AliExpress is a massive online retail service based in China that allows international buyers to purchase products directly from manufacturers and distributors. It's known for its wide variety of products, often at very competitive prices, but also for longer shipping times due to international delivery.
Here's a breakdown of what you should know about AliExpress:
1. What is AliExpress?
- Marketplace Model: Unlike a traditional retailer, AliExpress is a marketplace. This means you're buying from individual sellers (merchants) who list their products on the platform, not directly from AliExpress itself. This is similar to how Amazon Marketplace or eBay operates.
- Product Variety: You can find almost anything on AliExpress, from electronics, fashion, home goods, and beauty products to specialized industrial equipment.
- Pricing: Prices are often significantly lower than what you'd find in local retail stores, primarily because you're buying directly from the source in China.
2. Coupon Codes and Promotions (as of June 2025):
AliExpress is famous for its frequent sales and coupon codes. The types of offers you'll commonly find include:
- New User Gifts:
- Special Deals (e.g., $0.01 deals): New users often get access to heavily discounted "welcome deals" for their first purchase.
- New User Coupons: You might get a general coupon (e.g., $3, $4, $10 off) for your first order, often with a minimum spend. Look for codes like NB5 (though specific codes change).
- General Coupons:
- Store Coupons: Many individual sellers offer their own coupons that can be applied to their specific products.
- AliExpress Coupons: These are issued by AliExpress itself and can be used across multiple stores.
- Select Coupons: These are specific coupons that can be used only on designated products from certain stores.
- Sitewide Codes: Look for codes like SS0610 ($10 off $69+), SS0620 ($20 off $139+), SS0640 ($40 off $279+), SS0605 ($50 off $349+). (Note: These are examples for June 2025 and often expire at the end of major sales events.)
- Sale Events: AliExpress runs numerous large sales throughout the year (e.g., Anniversary Sale in March, Summer Sale, 11.11 Singles' Day, Black Friday, Cyber Monday). During these events, you'll find stacked discounts (store coupons + AliExpress coupons + spend & save discounts).
- Spend & Save: This is a common promotion where you get an automatic discount for spending a certain amount (e.g., $3 off every $30 spent).
- Coins: You can earn AliExpress Coins by daily check-ins, playing games, and participating in activities. These coins can be used to get extra discounts on purchases.
- App Exclusive Deals: Often, better deals and exclusive coupons are available only through the AliExpress mobile app.
How to Find and Use Coupons:
- AliExpress Website/App: Always check the homepage banners, "Today Deals," "Super Deals," "Weekly Deals," and "New User Gifts" sections. When you're in your cart, there's usually a "Promotional Code" field where you can enter codes.
- Coupon Websites: Sites like Lifehacker Australia, CouponDunia (for India-specific offers if available), and other global coupon aggregators frequently list active AliExpress codes.
- Seller Pages: On a product page, always look for available store coupons directly from the seller.
3. Free Shipping:
Free shipping is available on many AliExpress products, but not all. Here's how to find it:
- Filter Option: When searching for products, you can apply a "Free Shipping" filter on the left sidebar (on desktop) or within the filters section (on the app). This will show only items that offer free shipping.
- Product Page: The shipping cost (or "Free Shipping") will be clearly indicated on the product detail page.
- Check Shipping Method: Even with free shipping, pay attention to the shipping method. "AliExpress Standard Shipping" is generally reliable, while some very cheap options might take significantly longer.
4. Payment Methods (for Indian Users):
AliExpress generally supports a variety of payment methods. For Indian users, the most common and recommended options include:
- Credit/Debit Cards: Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, and American Express are widely accepted. This is often the most convenient method.
- AliPay: This is AliExpress's own payment platform. You can link your credit/debit cards to Alipay for faster and often more secure transactions.
- PayPal: While not universally available for all products or sellers, PayPal is a popular and secure option.
- Net Banking: Some Indian banks might be supported directly through payment gateways.
- UPI/Wallets: Availability of UPI or specific Indian wallets can vary, so check at checkout.
- Bank Transfer: Generally less recommended due to slower processing and potentially higher fees.
- Cash on Delivery (COD): AliExpress does NOT offer Cash on Delivery as a standard payment method. All payments must be made online.
5. Buyer Protection Policy:
AliExpress offers a "Buyer Protection" program to safeguard your purchases:
- Money Back Guarantee: If you don't receive your product within the guaranteed delivery time, or if the product is significantly different from its description, you are eligible for a refund.
- Dispute Process:
- Contact Seller First: The first step is to contact the seller to resolve the issue directly.
- Open a Dispute: If you can't reach an agreement with the seller, or if they don't respond, you can open a dispute through your order details page on AliExpress.
- AliExpress Intervention: If the dispute isn't resolved between you and the seller, AliExpress will step in to mediate and make a decision.
- Refund Timeline: Refunds typically take 1-10 working days to process, depending on your original payment method.
- Return Policy:
- Defective/Incorrect Items: If an item is defective or not as described, the seller is usually responsible for return shipping costs (if a return is required).
- Change of Mind: If you simply change your mind, you might be responsible for return shipping costs, unless the seller offers "Easy Returns" (which includes free local returns in some regions).
- Guaranteed Genuine: Some products carry a "Guaranteed Genuine" label. If such an item is confirmed to be counterfeit, you'll get a full refund, including shipping costs.
Important Considerations for Indian Buyers:
- Customs Duty: Be aware that items purchased from AliExpress are imported goods, and you might be liable for customs duty upon arrival in India, especially for higher-value items. The customs clearance process can sometimes cause delays.
- Shipping Time: Standard shipping from China can take anywhere from 15 to 45 days, or even longer, depending on the seller, shipping method, and customs.
- Returns: While buyer protection is in place, returning items to China can be costly and inconvenient. It's often better to try to negotiate a partial refund if the issue isn't severe enough to warrant a return.
- Seller Reputation: Always check the seller's rating, feedback, and number of orders before making a purchase. Look for sellers with high positive feedback percentages and a good track record.
