Lightinthebox tracking

What is LightInTheBox?

LightInTheBox is an international online commerce platform founded in June 2007 in Beijing, China. This company quickly established itself as a major player in cross-border e-commerce, offering a vast range of products directly to consumers worldwide. Specializing in the sale of clothing, home goods, electronics and gadgets at competitive prices, LightInTheBox has successfully attracted an international customer base by leveraging the advantages of Chinese manufacturing and an optimized supply chain.

The company was created by five visionary co-founders: Quji (Alan) Guo, Xin (Kevin) Wen, Liang Zhang, Jun Liu and Chit Jeremy Chau. These entrepreneurs were inspired by theories presented in Thomas Friedman's "The World is Flat" to design their business model. Their vision was based on a simple but revolutionary idea: minimize intermediaries in the supply chain by being located directly in China, in immediate proximity to manufacturing factories. This strategy makes it possible to minimize costs and offer particularly attractive prices to international consumers.

Among the founders, Quji (Alan) Guo occupies a central place in the company's history. Before creating LightInTheBox, he worked as Chief Strategist and special assistant to the President of Google China between 2005 and 2008, notably leading the launch of Google Music in China. His background also includes positions at Amazon, where he participated in the acquisition of Joyo.com, and at Microsoft, where he contributed to the development of MSN, Internet Explorer and Windows. This experience with technology giants allowed LightInTheBox to benefit from first-class technical expertise from its inception.

• Date of creation: June 2007, in Beijing China, with initial capital of 3 million US dollars
• Founders: Quji (Alan) Guo, Xin (Kevin) Wen, Liang Zhang, Jun Liu and Chit Jeremy Chau
• Headquarters: Initially based in Beijing, the company later established its headquarters in Singapore in 2021
• Public listing: On June 6, 2013, LightInTheBox became a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker symbol "LITB"
• Business volume: In the second quarter of 2013, the company generated net revenues of 72.2 million dollars and served 1.2 million customers
• Product catalog: Over 220,000 items available as of 2013, with approximately 14,000 new products added each month

The public listing of LightInTheBox in 2013 was a major milestone in the company's history. By becoming a publicly traded company, it had to comply with strict regulations regarding financial transparency and reporting, thereby strengthening its credibility with consumers and business partners. This listing also made it possible to raise funds to accelerate the international development of the platform and invest in its logistics infrastructure.

In 2018, LightInTheBox took a new strategic step by acquiring Ezbuy, a Singaporean cross-border e-commerce platform, for nearly 86 million dollars. Founded in 2010 under the name 65daigou, Ezbuy then had over 3 million customers spread across Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Pakistan. This acquisition allowed LightInTheBox to significantly strengthen its presence in Southeast Asia and expand its customer base in this fast-growing region.

Which countries does LightInTheBox deliver to?

LightInTheBox stands out due to exceptionally broad geographic coverage, delivering its products to more than 200 countries and territories around the world. This international reach makes the platform one of the most accessible e-commerce players on a global scale, allowing consumers from all five continents to order products at competitive prices.

LightInTheBox's strategy is based on a desire to be present in all markets, from developed economies to emerging markets. The company has developed logistics infrastructure suited to effectively serve this multitude of destinations, relying on a network of international and local transport partners. This global approach allows every customer, regardless of their geographic location, to access the same product catalog with delivery options adapted to their region.

• North America: United States and Canada, historical markets for the company with optimized delivery times thanks to a dedicated warehouse in Nevada
• Western Europe: United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium and all other European Union countries
• Asia-Pacific: Australia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and many other countries in the region
• Latin America: Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile and all countries of South and Central America
• Middle East: Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar and other Gulf countries
• Africa: South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya and numerous other African destinations
• Oceania: Australia and New Zealand with regular delivery services

To better serve this international clientele, LightInTheBox offers its website in more than 20 different languages. This linguistic localization facilitates the shopping experience for non-English speaking consumers and demonstrates the company's commitment to adapting to the specificities of each market. Multilingual customer service also supports this approach by offering assistance in the main languages of served markets.

Delivery times naturally vary depending on the destination. For Brazil, Russia, Italy, Argentina, Chile and Mexico, delivery times are generally estimated between 15 and 35 business days, potentially reaching 45 days during periods of high activity. For most other destinations, delivery times range between 10 and 20 business days, with possible extension to 30 days during peak periods such as year-end holidays or major promotional events.

Which carriers does LightInTheBox use?

To ship its packages to more than 200 destinations worldwide, LightInTheBox relies on a vast network of carefully selected logistics partners. This diversity of carriers allows the company to offer options suited to all budgets and all needs in terms of delivery speed. The platform works with both major international express carriers and national postal services for economical shipments.

The choice of carrier depends on several factors: the shipping method selected by the customer at the time of order, the destination country, the weight and dimensions of the package, as well as the availability of services in the region concerned. LightInTheBox automatically optimizes the choice of provider to guarantee the best ratio between cost and delivery time for each shipment.

• DHL: One of LightInTheBox's main partners for international express deliveries. This German carrier is solicited for priority shipments requiring fast delivery with complete package tracking.
• UPS: Major American carrier used by LightInTheBox for domestic shipments in the United States and international shipments. Its extensive global network guarantees reliable coverage to many destinations.
• FedEx: International messenger company recognized for its speed and reliability. LightInTheBox calls on FedEx for express deliveries over long distances, particularly to North America.
• EMS (Express Mail Service): International express postal service operated by the national postal services of different countries. This option offers a good compromise between speed and cost for international shipments with tracking.
• USPS (United States Postal Service): US postal service, used for final distribution of packages intended for American customers, particularly for economical shipments.
• Hongkong Post: Hong Kong Post called upon for economical international shipments, particularly suited for standard shipments of small size to Asian destinations.
• YunExpress: Logistics provider specializing in cross-border e-commerce. This carrier combines international transport from China and relay by local carriers for the last mile.

When a package is handled by multiple carriers in succession during its shipment, LightInTheBox ensures a smooth transition between different providers. For example, a package shipped via YunExpress from China will be assigned a new local tracking number as soon as it is taken over by the carrier in the destination country. This information is systematically communicated to the customer to allow them to track their package without interruption until final delivery.

The computerized integration between LightInTheBox and its logistics partners enables automated data exchange: shipping labels, customs documents and tracking information are transmitted electronically to carriers, while status updates are collected in real time in the platform's system. The customer can thus view on a single interface all the stages of their package, even if it transits through several successive delivery networks.

What are LightInTheBox delivery times?

Delivery times offered by LightInTheBox vary considerably depending on the shipping method chosen and the package destination. The company provides its customers with several options, ranging from economical shipping to premium express service, allowing everyone to find the best balance between speed and cost. Understanding these different options is essential for planning purchases and anticipating the date of receipt of your order.

The total delivery time is broken down into two distinct parts that must be clearly understood. The first is the processing time, that is, the time required to prepare the order before its shipment. This time includes item preparation, quality checks and packaging. The second part is the actual shipping time, i.e., the time for transporting the package from the warehouse to the delivery address. These two times are added together to give the total time.

• International express delivery: The fastest method, with delivery times of 3 to 7 days depending on the destination. This service is provided by express carriers such as DHL, UPS, FedEx or TNT. A minimum fee of 10 to 15 dollars per package applies, making this option economically interesting for orders of at least 40 dollars.
• International postal service with tracking: An intermediate option offering a good balance between speed and cost. Delivery times vary from 10 to 18 business days depending on the destination country. Fixed tracking fees of 1 to 3 dollars per package are added to the base rate.
• International postal service without tracking: The most economical shipping method. Delivery times are between 10 and 20 business days, potentially reaching 28 calendar days. This option is recommended only for orders under 30 dollars, as the lack of tracking makes it impossible to locate the package in case of problems.
• Priority delivery line: Optimized service available for certain destinations such as the United States. This option uses specific logistics circuits allowing faster delivery than standard postal methods while remaining more affordable than express.

A large portion of items offered by LightInTheBox benefit from the "24-hour shipping" option. This mention means that these products are prepared and handed over to the carrier within 24 hours following order confirmation, which significantly reduces processing time. For impatient customers, prioritizing these items makes it possible to reduce the overall delivery time.

Delivery times can be impacted by several external factors: periods of high activity such as year-end holidays, Chinese New Year or major promotional events can cause delays. Similarly, customs inspections in some countries can unexpectedly extend delivery times. LightInTheBox recommends allowing a safety margin when placing orders for specific events such as birthdays or weddings.

What are LightInTheBox shipping fees?

LightInTheBox's shipping fee policy is based on a principle of transparency: shipping costs are not included in the displayed prices of products and vary according to several criteria. This approach allows customers to choose the shipping method best suited to their needs and budget, with clear visibility of the total cost before order confirmation.

Shipping costs depend on several factors that combine to determine the final rate. The chosen delivery method is the first criterion: express naturally costs more than economy. The weight and dimensions of the package also influence the price, as do the destination country. Some geographic zones, more remote or less well served, entail additional logistics costs that are reflected in shipping fees.

• Estimate before purchase: LightInTheBox allows you to calculate shipping costs directly from the shopping cart. By clicking on "estimate shipping costs" and selecting the destination country, fees are automatically estimated for each available delivery method.
• Postal service without tracking: The most economical option, charged only based on the actual weight of the package with no minimum per shipment. Ideal for small light items, but the lack of traceability represents a risk for valuable orders.
• Postal service with tracking: Fixed tracking fees of 1 to 3 dollars per package, plus charges calculated according to weight. This option offers a good balance between cost and security.
• International express: Minimum fee of 10 to 15 dollars per package regardless of weight, making this service more relevant for grouped orders or valuable items. Beyond a certain weight, the fee increases proportionally.

Customs duties and import taxes are an important element to consider, as they are not included in the selling price or in the displayed shipping fees. Customers may be required to pay customs duties upon receipt of their package, depending on their country's legislation and the value of the goods ordered. For the European Union, packages from China valued over 150 euros are generally subject to customs duties and import VAT.

LightInTheBox offers optional insurance to secure purchases. Delivery insurance, available on the payment page at a modest rate, covers the risks of loss or damage during transport. Duty and tax insurance allows you to protect yourself against unforeseen customs fees by paying a flat amount when placing your order. These options provide additional security for high-value orders.

To minimize total costs, LightInTheBox has regional warehouses in Europe and the United States. Items shipped from these warehouses to destinations in the same economic zone are generally not subject to customs formalities, which eliminates the risk of additional fees upon receipt. When placing an order, checking the origin of the item can allow for significant savings.

What are LightInTheBox delivery options?

LightInTheBox offers several delivery options to meet the different needs and constraints of its international customer base. Beyond the choice between economical and express shipping methods, the platform offers various possibilities to customize package delivery and optimize order reception.

The flexibility offered by LightInTheBox in terms of delivery is one of the platform's assets. Customers can adapt their choice depending on the urgency of their need, the value of their order and their availability to receive the package. This diversity of options makes it possible to satisfy both impatient buyers and those prioritizing economy.

• Standard home delivery: Classic option where the package is delivered directly to the address provided when placing the order. Depending on the carrier, the package may be handed over in person or left in the mailbox if dimensions allow.
• Express home delivery: Premium service provided by express carriers (DHL, UPS, FedEx) with signature on delivery. This option guarantees complete tracking and traceability until delivery to the recipient.
• 24-hour shipping: Many in-stock items benefit from preparation and shipment within 24 hours following order confirmation. This option is identified by a specific badge on product pages and allows for reduced overall delivery time.
• Multiple shipment: When an order contains items from different warehouses, LightInTheBox may proceed with separate shipments. Each package then has its own tracking number, ensuring that each product arrives as quickly as possible.

LightInTheBox's package tracking system allows customers to follow their orders in real time. As soon as the package is shipped, a tracking number is assigned and communicated by email. This number can be used on the website of the carrier involved or directly from the LightInTheBox customer area, in the "My Orders" section. Status updates are displayed throughout the package's journey, from shipment to final delivery.

For shipments involving multiple successive carriers, as is often the case for shipments from China, a second tracking number may be generated when transferred to the local carrier in the destination country. LightInTheBox systematically communicates this additional information to ensure continuous package traceability. The customer can thus follow the progress of their order even when it passes from one logistics network to another.

The delivery insurance option offered at checkout provides additional protection in case of loss or damage during transport. This insurance is particularly recommended for high-value orders or for destinations where postal delays are longer and loss risks are higher. The cost of this insurance generally remains modest compared to the value of the items ordered.

What if my LightInTheBox order is lost or damaged?

Despite the precautions taken by LightInTheBox and its transport partners, it can happen that an order is lost in transit or arrives damaged. In these situations, the company has implemented complaint procedures allowing customers to obtain a satisfactory solution. Knowing these procedures and acting quickly is essential to maximize your chances of obtaining a refund or replacement.

The first step is to verify the actual condition of your order. A package may sometimes appear lost when it is simply delayed in customs or awaiting delivery to a neighbor or post office. Online tracking generally makes it possible to locate the package and understand its situation. If the maximum delivery time is far exceeded without news of the package, you should then initiate a complaint.

• Time to report a problem: The customer has 30 days after receipt of the order to contact customer service in case of a problem. For defective or non-conforming items, this period is reduced to 7 days. It is therefore crucial to inspect your order upon receipt.
• Documents to provide: Any complaint must be accompanied by supporting documents. For a damaged package, clear photos showing the damage are essential. For a non-conforming item, comparative photos with the site description are required. For an undelivered order, a screenshot of the tracking showing no delivery may be requested.
• Contact channel: LightInTheBox customer service is primarily accessible via live chat available on the website. There is no phone number to directly contact the platform. Assistance requests can also be submitted from the customer area, in the "My Orders" section.
• Response time: Customer service commits to responding within one business day. The response is sent by email and accessible in the "Review Register" of the customer account.

LightInTheBox's return and refund conditions provide for several scenarios. If the product is defective or soiled upon receipt, or if it does not match the order (different size or color from what was ordered), the customer may request a return, exchange or refund. However, out-of-warranty items, already used, washed or no longer bearing their tags generally cannot be returned.

The return procedure takes place in several stages. After validation of the request by customer service, the customer receives detailed return instructions detailing the return address and return terms. LightInTheBox does not provide a prepaid return label: return costs are the customer's responsibility, except in case of proven product defect. Once the return package is received by the company, the refund is processed within 3 to 5 business days.

It is important to note that LightInTheBox currently does not offer direct product exchange. If a customer wishes a different item, they must proceed with the return and refund of the original item, then place a new order. This procedure can be costly for European customers due to return shipping costs to warehouses, often located in China. The delivery insurance offered when placing an order can prove valuable in covering these potential inconveniences.

How to contact LightInTheBox?

LightInTheBox provides its customers with several communication channels to answer their questions and process their requests. The company has chosen primarily digital assistance, adapted to its international online commerce model. Although the lack of phone support may surprise some customers, the tools implemented generally allow for quick and effective responses.

LightInTheBox's customer service is organized to handle requests from around the world, in multiple languages. The support team is trained to handle questions about orders, deliveries, returns and technical issues encountered on the platform. Service availability may vary depending on time zones, with teams primarily based in Asia.

• Live chat: Preferred contact method for LightInTheBox, the chat allows you to get instant answers to common questions. Accessible from the website and mobile app, this service offers real-time assistance during support hours.
• Customer area "My Orders": Main entry point for any question relating to a specific order. By logging into their account and accessing the details of the order in question, the customer can submit a contextual assistance request. Available help options automatically adapt to the status of the order.
• Online help center: Comprehensive knowledge base answering the most frequently asked questions. Customers will find detailed information on delivery times, return procedures, payment methods and much more. Consulting this resource before contacting support often quickly finds an answer.
• Email: [email protected] is the company's general contact address. This channel is suitable for complex requests requiring detailed explanations or the sending of attachments such as photos.

The response time announced by LightInTheBox is one business day for requests submitted via official channels. Responses are sent by email to the address associated with the customer account and are also viewable in the "Review Register" available on the website and app. For urgent questions, live chat remains the fastest way to get assistance.

It is recommended to always include the order number in any communication with customer service. This reference allows support teams to immediately access order details and provide a more accurate and faster response. Similarly, attaching screenshots or photos when relevant facilitates request processing and avoids unnecessary back-and-forth.

The LightInTheBox website is available in more than 20 languages, and multilingual customer service can handle requests in the main languages of each market. Terms and conditions and return policies are also accessible in these different languages, making it easier to understand the rights and obligations of each party in a transaction.

Understanding tracking statuses

When you track a LightInTheBox package online, different statuses may appear as your order is shipped. Understanding the meaning of each status allows you to follow the progress of your package and anticipate its arrival date. Here are the main statuses and their meaning: