Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid When Ordering from AliExpress

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  • Source:OrientDeck

Shopping on AliExpress? You're not alone. Millions flock to this global marketplace for jaw-dropping deals on everything from tech gadgets to fashion finds. But here’s the truth — scoring big savings doesn’t mean you’re winning if you fall into common traps. We’ve crunched the data, analyzed buyer behavior, and compiled the top 10 mistakes shoppers make on AliExpress — so you don’t have to learn the hard way.

1. Ignoring Seller Ratings (Big Mistake!)

Did you know that stores with a 97% or higher positive feedback rating are 3x more likely to deliver on time? Yet, over 42% of dissatisfied buyers admitted they didn’t check seller reviews before clicking “Buy Now.” Always look for:

  • Positive feedback ≥ 95%
  • At least 100+ orders completed
  • Recent customer photos in reviews
Skip the sketchy sellers — your wallet will thank you.

2. Falling for “Too Good to Be True” Prices

A brand-new iPhone for $89? Yeah, right. Scammers love using ultra-low prices to lure in eager shoppers. Stick to realistic pricing. For example:

Product Realistic Price Range Red Flag Price
Wireless Earbuds $15–$35 Under $8
Smartwatch $40–$80 $19 or less
Fashion Sneakers $25–$60 $10 knockoffs

If it looks off, it probably is.

3. Skipping Shipping Options

Free shipping sounds great — until your package takes 6 weeks. Pro tip: Pay a few extra bucks for AliExpress Standard Shipping or choose ePacket (where available). Here's why:

  • Untracked mail: Avg. delivery 28–50 days
  • Standard Shipping: 12–20 days with tracking
  • Premium express: 7–10 days (ideal for gifts)

4. Not Using Coupons & Coins

Over 68% of users miss out on available coupons. Before checkout, always:

  • Click “Coupon” to apply store-wide discounts
  • Use your accumulated AliExpress Coins (yes, they’re real money!)
  • Check for ongoing sales like 11.11 or Summer Sale events
Small savings add up — sometimes slashing 20–30% off total cost.

5. Forgetting to Confirm Receipt

Here’s a sneaky one: If you don’t confirm receipt, funds stay locked and sellers can’t ship new orders. AliExpress auto-confirms after:

  • 30 days for standard shipping
  • 60 days for some international routes

Speed things up — confirm once you’ve got the goods!

6. Overlooking Import Taxes

Some countries (looking at you, Brazil and Canada) slap on surprise import fees. Check your country’s duty threshold. For example:

Country Tax-Free Threshold Common Duty Rate
USA $800 Usually $0
Canada $20 CAD 8–18%
Australia $1,000 AUD 10% GST

7. Not Starting a Return Early Enough

The clock starts ticking at shipment. You typically have 15 days post-delivery to open a dispute. Wait too long? No refund. Act fast if something’s wrong.

8. Trusting Photos Blindly

Seller images are often enhanced. Always scroll to customer-uploaded photos — they show the real deal. Bonus: Look for videos. Real footage = higher authenticity.

9. Buying Branded Items Too Cheap

Nike shoes for $12? Nope. AliExpress bans counterfeit branded goods, but some slip through. Stick to generic or “inspired by” labels to avoid scams.

10. Not Using Buyer Protection

AliExpress has solid Buyer Protection — use it! If your item never arrives or isn’t as described, file a dispute. Success rate? Over 85% of claims result in full or partial refunds.

Bottom line: Shop smart, double-check details, and enjoy those epic deals — without the drama.