Check out the monthly sales calendar and browse the latest AliExpress deals. This calendar is based on historical patterns and confirmed events. Sale dates may change, so check AliExpress for official announcements.

Basic Questions About AliExpress

1. What exactly is AliExpress?

AliExpress is a website where you can buy items online from sellers in China. It works similar to eBay because many different people and companies can sell their products to customers around the world.

2. What makes AliExpress prices so low?

Items cost less on AliExpress for these reasons:

  • You buy straight from the people who make the products
  • The Chinese government helps pay for shipping costs
  • Sellers try to beat each other with lower prices
  • It costs less to make things and pay workers in China
  • Sellers buy large amounts of products which makes prices cheaper

3. Can I trust AliExpress when I shop?

AliExpress is safe to use if you follow these steps:

  • Look at what other buyers say about the seller
  • Choose shops that have good ratings (more than 90% positive feedback)
  • Only buy from sellers who have sold at least 100 items before
  • Use the protection program that AliExpress offers
  • Always pay using the website's secure payment system

4. How long will my package take to arrive in different countries?

The time it takes depends on which shipping option you pick:

United States:

  • Cheapest shipping: 15-45 days
  • Medium shipping: 7-15 days
  • Fast shipping (DHL/FedEx): 3-7 days

United Kingdom:

  • Cheapest shipping: 7-40 days
  • Medium shipping: 7-15 days
  • Fast shipping: 3-7 days

Australia:

  • Cheapest shipping: 8-51 days
  • Medium shipping: 7-15 days
  • Fast shipping (DHL): 3-7 days

South Africa:

  • Cheapest shipping: 9-59 days
  • Medium shipping: 7-15 days
  • Fast shipping: 3-7 days

Canada:

  • Cheapest shipping: 15-45 days
  • Medium shipping: 7-15 days
  • Fast shipping: 3-7 days

What can make my package arrive late?

Your order might take longer because of:

  • Holiday busy times
  • Bad weather conditions
  • Customs inspection processes
  • Living in areas far from big cities
  • Too many people ordering during sales events
  • The seller needing time to pack your order (1-5 days usually)

How can I get my package faster?

To speed up delivery:

  • Choose the fastest shipping option available
  • Avoid ordering during major holidays
  • Pick shipping methods that let you track your package
  • Remember that faster shipping costs more money

5. Which countries do AliExpress packages come from?

Most items are sent from China, but some sellers keep their products in storage centers in other countries.

6. Which delivery companies bring AliExpress packages?

AliExpress works with these delivery services:

  • AliExpress Standard Shipping
  • Cainiao
  • DHL
  • FedEx
  • UPS
  • Your local mail service

7. How can I check where my order is?

To track your package:

  • Go to the “My Orders” section on AliExpress
  • Find your order and click “Details”
  • Use the tracking number they give you

8. Can I get free shipping on AliExpress?

Yes, many sellers offer free shipping, but your package might take longer to arrive.

9. How do I find items with free shipping?

To get free shipping:

  • Look for items that say “free shipping”
  • Use the “Free Shipping” search filter
  • Buy several things from the same seller
  • Check for special promotional events

10. How can I talk to AliExpress customer service?

You can contact them through:

  • 24-hour live chat on their website
  • Phone number: (408) 785-5580 (US office)

11. What can I do with AliExpress coins?

AliExpress coins can be:

  • Earned by checking in every day
  • Used to get discounts on products that accept them
  • Applied when you pay for your order

12. Can I pay with PayPal on AliExpress?

Yes, AliExpress takes PayPal payments, but not every seller accepts it.

13. Does AliExpress work with Apple Pay?

No, you cannot use Apple Pay on AliExpress right now.

14. Can I use Visa gift cards to buy things?

Yes, Visa gift cards work on AliExpress if they can be used for purchases in other countries.

15. How do I change the website language?

To change languages:

  • Click on your account picture
  • Find the language settings
  • Pick the language you want
  • Save your choice

16. What is AliExpress Choice?

AliExpress Choice is a special service that gives you:

  • Faster delivery times
  • Products that have been checked for quality
  • Free shipping on some items
  • Easier return process
  • Better customer help

17. Is AliExpress the same thing as Alibaba?

No, they are different websites:

  • AliExpress is for regular people buying small amounts
  • Alibaba is for businesses buying large quantities
  • AliExpress has set prices
  • Alibaba lets you negotiate prices
  • AliExpress sells ready-made products
  • Alibaba offers products you can customize
AliExpress Sale Dates

25 Ways to Save Money When Shopping on AliExpress

1. How to find sellers you can trust on AliExpress

Finding good sellers will help you avoid problems later. Here's what to look for:

  • Choose sellers with ratings above 95%. Here's a simple trick: take away the 9 from their rating percentage. What's left is their score out of 10 (so 97% equals 7 out of 10).
  • Pick stores that have been open for at least one year, but two years is better. Bad sellers usually close their stores when too many people complain.
  • After you search for products, sort results by “number of orders” instead of price. This shows you which sellers are popular and trusted.
  • Read the 1, 2, and 3-star reviews carefully. These reviews tell you if the seller uses fake tracking numbers, sends broken items, or ignores customer messages.
  • Look for sellers with a yellow “Choice” label. These sellers make returns easier and AliExpress will help you if problems happen.

2. Using reviews and photos to avoid buying bad products

Reviews with photos are very valuable when shopping on AliExpress. They show you what products really look like:

  • Focus on reviews that have clear photos of the actual product. This helps you see if items match the seller's professional photos.
  • Pay more attention to 1, 2, and 3-star reviews than 5-star ones. The negative reviews often tell you the truth about product quality and seller service.
  • Look for reviews from buyers in your country. They can tell you about shipping times and customs problems specific to where you live.
  • Check the total number of reviews. More reviews usually means the product and seller are more reliable.
  • Read reviews that mention both good and bad points. These balanced reviews often give you the most honest information about what you're buying.

3. How to recognize fake brand-name products

Spotting fake products on AliExpress requires careful attention:

  • Check the price: If a luxury brand item costs much less than normal (like a “$30 Gucci bag”), it's almost certainly fake.
  • Look at photo details closely: Watch for wrong logos, poor stitching, misspelled brand names, or strange packaging.
  • Read the product description carefully: Words like “inspired by,” “same quality as,” or “AAA grade” often mean the item is a copy.
  • Compare with official websites: Look up the real product online and compare colors, patterns, and details with what's shown on AliExpress.
  • Ask the seller directly: Send them a message asking if the product is authentic. Their answer (or no answer) can tell you a lot.

4. Finding stores that offer buyer protection

Buyer protection is like insurance when you shop on AliExpress:

  • Look for the yellow “Choice” badge on product listings. These sellers offer simple returns and AliExpress handles refund disputes directly.
  • All AliExpress purchases come with 60 days of buyer protection (90 days for Russia, 120 days for Brazil).
  • Check product pages for “Free Return” labels. This means you can return items within 15 days after delivery without paying shipping costs.
  • Some product types like toys, small electronics, and home decorations usually qualify for free returns, but expensive items like phones might not.
  • Buyer protection covers two main problems: items not arriving on time and products not matching their description.

5. Understanding AliExpress coins and how they save you money

AliExpress coins work like a reward system that helps you save money on purchases:

  • Each coin is worth about $0.01, so 100 coins equals roughly $1 in savings.
  • You can earn coins by checking in daily on the app, playing mini-games, completing tasks, and making purchases.
  • Use coins to get direct discounts when you pay for certain products. For example, 500 coins can get you a $5 discount.
  • The more coins you collect, the bigger discounts you can get:
    • 200 coins = $2 off
    • 500 coins = $5 off
    • 700 coins = $7 off
  • Coins work mainly in the phone app, not on the computer website. Check your coin balance under the “Coins” section at the top of the app.

6. How to use search filters to find free shipping deals

Finding free shipping on AliExpress can save you money. Here's how to filter for it:

  • On the computer website, AliExpress sometimes hides the free shipping filter. You can add “&isFreeShip=y” to the end of your search web address to show only items with free shipping.
  • When using the phone app, tap on the “Filter” button after searching for an item. Then scroll down to find and turn on the “Free Shipping” option.
  • Free shipping options may be different for different countries. If you don't see the filter, try changing your “Ship to” country in your settings.
  • Remember that “free shipping” often means the shipping cost is included in the product price. Compare total costs (item price plus shipping) to find the best deal.
  • The free shipping option usually uses the slowest delivery method. For faster delivery, you might need to pay for AliExpress Standard Shipping.

7. How to check price history so you don't pay too much

AliExpress prices change often, so checking price history helps you avoid paying too much:

  • Tools like price trackers let you see a chart of a product's price history.
  • These tools work by saving past prices of items you want to track, showing you if current “sale” prices are actually good deals.
  • Many items have fake countdown timers for “Super Deals” to make you feel rushed, so price history tools help you see through these tricks.
  • If you buy an item and the price drops within 15 days, you can sometimes ask for a refund of the difference on Choice items by messaging customer service.
  • Some users report getting coupons worth even more than the price difference when they ask for a price adjustment.

8. Using your wishlist to track price drops

Your wishlist is more than just a shopping list – it's a powerful tool for tracking prices:

  • Add items to your wishlist and check them regularly to spot price drops without having to search for them again.
  • The app will sometimes notify you when wishlist items go on sale or drop in price.
  • Many sellers notice when their items are added to wishlists and might send you direct coupon codes to encourage you to buy.
  • By keeping items in your wishlist for a few days before purchasing, you may receive special offers from stores through AliExpress messages.
  • During big sales events, quickly check your wishlist to see which saved items have the best discounts without having to search the entire website.

9. Why shopping on the AliExpress phone app is better

The AliExpress phone app offers several advantages over the computer website:

  • App-only discounts and coupons that aren't available when shopping on the computer.
  • Daily coin rewards just for opening the app and checking in, which you can later exchange for discounts.
  • Access to fun mini-games that reward you with coupons, coins, and additional discounts.
  • The app typically loads faster and has a smoother purchasing process than the website.
  • Push notifications about flash sales and price drops on your wishlist items help you catch the best deals.

10. Combining multiple discounts for bigger savings

Using multiple discounts on AliExpress at the same time can lead to huge savings:

  • You can use up to three types of coupons in one purchase: AliExpress coupons, Selection coupons, and Seller coupons.
  • Collect and use coins for additional discounts when you pay. These can often be combined with other promotion types.
  • Look for store discounts (like “Buy 2 and Save 5%”) and combine them with coupon codes.
  • During major sales events, you can sometimes use boost coupons where you get bigger discounts (like $40 off $140) by inviting friends.
  • Group your purchases from the same seller to reach minimum spending amounts for bigger coupons and discounts.

11. Finding hidden products with smart search techniques

AliExpress has millions of products, but the best ones are often buried deep in search results. Here's how to find them:

  • Search using different words instead of common terms. Many sellers use translated words that might be different from what we normally search for. Try using different words that mean the same thing.
  • Use the price filter to narrow down results. Set a lowest and highest price range to avoid seeing too many items you don't want.
  • On the phone app, use the “Sort by orders” option to see popular products that real people have actually bought.
  • Try the “Ship from” filter to find items that come from warehouses close to you for faster delivery.
  • Look beyond the first few pages of results. Many unique products are hidden on page 10, 20, or even page 37 of search results.

12. Tips to avoid scams and poor-quality products

Nobody wants to waste money on scams or junk products. Here's how to shop safely:

  • Check how many orders a product has. Products with zero orders are risky, while those with many orders are usually legitimate.
  • Read the negative reviews specifically. These show real problems other buyers had with the product.
  • Look at how long the store has been open. Shops that have been around for 2 or more years are generally more reliable than new ones.
  • Avoid listings with blurry product images or those that look copied from other websites.
  • Trust your feelings. If something seems too good to be true (like a “$15 AirPods”), it probably is.

13. Getting great deals during flash sales

Flash sales on AliExpress can offer amazing discounts if you know how to use them:

  • Add items to your wishlist or shopping cart before the sale starts so you can quickly check which ones get discounted.
  • Flash sales happen at specific times each day. The main ones typically start at midnight Pacific Time, but there are smaller ones throughout the day.
  • The phone app will send you notifications about flash sales if you turn them on in settings.
  • Many flash deals have limited quantities, so be ready to buy as soon as the sale begins.
  • During big shopping events like November 11th or March 28th, flash sales offer even deeper discounts than usual.

14. How writing reviews can get you free items

Reviewing products can actually earn you rewards and free stuff:

  • You can earn AliExpress coins by leaving detailed reviews with photos. These coins can be exchanged for discounts on future purchases.
  • Some sellers offer partial refunds or small coupons when you leave positive reviews with photos.
  • Check out the “free stuff” section where you can get items for just the cost of shipping in exchange for reviewing them later.
  • Higher quality reviews (with measurements, detailed descriptions, and clear photos) are more likely to get seller attention and rewards.

15. Using image search to find exactly what you want

Image search is a very useful feature when shopping on AliExpress:

  • If you saw something you like online but don't know what it's called, use the image search feature to find similar items on AliExpress.
  • You can use tools like SearchByImage.com to search AliExpress with images. Just upload a photo, and it will find similar products.
  • This works great for finding cheaper alternatives to expensive brand-name products you've seen elsewhere.
  • The image search feature works on both the phone app and computer website, though some users say it's easier to use on the app.
  • Always check the reviews and seller ratings before purchasing, as some similar-looking items may differ in quality.

16. How to save money with bulk orders from one seller

Buying multiple items from the same seller can help you save big money on AliExpress:

  • Many sellers offer automatic discounts when you buy multiple items, like “Buy 2 and Save 5%” or “Buy 3 and Save 10%”.
  • Look for bulk discount information listed on the product page, usually shown as a small chart with quantity ranges and price breaks.
  • Shipping becomes more cost-effective when you order multiple items from one seller because they can package everything together.
  • Some sellers might not advertise bulk discounts, but you can always message them to ask if they offer special pricing for larger orders.
  • Watch out for shipping costs though. Some sellers start charging for shipping as you increase your order size.

17. How to get faster shipping with local warehouses

Local warehouses can cut your waiting time by weeks:

  • Look for “Ships from” options when browsing items. Choose your country or a nearby one for much faster delivery.
  • There are two main types of “local shipping” on AliExpress:
    • True local warehouses: Items already stored in your country
    • Consolidated shipping: Items sent in bulk to your country before being separated
  • True local warehouse shipping can be surprisingly fast. Some customers report getting their orders in just 3-4 days.
  • Filter search results by “Ship from” location using the filters after searching for an item.
  • Local warehouse items might cost slightly more, but the faster shipping is often worth it when you need something quickly.

18. Earning discounts through the referral program

The AliExpress referral program lets you earn money while helping friends save:

  • When friends use your invite code for their first purchase, you get a $5 off $10 coupon (sometimes $6 off $10 for the first few invites).
  • After becoming a gold member, you can start sharing your referral code with friends.
  • For every 5 new people you invite who make purchases, you can earn $25 in coupons.
  • To find your invite code, go to your account page and look for the “Invite Friends” section.
  • You can share your invite code through messages, email, or social media. Just be careful not to spam people.

19. Tracking your orders without any hassle

Never lose track of your packages with these tracking tips:

  • AliExpress's built-in tracking isn't great, so try other tracking websites like Postal.Ninja, ParcelsApp, or 17track for better results.
  • The tracking number should be available in your “Orders” section after the seller ships your item.
  • For cheap shipping, tracking might stop once the package enters your country.
  • Set up email or app notifications on tracking sites to get updates about your package without constantly checking.
  • If your tracking seems stuck, don't panic. International shipping can have long periods with no updates, especially when passing through customs.

20. Why adding items to your cart early can save you money

Adding items to your shopping cart a few days before buying can unlock special discounts:

  • Sellers get notified when you add products to your cart but don't buy right away.
  • If you wait 2-3 days with items in your cart, sellers often send you special coupons to encourage you to complete the purchase.
  • These personalized coupons can be $2 off $2 or $3 off $3, which means nearly free items.
  • Look for messages saying “Here is a coupon for items in your cart” in your AliExpress inbox.
  • This trick works best during non-sale periods when sellers are more eager to make sales.

21. Exploring the ‘Great Deals' section for bargains

The Great Value Deals section on AliExpress is a goldmine for bargain hunters:

  • You can find this section by going to the AliExpress homepage, clicking on “Super Deals” and then going to the “Weekly Deals” page.
  • This section features products with huge discounts, often clearing stock or seasonal items at deeply reduced prices.
  • Unlike regular discounts, many of these deals are time-limited, showing countdown timers that create urgency but also offer real savings.
  • According to some users, checking the Great Deals section early in the morning (around 9am Central European Time) can help you catch the best deals before they sell out.
  • Some sellers put items at super low prices in these sections just to boost their ranking. This means you can sometimes find amazing bargains.

22. Trading coins for store coupons for easy savings

AliExpress coins can be traded for store coupons to save even more money:

  • Many people think coins are useless, but they actually give real discounts when used correctly.
  • The coin system works best through the phone app, not the computer website. Open your app and look for the “coins” section.
  • Try using the “discount finder” feature to see items in your cart that qualify for coin discounts. This is a quick way to find which of your items can be purchased using coins.
  • When you check your payment details after purchase, most of the discount shows up as an “AliExpress coupon,” with a small part listed as coins.
  • The system is designed to make you scroll through lots of products (like a digital mall), but stay focused and only buy what you need while enjoying the discounts.

23. Following stores for exclusive discounts and updates

Following your favorite AliExpress stores can lead to special perks:

  • Some stores give you $1 off $1 or $2 off $2 coupons just for following them. You can follow, get the coupon, then unfollow if you want.
  • Followed stores will send you messages about new products and exclusive sales before other shoppers see them.
  • If you follow a store that has items in your cart, they're more likely to send you special offers to complete your purchase.
  • Many stores launch “followers-only” flash sales that offer deeper discounts than their public sales.
  • The AliExpress app makes it easy to manage which stores you follow. Just tap the “follow” button on the store's page.

24. Spotting trending products by checking order numbers

Order counts are a quick way to identify what's popular on AliExpress:

  • After searching for products, click the “Sort by orders” option to see which items have been purchased the most.
  • Products with high order counts are typically trustworthy. If hundreds or thousands of people have bought something, it's likely legitimate.
  • Sorting by orders shows you which items “got the highest recognition from customers” and are frequently bought.
  • The most popular items often have detailed reviews with photos, giving you a better idea of what you'll receive.
  • Trending products can be found by looking at the “Orders” filter. This shows items that are popular among buyers and likely trending.

25. How to find and use hidden links for exclusive products

Hidden links are a secret way to access products not shown in regular AliExpress searches:

  • Sellers use “hidden links” to sell items that normally wouldn't be allowed on AliExpress (like replica products).
  • The process works like this: sellers show images of products on external websites (like Yupoo) along with a code and link to AliExpress.
  • When you click the link, you'll see a generic product on AliExpress with a code matching the one from the external website.
  • Important rule: never mention brand names when messaging the seller or leaving feedback, and don't upload images in your reviews. This keeps everything “under the radar”.
  • You can find hidden link sites through Google or join Facebook and Telegram groups dedicated to sharing these links.