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
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
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.