AliExpress
Direct from manufacturers and sellers, mostly in China
How to save at AliExpress
AliExpress prices are low to begin with; the savings tools are about stacking, and the risks are about delivery time and seller quality rather than price.
Coupons come in three kinds. AliExpress coupons, issued by the platform and usable on most listings, usually with a minimum spend; seller coupons, offered by an individual store for its own items; and select coupons, which apply to a set of participating sellers. They are collected on the listing or the coupon centre and applied at checkout, where you choose which to use. One AliExpress coupon and one seller coupon can generally be applied to the same order.
Coins. Checking in daily earns coins that convert to small discounts or coupon exchanges in the app. It is slow, but on a large order the coin discount is real.
Sale events. 11.11 (Singles' Day), the March Anniversary Sale, and the summer sale are when platform coupons are most generous and most listings discount at once. Prices are often raised in the days before an event, so a screenshot of the earlier price is useful.
Two things to check before the price. Delivery estimate and origin: "Ships from" a US warehouse can mean days rather than weeks. And the seller's rating, feedback count and how long the store has been open. AliExpress Buyer Protection covers items not received or not as described, but a dispute takes time.
AliExpress questions
- How do I use an AliExpress coupon code?
Collect the coupon on the listing or in the coupon centre, then select it at checkout under "Coupons". Codes typed in the promo box are mostly store codes and only apply to that seller's items.
- Can I stack AliExpress coupons?
Usually one AliExpress platform coupon plus one seller coupon per order, and coins on top. The checkout page shows what has applied.
- How long does AliExpress delivery take?
Anything from a few days for items shipped from a US warehouse to several weeks from China. The estimate is on the listing under the shipping options; choose the origin that suits you.
- Will I pay import duty on AliExpress orders?
Possibly, depending on your country's threshold and the item's value. Duty, if any, is charged on arrival and is not included in the AliExpress price.
About AliExpress
AliExpress lists products from a large number of independent sellers. Prices are low but delivery times are long, and buyer protection depends on the seller's dispatch and the platform's dispute process. Check import duties for your country before ordering.