Shopping on AliExpress can be a great way to save on unique items and grab some amazing deals. After years of browsing, testing, and sometimes even returning items, I’ve learned quite a few tricks to make the most of every purchase. Here are my best tips and life hacks to make your experience on AliExpress more enjoyable!
AliExpress Shopping Tips
1. Pay in Dollars to Avoid Double Conversion
When paying in a currency different from your own, some banks or payment processors charge an additional conversion fee. To avoid this, pay in dollars, which is the default currency on AliExpress. This can save you from costly double conversion fees, making your purchases cheaper.
2. Search in English for Accurate Results
Most listings on AliExpress are written in English, so searching in English can yield more accurate and extensive results. Translating product names may limit your options, so stick to English for a better search experience.
3. Use Promo Codes for Additional Discounts
Promo codes are AliExpress’s secret to huge savings! You can find them during sales events like the “Day of Choice” or “Big Sales.” The larger your order, the more you can save with these codes. You can find promo codes on the AliExpress website, in the app, or through social media channels.
I often get a few dollars off even smaller items this way, and during big sales, the discounts can be even greater.
Tip: Collect coupons well in advance for major events like 11.11 or other seasonal sales to stack discounts!
AliExpress Promo Code and Coupons by Month
4. Earn Coins by Playing Games and Making Purchases
AliExpress Coins are a reward currency that can be earned by playing games or through daily check-ins on the app. You can exchange coins for discounts on products, which adds up over time. Playing games on the app is a fun way to earn coins and lower the cost of your orders.
5. Add Items to Your Wishlist for Sales Alerts | AliExpress Shopping Tips
If you’re eyeing a product but don’t want to buy it right away, add it to your wishlist. This lets you track the item and receive notifications if its price drops during sales events. You can also use the wishlist to organize potential purchases and quickly check for discounts.
6. Find Sellers with High Ratings and Read Reviews
To ensure product quality and reliability, look for sellers with ratings above 95%. Customer reviews are another great resource, especially if they include real photos of the product. These photos give you an honest preview of what you’re getting compared to the official product images.
7. Check Product Recommendations for Better Deals
When browsing a product page, scroll down for additional recommendations. AliExpress shows similar items from the same store and other sellers, which can help you find similar or even identical products at a lower price, often with free shipping and better reviews.
8. Engage with Sellers for Price Adjustments
If you’re considering a pricier item (like something over $10), message the seller to discuss discounts. Some sellers are open to negotiation, especially if you mention finding a cheaper price elsewhere. I once managed to buy shoes listed at $29 for $24 this way! Bargaining with the seller can lead to extra savings.
9. Check for Local Delivery Options
When possible, select items with local delivery or shipping from a warehouse in your country. This can save you from customs fees and significantly speed up delivery. Look for the “local delivery” label in the listing to avoid unexpected taxes or delays.
10. Confirm Shipping Details and Total Cost
Before you finalize a purchase, check the product’s country of origin, shipping cost, and total price, as some items may have extra charges for international shipping or tax. Remember that the price shown may not include taxes, so double-check to avoid surprises.
11. Use “Buy Now, Pay Later” (If Available)
For some countries, AliExpress offers a “Buy Now, Pay Later” option. This feature allows you to defer payment if you need a little extra time before making a full purchase. Check if your country supports this for additional flexibility with payments.
12. Get Discounts for Bulk Purchases
If you’re buying multiple units of the same product, you can often get a discount. Sellers may reduce the price when you order in bulk, so it’s worth reaching out to them to see if you can get a better deal.
13. Communicate with the Seller if Problems Arise
If your item hasn’t arrived and the buyer protection period is running out, message the seller instead of immediately opening a dispute. They may be able to extend your protection period, and if issues persist, you can request a refund or a replacement. I’ve found that communicating first smooths the refund process and often results in a faster solution.
14. Use Medical Products, Cosmetics, and Food Products with Caution!
While AliExpress offers a wide range of products, it’s wise to approach certain items cautiously. For medical products, cosmetics, and food items, check the quality, expiration dates, and certifications carefully. Stick to highly-rated sellers and read reviews closely. Additionally, consult local regulations on importing health-related products, as they may differ in safety standards or ingredients.
15. Pay Attention to Sizing, Especially for Clothing
Sizing can be tricky, especially for clothing, as it often varies between sellers. It’s essential to check the sizing chart in the product description and read reviews to see if the item runs small or large. I’ve had to size up or down depending on the item, but following this rule means fewer returns.
Tip: Measure yourself and refer to the sizing chart each time you buy – don’t rely on previous orders alone, as sizing varies widely.
16. Shop in the App for Extra Discounts
The AliExpress app sometimes offers app-only discounts or special promotions. Plus, you can collect points for daily check-ins, games, and other activities, which can be exchanged for coupons. Shopping through the app can lead to lower prices than the website for the same items.
17. Keep an Eye Out for SuperDeals, Bundle Deals, and Choice Day Offers
These deals used to be reserved for big events like 11.11, Black Friday, and summer sales, but now you can find them frequently on AliExpress. SuperDeals, Bundle Deals, and Choice Day promotions feature a limited selection of products at heavily discounted prices for a short time. These discounts are often quite substantial, though it’s still a good idea to check price histories or compare with similar items to ensure you’re getting the best possible deal.
18. Track Your Packages with AliExpress’ In-App Tracker
AliExpress offers an in-app tracker that’s very useful for monitoring your shipments. This feature keeps all your tracking numbers in one place and updates them in real-time. It’s helped me stay on top of delivery times, which can vary, especially during holidays or large sales.
19. Use Search Filters to Refine Your Results
AliExpress offers robust search filters to help you quickly find exactly what you need. You can filter by price range, delivery options, shipping origin, and customer ratings to customize your results. Using these filters not only saves time but also ensures you find items that match your budget and preferences.
20. Use Image Search to Find Exactly What You Need
If typing the product name isn’t yielding results, try AliExpress’s image search feature. On a computer, simply upload a photo, and the platform will match it with similar items, making it easier to locate unique or hard-to-name products. In the AliExpress app, you can also point your phone’s camera at an item to search for visually similar listings instantly. This feature is especially handy for finding products with uncommon names or specific designs.
20. Set a Budget Before You Shop
Establishing a budget beforehand helps you stay on track and avoid impulse purchases. With so many tempting options on AliExpress, having a spending limit can keep your shopping focused and help you make more thoughtful buying decisions.
21. Take Advantage of Sales Events
AliExpress frequently holds seasonal, holiday-themed, and major sales events. To maximize savings, keep an eye on the Sales Calendar to plan your purchases around these events. This is a great way to find high discounts on a wide range of items.
22. Write Detailed Reviews for Future Benefits
After receiving your product, leave an honest review with photos, shipping time, and quality feedback. Not only does this help other buyers, but it could also increase your chances of winning freebies from the platform. While I haven’t won any yet, detailed reviews have helped me feel more confident in my purchases.
Don’t leave a review until you try the item.
Bonus Tip:
Explore AliExpress’s “New User” promotions for additional discounts and benefits.
AliExpress shopping can be rewarding, especially when you know how to navigate the platform and utilize its features to your advantage. These life hacks have helped me get high-quality items at great prices, and I hope they help you find fantastic deals too!
What tips do you have for shopping on AliExpress? Please share your experiences.
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