important to note that certain product categories were subject to particular shipping restrictions. Items containing lithium batteries, for example, could not always be sent by air to certain destinations and had to take specific logistics routes. Likewise, drones and certain electronic equipment could be subject to varying import regulations depending on countries. Gearbest generally informed its customers of applicable restrictions on product sheets and during the ordering process, thus avoiding nasty surprises at delivery.

What are the Gearbest delivery options?

Gearbest had developed a complete range of delivery options to meet the varied expectations of its global customers. The platform understood that needs varied considerably from one buyer to another: some prioritized the lowest possible price with no time constraints, while others wanted to receive their order as quickly as possible. This diversity of options was one of the major assets of the shopping experience on Gearbest, allowing each customer to find the formula matching their priorities.

Home delivery was the main distribution method on Gearbest. Packages were shipped directly to the address provided by the customer, whether it was a personal residence or workplace. For standard and Priority Line shipments, final distribution was generally provided by national postal services in the destination country, with usual procedures: deposit in mailbox for small packages, delivery to hand or notice of passage for larger shipments or those requiring a signature.

• Home delivery: Default option, direct distribution to the recipient's address by local postal services or express carriers
• Delivery to pickup point: Not systematically offered, depended on the final carrier and destination
• Online tracking: Tracking number provided to monitor package routing on Gearbest's website or the carrier's website
• Email notifications: Automatic alerts at key shipment stages (shipping, transit, delivery)
• Package insurance: Option available to protect your order against loss or damage

For express shipments via DHL, FedEx or UPS, delivery options were more elaborate. These carriers generally offered the possibility of rescheduling a delivery, changing the delivery address or choosing a pickup point if the package could not be delivered directly. Tracking was also much more detailed, with frequent updates allowing you to know precisely the package's position at each stage of its journey. These premium services offered a delivery experience comparable to that of traditional Western e-commerce sites.

Gearbest also offered a package insurance option that customers could purchase at the time of order. This protection guaranteed a refund or replacement in case of loss or damage during transport. Given the long international journeys and multiple handling of packages, this insurance represented an appreciated security, particularly for valuable purchases. Customers who subscribed to this option generally benefited from faster and more favorable processing of their claims in case of problems, with Gearbest more inclined to offer a refund without discussion when insurance had been paid.

Notifications and tracking were important elements of the Gearbest delivery experience. As soon as the order was shipped, the customer received an email containing their tracking number and the information needed to track their package. This number could be used on Gearbest's tracking interface or directly on the carrier's website. Tracking statuses were updated as the package progressed from the origin warehouse to final delivery. However, the frequency and accuracy of these updates varied depending on the shipping method chosen, with express services offering much more detailed tracking than economical postal shipments.

What should I do if my Gearbest package is lost or damaged?

Managing delivery problems was a crucial aspect of Gearbest customer service, particularly important given that international shipments from China inherently involved more risks than local deliveries. The platform had established claim procedures allowing customers to report lost, damaged or non-compliant packages, with different resolution options depending on the nature of the problem encountered. The responsiveness and effectiveness of this service varied, however, depending on periods and the workload of support teams.

In case of a package not received, the first step was to check the tracking status to ensure that the estimated delivery deadline had actually been exceeded. International standard shipments from China could take several weeks, even up to 60 days in some cases, and it was not uncommon for tracking to remain without updates for long periods. If the maximum deadline was exceeded without news of the package, the customer could open a claim via the Gearbest Help Center. The platform then generally offered a refund or replacement of the product after verifying the situation.

• Deadline for reporting a problem: Within 3 days following receipt for a damaged or defective product, within 45 days for a refund or exchange request
• Claim procedure: Contact support via the Help Center, by email ([email protected]), online chat or Facebook Messenger
• Documents to provide: Photos or videos of defective product, order number, detailed description of problem
• Required RMA number: Obtain return authorization number before any return of goods
• Refund deadline: 5 to 14 days after receipt of return, depending on payment method used

For products received damaged or defective, Gearbest systematically requested visual evidence of the problem. The customer had to take photos or film a video clearly demonstrating the defect found and send these items to support. This documentation was essential for the claim to be handled favorably. The request had to be made within 3 days following receipt of the package for cases of obvious damage. Beyond this deadline, it became more difficult to prove that the problem was due to transport or manufacturing defect.

Gearbest offered an unconditional 30-day money-back guarantee for items returned in their original packaging, unused and unopened. An extended 45-day guarantee also allowed getting a refund or exchange for defective products. However, return shipping costs remained the customer's responsibility and could represent a significant amount for a shipment to China, sometimes 40 euros or more for a smartphone. This financial constraint often discouraged customers from returning low-value products with minor defects.

The use of PayPal as a payment method was an appreciated additional protection for Gearbest customers. In case of unresolved dispute with the platform, PayPal allowed opening a claim and obtaining a refund even if the seller did not cooperate. This PayPal buyer guarantee represented a safety net particularly useful for purchases on foreign e-commerce sites. Savvy customers therefore systematically prioritized this payment method to benefit from this ultimate protection.

Gearbest customer service was reachable through several channels: email at [email protected], live chat on the website, Facebook Messenger or by phone at the American number (1) 855 666 1888. Gearbest's local Facebook pages were often cited as an effective channel for getting a quick response. Despite this multitude of contact points, customer service was regularly criticized for sometimes long response times and standardized responses that did not always precisely address the problems raised. The language barrier and time differences with China also complicated exchanges.

Does Gearbest handle international shipments and customs procedures?

As an e-commerce platform operating from China to the world, Gearbest was inherently specialized in international shipments. Managing customs procedures was therefore a central aspect of its logistics activities, with direct implications for customers in terms of delivery times, costs and administrative procedures. The platform had developed several strategies to minimize the customs constraints on its customers, particularly through its network of European warehouses and priority delivery services.

For shipments departing directly from China, customs clearance in the destination country was inevitable. Packages had to be declared to customs authorities, who verified the compliance of goods and calculated any applicable duties and taxes. In the European Union, packages with a value of less than 22 euros were formerly exempt from import VAT, but this exemption was abolished in July 2021. Since this date, all packages imported from third countries are subject to VAT, which significantly impacted the attractiveness of purchases on Chinese platforms like Gearbest.

• Customs declaration: Automatically performed by Gearbest based on declared goods value
• Import VAT: Applicable to all packages entering the EU, rates vary depending on destination country
• Customs duties: Variable depending on product category, generally between 0 and 17% for electronics
• Handling fees: Often charged by carrier for customs clearance, 10 to 25 euros depending on cases
• European warehouses: Allow avoiding all customs procedures, products already cleared and VAT paid

Priority Line services represented an intermediate solution often allowing to avoid customs fees. These optimized shipping methods routed packages through regional sorting centers where procedures were managed on a grouped basis before final distribution. Pre-clearance of goods and shipment consolidation helped streamline the process and generally avoided the final recipient being asked to pay additional taxes. This option was particularly recommended for purchases from China.

Purchasing products stored in Gearbest's European warehouses was the safest method to completely avoid customs surprises. These items had already been legally imported into the European Union, with payment of all applicable duties and taxes. The customer therefore received their order like any intra-European package, without formalities or additional fees. Gearbest's French, Spanish, Polish and Czech warehouses offered this peace of mind guarantee for European buyers, although the selection of products was more limited than in the main Chinese stocks.

Conversely, express shipping methods via DHL, FedEx or UPS involved systematic formal customs clearance with calculation and collection of taxes at delivery. These carriers also charged handling fees for processing customs procedures, which could add 15 to 25 euros to the total order cost. Despite their speed, these express options were not always financially advantageous, particularly for moderate-value purchases where ancillary fees could represent a significant proportion of the product price.

Understanding tracking statuses

When you track a Gearbest package online, different statuses may appear to indicate the progress of your shipment. These mentions correspond to different stages of the logistics journey, from order preparation to final delivery. Understanding the meaning of each status helps better anticipate your package's arrival and quickly identify any problems requiring intervention. Here are the main tracking statuses you may encounter:

Gearbest tracking numbers generally follow a specific alphanumeric format depending on the carrier used. A code beginning with YT indicates a shipment via Yanwen or Yuntu from China, while the HK prefix signals a shipment from Hong Kong. The typical structure includes two initial letters, a series of 13 to 16 digits constituting the unique identifier, and sometimes two final letters indicating the destination country. This number allows tracking the package on the Gearbest website, on universal tracking platforms like 17Track or Parcelsapp, as well as directly on the final carrier's website once the package arrives in the destination country.

It is important to note that the frequency of tracking updates varies considerably depending on the chosen shipping method. DHL, FedEx or UPS express services offer very detailed tracking with updates at each package scan, sometimes several times a day. Conversely, economical postal shipments may remain without news for several weeks, particularly during the air or sea transport phase between China and Europe. This lack of update does not necessarily mean a problem, but simply that the package is going through stages where scans are less frequent.

The legacy of Gearbest and current alternatives

The closure of Gearbest in September 2021 marked the end of an era for many high-tech enthusiasts and bargain hunters. For nearly seven years, the platform had allowed millions of Western consumers to access Chinese electronic products at unbeatable prices. Its extensive catalog, regular flash sales and generous promotional codes had created a loyal community of savvy buyers sharing great deals on forums and social networks.

The causes of Gearbest's bankruptcy are multiple and illustrate the challenges facing cross-border e-commerce platforms. The Covid-19 pandemic deeply disrupted global supply chains, causing massive delivery delays and an explosion in transport costs. Widespread stock-outs and the inability to fulfill orders in reasonable timeframes gradually eroded customer confidence. At the same time, competition from AliExpress, backed by giant Alibaba, intensified, offering similar prices with more robust logistics infrastructure.

• Covid-19 disruptions: Massive stock-outs, delivery delays and transport cost increases starting in 2020
• Loss of price competitiveness: Significant price increases on the catalog, sometimes exceeding 100% on certain products
• Failing customer service: Growing complaints about undelivered orders and lack of support response
• Globalegrow financial difficulties: Loss of more than half of stock value in June 2021, inability to pay suppliers and employees
• New European VAT regulations: Elimination of the 22-euro exemption in July 2021, impacting the attractiveness of purchases from China

Gearbest's fall left many customers in a difficult situation, with orders paid but never delivered and no recourse against a bankrupt company. Only customers who paid via PayPal were generally able to obtain a refund thanks to the platform's buyer guarantee. This collective mishap served as a lesson on the inherent risks of shopping on foreign e-commerce sites and the importance of prioritizing payment methods offering protection in case of dispute.

For consumers looking today for alternatives to Gearbest, several options exist in the market. AliExpress remains the undisputed leader in Chinese e-commerce to the international market, offering a huge catalog and robust buyer protections. Banggood, another Chinese platform specializing in electronics and gadgets, offers an experience similar to late Gearbest. Amazon, while generally more expensive, offers unmatched security and delivery speed for products available in its European warehouses. Finally, sites like Cdiscount or Fnac regularly offer smartphones and electronic products from Chinese brands at competitive prices, with the advantage of local after-sales service.

The history of Gearbest will remain as an emblematic example of the opportunities and risks of cross-border electronic commerce. During its heyday, the platform democratized access to Chinese high-tech products for millions of Western consumers, contributing to raising awareness of brands like Xiaomi well before their official establishment in Europe. Its sudden disappearance, however, reminds us of the fragility of business models based on very thin margins and complex logistics, particularly vulnerable to external shocks like a global pandemic.