Several Tips and Tricks

The Buyer’s Guide on AliExpress

AliExpress has become one of the most popular platforms for online shopping. Whether you’re looking for affordable products or unique items, this buying guide will help you navigate the site.

Follow these tips to shop safely and optimize your experience.

READ THE BUYING GUIDE CURRENT PROMOTIONS

Some information about AliExpress.

AliExpress, launched in 2010, is part of the Alibaba group, a giant in e-commerce. This platform stands out thanks to its very competitive prices, often lower than those on Amazon or other marketplaces.

AliExpress offers a wide range of products—from electronics to clothing—at attractive prices for consumers. In addition, the platform provides global access to sellers and manufacturers from all backgrounds, attracting buyers looking for variety and affordable products.

Here are some key figures (2024):

150 million active users worldwide, with a strong presence in over 220 countries.

The platform records around 450 million monthly visits.

75% of AliExpress traffic comes from mobile devices, showing the importance of smartphone shopping.

The most popular product categories are electronics (33%), clothing and accessories (25%), and home goods (14%).

The AliExpress mobile app has been downloaded more than 600 million times.

More information about AliExpress

How to create an account on AliExpress?

Creating an AliExpress account is quick and simple. Here are the steps to follow:

Go to the AliExpress website.
Click on “Account” in the top right corner, then “Register.”
Choose to sign up with your email or phone number.
Enter your information: email or phone number, and a secure password.
Click on “Confirm.”
Enter the verification code you received via email or SMS.
Validate by clicking on “Verify.”

Then, to finalize the registration:

Access your account area.
Complete your personal details: shipping address and profile.

Full article: Creating an AliExpress Account

Why shop on AliExpress?

Shopping on AliExpress brings many advantages for customers looking for variety and competitive prices. Below are some reasons why this site is a great choice:

Unbeatable prices: AliExpress offers products at prices often much lower than on other platforms like Amazon. Sellers frequently provide promotions and additional discounts.

Wide range of products: Whether you’re looking for electronics, clothing, or home items, AliExpress has millions of products in various categories.

Direct access to manufacturers: AliExpress allows you to buy directly from manufacturers, mainly in China, reducing intermediaries and therefore costs.

Worldwide shipping: With warehouses in Europe and Asia, AliExpress enables fast shipping to many regions, sometimes with free delivery.

Secure payments: The platform provides buyer protection via AliPay and other secure methods. In case of a problem, a refund is possible under certain conditions.

Everything you need to know before placing an order on AliExpress.

Before placing an order on AliExpress, it’s important to take some precautions to ensure a successful shopping experience. Here are the key points to keep in mind:

Check the seller’s reputation: Read customer reviews to assess the seller’s reliability.

Compare prices: Compare different sellers to find the best deal.

Read descriptions: Check sizes, materials, and features carefully.

Choose the right shipping option: Go for faster shipping or delivery from a European warehouse.

Consider customs fees: Inform yourself about any potential fees upon arrival.

Refund policy: Use buyer protection to request a refund in case of problems.

How to find a good seller on AliExpress?

How to search for and find the best products on AliExpress?

AliExpress offers several methods to refine your search and quickly find the best products. You can use the search engine by typing specific keywords or perform an image search by uploading a similar photo to easily locate a product.

Additionally, filters are powerful tools for sorting results based on your criteria: price, seller ratings, warehouse location (Europe, China), and more. These options make it easier to choose the product that best meets your expectations in terms of quality and delivery time.

Product rating: Prefer items rated above 4.8/5. A high rating indicates overall customer satisfaction.

Number of reviews: Look for products with at least 100 reviews. This helps gauge reliability and provides multiple customer feedback.

Number of orders: A good product on AliExpress usually has more than 200 orders. A high number of orders often reflects the quality and popularity of the item.

European customer reviews: Read French or European reviews for feedback that matches your local expectations. Also check real customer photos to verify product quality.

Store rating: A trustworthy store should have at least 96% positive ratings. The more reviews a store has, the more you can trust its service and products.

Seller seniority: A seller active for more than a year is often more reliable. Combine this criterion with positive ratings to better assess their reputation.

Delivery times: Check estimated delivery times, but also read customer feedback to learn about actual shipping durations.

Certifications and labels: Look for products with labels like AliExpress Choice or safety certifications (CE, RoHS) for added assurance.

How to find a good product on AliExpress?

What are the mistakes to avoid on AliExpress?

When shopping on AliExpress, avoid these common mistakes that could affect your shopping experience:

Not checking reviews and the seller’s reputation: Ratings and reviews are reliable indicators. Ignoring them can lead to disappointing purchases.

Ordering counterfeits: Be wary of branded products at very low prices. They might be counterfeits, leading to potential legal or quality issues.

Relying solely on product images: Illustrative images may not reflect reality. Always read the descriptions and check real photos from customers.

Not comparing prices: Compare offers from different sellers to find the best deal and avoid overpaying for a similar product.

Ignoring product descriptions: Read product descriptions carefully. This is especially important for clothing, as sizes may differ from European standards.

Not paying attention to sizing: Sizes vary by country. Check the seller’s size chart to avoid receiving items that don’t fit.

Forgetting about customs fees: Some products may incur customs charges upon arrival. Make sure you’re informed to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Choosing a slow shipping method by mistake: Select the appropriate shipping option. If you’re in a hurry, opt for faster shipments, especially from European warehouses.

Not reading return policies: Refund policies vary among sellers. Check conditions before finalizing your purchase.

Delivery methods on AliExpress?

AliExpress provides several shipping options to suit buyers’ needs. Here are the main ones you should know:

AliExpress Standard Shipping: This is the most common option. It’s often free or low-cost. Delivery time ranges from 15 to 45 days, depending on the destination. It’s handled by local postal services upon arrival.

AliExpress Premium Shipping: This service is faster, with delivery times of 7 to 15 days. It’s usually more expensive but guarantees priority delivery.

ePacket: Available for certain destinations, this method is economical and faster than standard shipping. It provides detailed tracking and takes about 10 to 20 days. more expensive, but guarantees priority delivery.

Cainiao Super Economy: This is a very low-cost shipping option, but it doesn’t always include detailed tracking. It can take up to 60 days, making it unsuitable for urgent orders.

Shipping from a European warehouse: If the product is available in a European warehouse, you can receive your order in just a few days, often without customs fees. It’s a fast and convenient option for European shoppers.

DHL, FedEx, UPS: These are express shipping options for urgent orders. They’re quick (3 to 7 days) but often more expensive. They’re best for high-value products or shipments that require fast delivery.

Delivery Times Pick-up epacket Standard Shipping

How do returns work on AliExpress?

Returns on AliExpress are fairly straightforward, but you have to meet certain conditions. Generally, you have 14 days from the time you receive the product to start a return. However, while some products offer free returns, most items require the buyer to pay return shipping, which can be high for international shipments.

In some cases, if the product is damaged or not as described, it may be wiser to open a dispute. AliExpress provides buyer protection, and if you supply clear evidence (photos or videos), you can sometimes get a full refund without returning the product. This is especially helpful when the return cost is disproportionate to the item’s price.

Here are the steps to follow if you need to return a package:

Access your account: Log in to your AliExpress account and go to “My Orders.”

Select the order to return: Choose the relevant product and click on “Return & Refund.”

Provide a reason and proof: AliExpress may require you to state your reason for returning and sometimes provide photo or video evidence. This helps justify your request.

Choose the refund method: You can request a full or partial refund, depending on the situation. The refund is issued to the payment method used for the purchase.

Ship the returned product: If the seller agrees, they’ll provide the return address. Note that return shipping costs are often the buyer’s responsibility unless agreed otherwise.

Receive your refund: Once the seller receives the product and checks its condition, you’ll be reimbursed.

AliExpress Free Returns

The refund policy on AliExpress?

AliExpress has a clear refund policy, but it’s important to know the best practices to maximize your chances of success. Here are several common scenarios where you can request a refund:

1 – Case of counterfeit or brand imitation

If you receive an item you suspect to be a counterfeit, you should act immediately. Compare the item you received with the images and description of the original product. Note any visible differences, such as material quality or markings.

Log in to AliExpress, go to the dispute management center, and open a claim. Select “Counterfeit item” as the reason. Attach clear photos and detailed descriptions of the discrepancies to prove the item is fake. In such cases, you can request a refund without returning the product.

2 – Item Not as Described or Shown in Photos

If the product you receive does not match the description or photos on the platform, here’s how to request a refund.
First, carefully compare the received item with the listing. Take photos highlighting the differences. Then, prepare a file with screenshots of the listing, comparative photos, and a detailed description of the discrepancies.

Contact the seller through AliExpress messaging, attach your evidence, and request a refund. In some cases, you may receive a refund without having to return the item.

3 – Order cancellation accepted by the seller

You may cancel an order without a return, but it depends on the seller’s policy.

Contact them quickly via AliExpress, explaining the reasons for cancellation (for instance, a change of mind before shipment or an error in the item). Be sure to get written confirmation of the cancellation to avoid any misunderstandings.

4 – Package not received

If your package does not arrive by the expected date, you can request a refund. First, check the tracking to ensure the estimated delivery date has passed. If the package is marked as delivered but you haven’t received it, gather evidence such as surveillance footage or neighbor statements.

Then contact AliExpress customer service, provide your order number, and any supporting evidence to request a refund.

Refund Without Returns

Promotions, coupons, referrals, and other tips on AliExpress

Besides its already highly competitive low prices, AliExpress offers several ways to save even more. The platform regularly provides promotions, exclusive coupons, and a referral program for extra discounts. It also encourages users to collect tokens that can be exchanged for coupons. With these multiple opportunities, buyers can optimize their budget while enjoying a wide range of products.

Here are the main tips to help you maximize your savings:

1 – Take advantage of promotions

AliExpress regularly runs promotions and flash sales on many products. Sign up for notifications so you don’t miss out. Major sales periods, like 11.11 or Black Friday, are perfect opportunities to get significant discounts.

2 – Use tokens and coupons

Collect AliExpress tokens by logging in daily or participating in games. You can exchange these tokens for coupons that give you additional discounts on your purchases. Also, watch out for vendor coupons and AliExpress coupons to stack up more savings.

3 – Referral program

The AliExpress referral program lets you earn discounts by inviting your friends to sign up on the platform. For each new user who makes a purchase via your referral link, you’ll receive a discount voucher for your future orders.

4 – Hunt for great deals

AliExpress has sections dedicated to great deals and best-sellers. These items are often discounted, allowing you to save even more. Also check offers in local warehouses to enjoy discounts and quick delivery.

5 – Use mobile apps

By downloading the AliExpress app, you get access to exclusive deals and coupons. Some promotions are only available on the app, giving you additional savings.

Aliexpress Coins Aliexpress Coupons Promo Codes Welcome Deal