AliExpress tracking

What is AliExpress?

AliExpress is an online marketplace founded in 2010 by Alibaba Group, the Chinese e-commerce giant created by Jack Ma. Unlike Alibaba, which caters to businesses in a B2B model, AliExpress was designed from the start to allow consumers worldwide to buy directly from Chinese manufacturers and sellers, primarily small and medium-sized businesses. This marketplace has quickly become one of the go-to destinations for shoppers seeking a wide variety of products at competitive prices.

The history of AliExpress is closely tied to that of its founder, Jack Ma, a visionary entrepreneur who transformed the global e-commerce landscape. Born in 1964 in Hangzhou, Ma Yun (his Chinese name) discovered the potential of the internet during a trip to the United States in the 1990s. In 1999, he founded Alibaba with 17 partners in his Hangzhou apartment, initially creating a business-to-business platform. Alibaba's meteoric success naturally led to the creation of AliExpress in 2010, opening up the market to individual consumers worldwide.

• Founded: 2010, when the platform officially launched for international consumers
• Parent company: Alibaba Group Holding Limited, a Chinese technology conglomerate founded in 1999
• Founder: Jack Ma (Ma Yun), Chinese entrepreneur and iconic figure in global e-commerce
• Headquarters: Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
• Monthly active users: Over 400 million users worldwide
• App downloads: Over 600 million downloads across mobile platforms

AliExpress's market positioning is based on a unique business model that directly connects sellers, mostly based in China, with buyers around the world. The platform offers an impressive catalog of over 100 million products across extremely diverse categories: fashion and accessories, consumer electronics, phones and accessories, home goods, beauty and health, toys, sports equipment, and much more. This diversity makes AliExpress a preferred destination for consumers looking for great deals and unique products.

The platform also stands out for its buyer protection system, an essential trust mechanism for international transactions. This system holds payment until the buyer confirms receipt, providing a safeguard against unscrupulous sellers. AliExpress has built a complete ecosystem integrating secure payment, detailed order tracking, and mediation services in case of disputes, contributing to its reputation as a reliable marketplace for cross-border purchases.

Which countries does AliExpress deliver to?

AliExpress benefits from remarkably extensive geographic coverage, delivering to over 200 countries and territories worldwide. This international presence makes the platform one of the major players in cross-border e-commerce, allowing consumers from all corners of the globe to access a diverse product catalog at competitive prices. AliExpress's international development strategy has particularly focused on Europe, Russia, Brazil, and Latin America, where the platform has successfully built a loyal customer base.

In Europe, AliExpress has significantly strengthened its presence in recent years. France and Spain are among the most important markets for the platform, each representing approximately 7% of monthly active users. To meet European consumers' expectations regarding delivery times, AliExpress has developed a network of local warehouses in several countries, including Spain, Poland, Belgium, Germany, Italy, and the Czech Republic.

• Western Europe: France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, Portugal with local warehouses for faster deliveries
• Eastern Europe: Poland, Czech Republic, Romania, Hungary, and other countries in the region with a strong presence
• Russia and CIS: Russia historically represents one of the largest AliExpress markets, with millions of active users
• North America: United States and Canada, although competition with Amazon is more intense there
• Latin America: Brazil (the world's leading market with nearly 13% of users), Mexico, Argentina, Chile, and Colombia
• Asia-Pacific: South Korea, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asian countries
• Middle East and Africa: United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Israel, South Africa, and other emerging markets

AliExpress's strategy for improving customer experience in each region involves local adaptation of its services. The platform offers localized versions of its site in many languages, with currencies and payment methods tailored to each market. Customers can browse a site in their language, pay in their local currency, and benefit from adapted customer service. This localization also extends to delivery methods, with specific partnerships depending on the country.

For destinations where AliExpress does not deliver directly or for customers wishing to benefit from additional services, parcel forwarding companies offer alternative solutions. These services allow buyers to receive their packages at an intermediary warehouse before forwarding to their final address, thus extending the platform's effective reach beyond its official coverage.

Which carriers does AliExpress use?

AliExpress relies on a complex logistics ecosystem involving numerous carriers and partners to transport packages from sellers, mostly located in China, to buyers around the world. The platform does not have its own international delivery fleet but coordinates shipping through a network of carriers selected based on destination, product type, and chosen service level. This organization allows for different shipping options tailored to each buyer's needs and budget.

At the heart of this logistics system is Cainiao, Alibaba Group's logistics arm created in 2013. Cainiao does not directly transport packages but acts as a technology platform coordinating the entire supply chain. This entity manages tracking data integration between different carriers, optimizes shipping routes, and oversees international sorting centers. Thanks to Cainiao, AliExpress can offer unified order tracking even when multiple carriers are involved successively.

• AliExpress Standard Shipping: The most common shipping method, operated through Cainiao in collaboration with national postal services. Packages are typically delivered by the local postal service, with delivery times of 15 to 45 days depending on destination
• China Post: The Chinese national postal service remains widely used for economical shipments. China Post offers various options including standard airmail and faster EMS service
• ePacket: An economical shipping service designed for small packages, resulting from a partnership between China Post and postal services in certain countries. A good compromise between cost and speed for lightweight items
• DHL Express: International express carrier offered for urgent deliveries. Reduced delivery times of just a few days but higher costs, potentially reaching 60 euros or more depending on weight and destination
• FedEx: Express alternative for fast shipments, particularly used for North America and Europe. Detailed tracking and reliable delivery times
• UPS: Global express carrier offered for certain destinations, particularly North America. High reliability and real-time tracking
• EMS: International express postal service. Delivery times of approximately one week with good value for money
• Yanwen: Chinese carrier specializing in international shipments, often used for medium-sized packages
• 4PX: Logistics provider offering shipping solutions from China with intermediate delivery times

The typical journey of an AliExpress package involves several successive carriers. The seller hands the package to an origin carrier in China, usually China Post or a Cainiao partner. The package then passes through sorting centers before being transported by air to the destination country. Upon arrival, it is handled by the national postal service or a local carrier for final delivery. This transfer between carriers may sometimes generate a new local tracking number.

The choice of carrier is generally offered by the seller at the time of ordering. Some sellers offer only one shipping option, while others allow buyers to choose between several methods with different rates and delivery times. Products shipped from European warehouses benefit from simplified logistics with local carriers such as Correos in Spain, Poczta Polska in Poland, or national courier services.

What are AliExpress delivery times?

Delivery times on AliExpress vary considerably depending on several factors: the shipping method chosen, the location of the origin warehouse, the final destination, and potential logistical issues such as peak activity periods or customs formalities. Delivery times can range from just a few days for products shipped from local warehouses to several weeks for economical shipments from China.

The platform has significantly improved its logistics performance in recent years, particularly through the development of local warehouses in Europe and the AliExpress Choice program. Where average delivery times once commonly reached 30 to 60 days, many orders now arrive in less than two weeks. This evolution responds to the growing expectations of European consumers accustomed to fast deliveries offered by local competitors.

• Delivery from European warehouses: 3 to 10 business days. Products stored in AliExpress warehouses in Spain, Poland, or Belgium arrive quickly without customs clearance
• AliExpress Choice program: Guaranteed delivery in 9 to 15 days maximum for orders over 10 euros. A 1 euro discount voucher is offered in case of delay
• AliExpress Standard Shipping: 15 to 45 days on average from China. This timeframe includes seller processing, international transport, and local delivery
• China Post Air Mail: Generally 15 to 34 days. Reliable economical option but without speed guarantee
• EMS Express: Approximately 7 to 15 days. Express postal service offering a good compromise between speed and cost
• DHL, FedEx, UPS: 3 to 7 business days. Premium express services with reliable delivery times but high rates

Several factors can influence actual delivery times beyond the displayed estimates. Seller processing time is the first variable: some ship within 24 hours while others may take up to a week to prepare the order. Peak activity periods such as Chinese New Year, Singles Day, or year-end holidays significantly extend delivery times due to the influx of orders and holidays for sellers and carriers.

Customs clearance represents another source of delivery time variation. For orders shipped from China, customs clearance generally takes between 2 and 7 business days depending on the destination country. This timeframe may be extended in case of thorough inspection or if additional documents are required. Shipments from local or regional warehouses often avoid this step since products have already been cleared upon entry into the zone.

To optimize delivery times, it is advisable to prioritize products displaying the AliExpress Choice badge or those shipped from local warehouses. Well-rated sellers with many positive reviews are generally more reliable in terms of shipping speed. Finally, reading customer reviews specifically mentioning delivery times to your country provides a realistic idea of the expected wait time.

What are AliExpress shipping costs?

AliExpress's shipping pricing policy is characterized by a wide variety of options, ranging from free shipping offered by many sellers to higher fees for express services. Shipping costs depend on several parameters: the weight and dimensions of the product, the destination, the selected shipping method, and the seller's commercial policies. This flexibility allows each buyer to find the balance that suits them between budget and speed.

Free shipping is one of the major attractions of AliExpress for consumers. Many sellers offer this option with no minimum purchase, absorbing shipping costs into their profit margin. This commercial strategy generally applies to the most economical standard shipping method, with longer delivery times. For lightweight and small items, free shipping via China Post or AliExpress Standard Shipping is almost systematically offered.

• Free standard shipping: Offered by the majority of sellers for lightweight items. Delivery times of 15 to 45 days, sometimes more
• AliExpress Choice (from 10 euros): Free shipping guaranteed within 9-15 days for orders exceeding the 10 euro threshold for Choice items
• Shipping from European warehouses: Often free or low cost, with reduced delivery times and no customs fees
• EMS Express: Generally between 5 and 20 euros depending on weight and destination. Good compromise for faster delivery
• DHL Express: Starting from 20 euros and potentially exceeding 60 euros for heavier packages. Premium service with fast delivery
• FedEx and UPS: Rates similar to DHL, varying by weight, dimensions, and exact destination

Beyond the displayed shipping fees, buyers must consider potential customs duties and import taxes. In the European Union, for orders under 150 euros, AliExpress collects VAT at checkout through the IOSS system, thus simplifying customs clearance upon arrival. The applicable VAT according to the country is therefore already included in the displayed final price. However, for orders exceeding 150 euros, VAT is not collected by AliExpress and will need to be paid to the carrier upon delivery, in addition to any customs duties. Rules vary by country: it is advisable to check the thresholds and taxes applicable in your country of residence.

Handling fees charged by carriers for customs clearance are an additional cost to anticipate. National postal services and express carriers may apply variable processing fees, generally between 5 and 25 euros depending on the carrier and country. These fees correspond to the carrier's compensation for advancing taxes on your behalf and handling customs formalities.

To minimize shipping costs, several strategies are available to buyers. Prioritizing products shipped from European warehouses avoids customs fees and provides local shipping rates. Combining purchases from the same seller may provide access to reduced combined shipping fees. Finally, monitoring flash sales and promotions sometimes offers deals including free express shipping.

What are the AliExpress delivery options?

AliExpress offers several package reception methods to adapt to each buyer's preferences and constraints. While home delivery remains the standard option, the platform has developed alternatives allowing customers to collect their orders more flexibly. These options vary depending on the countries and carriers involved in shipping.

Home delivery is the most common reception method for AliExpress orders. The package is delivered directly to the address provided during ordering and handed to the recipient or deposited in the mailbox depending on the package size and local carrier practices. For bulky shipments or those requiring a signature, the delivery person attempts in-person delivery. In case of absence, a notice is generally left indicating pickup or re-delivery arrangements.

• Standard home delivery: The package is delivered to the provided postal address. Small parcels are often deposited directly in the mailbox
• Signature delivery: For express or valuable shipments, signature upon receipt ensures delivery traceability
• Post office deposit: In case of absence or for packages that are too bulky, the parcel is made available at the local post office
• Pickup points: Depending on the final carrier, delivery to Pickup points, Mondial Relay, or partner networks may be offered
• Automated lockers: In certain areas, packages can be deposited in automated lockers accessible with a code

Order tracking plays a central role in the AliExpress delivery experience. As soon as the seller ships, a tracking number is provided to the buyer. This number allows tracking the package journey step by step, from departure from the origin warehouse to final delivery. Tracking updates appear directly in the AliExpress app and on the website, in the My Orders section. Tracking can also be checked on the relevant carrier's website.

AliExpress offers a notification system to keep buyers informed of their order progress. Alerts can be received by email or push notification on the mobile app during key stages: shipping confirmation, arrival in destination country, out for delivery, delivered. These notifications help anticipate receipt and be present during delivery if necessary.

Shipment consolidation represents an interesting option for buyers placing multiple orders simultaneously. When several items come from the same logistics platform within a short period, AliExpress may combine these products into a single package for international transport. This consolidation reduces the number of parcels to receive, simplifies customs clearance with a single declaration, and can reduce overall shipping costs.

What should I do if my AliExpress order is lost or damaged?

Despite efforts by AliExpress and its partner carriers, packages may sometimes be lost, arrive damaged, or contain items that do not match the order. The platform has implemented a buyer protection system and claims procedures to obtain a refund or reshipment in these situations. Understanding these procedures and applicable deadlines is essential for asserting your rights in case of problems.

The AliExpress buyer protection system is the primary guarantee against delivery problems. This mechanism holds the seller's payment until the buyer confirms satisfactory receipt of their order. If the package does not arrive within the indicated timeframe or has an issue, the buyer can open a dispute to request a refund. This protection generally extends for 60 to 90 days after purchase depending on the products.

• Package not received: If your order does not arrive within the protection period, you can open a dispute for a full refund. AliExpress refunds 100% of the amount for packages not delivered within 30 days through the Choice program
• Damaged product: Document the damage with clear photos upon receipt and open a dispute attaching this evidence. A partial or full refund can be obtained
• Non-conforming item: If the product received differs from the description (wrong color, size, model), a dispute allows requesting a refund or reshipment
• Defective product: For items with manufacturing defects, photos and videos as evidence help justify a claim

The dispute opening procedure on AliExpress follows a standardized process. Log into your account and access the My Orders section. Select the relevant order and click Open Dispute. You will then need to specify the reason for your claim, describe the problem encountered, and attach photographic or video evidence if relevant. The seller then has a deadline to respond and propose a solution. If no agreement is reached, AliExpress intervenes as a mediator to resolve the dispute.

Deadlines are important to preserve your rights. You can open a dispute within 15 days of actual package delivery or within 15 days of the protection period expiration if the package never arrived. Once the dispute is accepted by AliExpress, the refund generally occurs within 15 to 30 days, credited to the payment method used for the order.

For product returns, the AliExpress Choice program offers particularly advantageous conditions. Buyers benefit from free returns up to 90 days after purchase or 15 days after receipt, without having to justify their decision. Up to five free returns per month are allowed. Packages can be dropped off at local return points, avoiding the complications of international returns. Once the return is accepted, you have 15 days to drop off the package at the indicated collection point.

Before initiating a formal dispute procedure, it may be wise to contact the seller directly. Many sellers prefer to resolve issues amicably to preserve their reputation on the platform. A courteous message explaining the problem accompanied by photographic evidence can result in a partial refund, product reshipment, or commercial gesture without having to go through the AliExpress dispute system.

How do I contact AliExpress?

AliExpress provides several communication channels to address user questions and concerns. Whether for pre-purchase information requests, order tracking, or problem resolution, different options allow you to contact the platform's customer service. Choosing the most appropriate channel depends on the nature of the request and the urgency of the situation.

Online chat is the fastest and most effective way to get help on AliExpress. Available 24 hours a day, this service offers responsive assistance accessible from the Help section of the website or mobile app. The conversation usually begins with Eva, AliExpress's automated virtual assistant, who can answer common questions and direct users to appropriate resources. For more complex requests requiring human intervention, the chatbot can transfer the conversation to a live advisor.

• Online chat: Accessible from the Help section then Customer Service. Available 24/7 with Eva chatbot and option to speak with an advisor
• Online help center: Comprehensive knowledge base with guides, FAQs, and tutorials covering most common questions
• Seller contact: For questions specific to a product or order, the integrated messaging system allows direct communication with the seller
• Social media: AliExpress is present on Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram where private messages can be sent
• Email: For data protection inquiries: [email protected]. For claims: [email protected] or [email protected]
• Parent company phone: Alibaba's number (+86) 571-8502-2088 can be contacted, but only in English or Chinese with potentially long wait times
• Postal mail France: Alibaba France, 6 rue Menars, 75002 Paris for formal complaints requiring written documentation

To optimize your chances of getting a quick and satisfactory response, a few practical tips apply. Prefer live chat for urgent requests, connecting preferably early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid peak times. Prepare your order number and all relevant information before contacting customer service. Clear and concise explanations, accompanied by screenshots if necessary, facilitate the processing of your request.

Messaging with the seller is often the recommended first step for problems related to a specific product. Sellers generally have an interest in maintaining good customer relations to preserve their rating on the platform. Direct communication can quickly resolve questions about shipping times, product characteristics, or return procedures without having to involve AliExpress's central customer service.

The online help center is also worth consulting before contacting customer service. This resource contains many answers to frequently asked questions: order tracking, return procedures, accepted payment methods, how buyer protection works, and many other topics. Step-by-step guides explain the most common procedures and may allow you to resolve your problem independently.

Understanding tracking statuses

When you track an AliExpress package online, different statuses may appear to inform you of your order's progress. These statuses reflect the different stages of order processing, from purchase validation to final delivery. Here are the main statuses and their meanings: