Prepare for Holiday Delays in AliExpress Shipping
- Date：
- Views：2
- Source：OrientDeck
If you've ever ordered something from AliExpress and tapped your foot waiting for it to arrive, you're not alone. Especially during the holiday season, shipping delays can turn "estimated delivery" into a guessing game. But don’t sweat it—we’ve got the inside scoop on what causes these snags and how to stay ahead of them.
Why Do AliExpress Shipments Slow Down During Holidays?
The short answer? Volume overload. Between November and January, global e-commerce spikes like crazy. According to UNCTAD, cross-border online shopping surged by over 25% in 2023, with platforms like AliExpress handling millions more orders than usual. That means postal systems—from China Post to your local courier—are swamped.
Add in national holidays (hello, Chinese New Year and Christmas), customs backlogs, and flight reductions, and suddenly your $10 wireless earbuds are stuck in limbo for three extra weeks.
Key Times to Watch Out For
Timing is everything. Here’s when you should expect the worst delays:
- Mid-November to Early January: Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Christmas shopping madness.
- Lunar New Year (late January to mid-February): Most Chinese warehouses shut down for 1–2 weeks.
- Golden Week (October 1–7): A major Chinese holiday that slows production and shipping.
Realistic Delivery Timeframes (Holiday vs. Normal)
To give you a clearer picture, here's how shipping timelines shift during peak seasons:
| Shipping Method | Normal Avg. Time | Holiday Avg. Time | Delay Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| AliExpress Standard Shipping | 12–20 days | 25–40 days | +60% |
| Economy Shipping (ePacket) | 15–25 days | 30–50 days | +70% |
| Premium Express (DHL, FedEx) | 7–10 days | 12–18 days | +50% |
As you can see, even faster options take a hit. But premium express still beats the rest by miles if timing is critical.
Smart Tips to Avoid Holiday Shipping Surprises
- Order Early—Like, Really Early: If it’s November and you’re eyeing a gift, buy now. Aim to place orders at least 4–6 weeks before you need them.
- Choose Premium Shipping: Yes, it costs more ($15–$25 vs. free), but for time-sensitive items, it’s worth every penny.
- Track Your Package Religiously: Use tools like 17Track to monitor progress. Look out for status freezes—that’s often a customs red flag.
- Message the Seller: Many AliExpress vendors respond quickly. Ask if they can ship via a faster method or provide tracking updates.
- Avoid December 15–January 10 for Non-Urgent Orders: Just let it ride. Wait till after the rush.
The Bottom Line
Holiday shopping on AliExpress doesn’t have to end in frustration. With a little planning and realistic expectations, you can snag those unbeatable deals without the stress. Just remember: when in doubt, ship early and pay a little extra for speed.
Stay smart, shop smarter, and happy (delay-free) shopping!