Aliexpress Return Policy

If you’ve ever bought something from AliExpress, you might wonder about their rules for sending things back. Understanding the AliExpress return policy is key to shopping with confidence on the global marketplace. It’s not quite like Amazon or your local store, but it does offer protection. This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from your rights as a buyer to the exact steps for a successful return or refund.

The core policy is centered around the AliExpress Buyer Protection program. This isn’t a traditional return policy where you can send items back for any reason. Instead, it’s a dispute resolution system that kicks in if something is wrong with your order. Your protection period, which is your window to open a dispute, typically lasts from the time you place your order until 15 days after the “Buyer Protection” timer ends. That timer is usually set for a specific number of days after shipment, like 60 or 75 days.

Key Principles of the Policy

Before you buy, it’s crucial to grasp a few fundamental ideas. These principles shape every return or refund request.

Item “Not as Described” (INAD) is Your Strongest Case: The policy heavily favors returns for items that are significantly different from the listing. This includes wrong items, fake products, major color differences, or items that are broken or don’t work.
Buyer Protection is Your Countdown Clock: All disputes must be opened while your Buyer Protection is active. Once it expires, your official recourse through AliExpress is generally gone.
Seller Communication Comes First: AliExpress always requires you to contact the seller directly to try and resolve the issue before you can escalate it to a formal dispute.
Return Shipping is Often Your Cost: For most “change of mind” returns, you will be responsible for paying the return postage, which can be expensive for international shipments.

Valid Reasons for Opening a Return or Dispute

AliExpress accepts disputes for specific situations. Here are the main categories that are likely to be approved:

You received the wrong item. The product is completely different from what you ordered.
The item is defective or damaged. It arrived broken, doesn’t function, or has major flaws.
The item is “Not as Described.” This covers big differences in material, color, size, model, or features compared to the product page.
You never received the item. The tracking shows delivered but you didn’t get it, or the tracking hasn’t updated for an extremely long time.
You received a partial order. Only some items from your purchase arrived.

Reasons That Are Usually Not Accepted

Knowing what isn’t covered is just as important. These reasons often lead to a rejected dispute:

You changed your mind or don’t like it. This is generally not a valid reason unless the seller explicitly offers a “no questions asked” return policy on their store.
Minor imperfections that were shown in the listing photos. If the product pictures showed a small scratch or variation, it’s not considered “not as described.”
Fit issues (for clothing/shoes) unless sizing was wildly off. You need to check the seller’s specific size chart, not assume standard sizing.
You found it cheaper elsewhere. Price changes after purchase are not a valid basis for a return.
The item is exactly as described but doesn’t meet your personal expectations. This is a common point of confusion for buyers.

The Step-by-Step Return & Dispute Process

If you have a problem, follow these steps in order. Don’t skip straight to a dispute without talking to the seller first.

Step 1: Contact the Seller Directly

Go to your order page in the AliExpress app or website. Find the “Contact Seller” button. Clearly explain the issue and include clear photos or a video as evidence. Propose a solution, like a partial refund, a replacement, or a full return. Most sellers prefer to resolve issues directly to avoid a formal dispute on their record. Give them 3-5 days to respond with a solution.

Step 2: Open a Dispute

If the seller doesn’t respond or you can’t agree on a solution, it’s time to open a dispute. You can do this from your order page before Buyer Protection ends. You’ll need to:

Select the reason for your dispute from the list (e.g., “Item Not as Described”).
Provide a detailed description of the problem.
Upload strong evidence: photos showing the item next to the shipping label, videos of it not working, screenshots of the original listing for comparison.
State your desired resolution: Full refund, partial refund, or return for refund.

Step 3: Seller’s Response and Negotiation

Once you open a dispute, the seller has a limited time to respond. They may accept your proposal, make a counter-offer (like a smaller partial refund), or reject it. You can then accept their offer or modify your proposal. This negotiation phase is crucial. Be reasonable and stick to the evidence.

Step 4: AliExpress Mediation

If you and the seller cannot reach an agreement within the dispute timeline, AliExpress customer service will step in as a mediator. They will review all the evidence from both sides—your photos/videos and the seller’s defense. Their decision is usually final, so providing clear, objective evidence is critical here. They will decide on the outcome, which could be a full refund, partial refund, or requiring you to return the item at your expense for a refund.

Understanding Return Shipping

This is often the most confusing and costly part. The rules depend on who is at fault.

If the Seller is at Fault (Wrong/Defective Item): They should provide a prepaid return shipping label or a full refund without requiring you to return the item. In many cases for low-value items, AliExpress will just tell you to keep the item and issues a refund because return shipping is impractical.
If You Are at Fault (Change of Mind): You will pay for return shipping. The seller must provide you with a return address. You must use a tracked shipping method and provide the tracking number in the dispute. The seller only refunds after they receive and inspect the item.
Important: Never ship an item back without an authorized return address and a dispute case open. If you just mail it back, you have no proof and will likely lose both the item and your money.

Refunds: How and When You Get Your Money Back

Refunds are processed back to your original payment method. The time it takes can vary.

Timing: Once a refund is approved, it can take 3–20 business days to appear in your account, depending on your bank or payment service (like PayPal).
Partial Refunds: These are common for minor issues. For example, if a $50 item has a small defect, you might negotiate a $10 refund and keep the item.
Full Refunds: Granted for serious issues like non-delivery, completely wrong items, or major defects.

Tips for a Successful Dispute

Your evidence is everything. Here’s how to build a strong case:

Take Unboxing Videos: For valuable items, film yourself opening the package. Show the shipping label, then the item and its flaws in one continuous shot. This is powerful proof the item arrived damaged.
Use Clear Comparison Photos: Place the item you received next to a screenshot of the seller’s listing on your computer screen. Highlight the differences.
Be Detailed and Calm in Communication: Write clear, factual descriptions. Avoid emotional language. State what you expected based on the listing and what you actually received.
Know the Policy Deadlines: Mark your calendar for when Buyer Protection ends. Don’t wait until the last day to start the process.
Check Seller Return Policies: Some sellers offer more lenient policies on their store page. Always read this before purchasing, especially for clothing or electronics.

What to Do If Your Dispute is Rejected

Sometimes, even with evidence, a dispute might be closed in the seller’s favor. You still have a couple of options:

Appeal the Decision: You can appeal AliExpress’s mediation decision within a short timeframe (usually a few days). Provide any new evidence or clarifications you didn’t include before.
Involve Your Payment Provider: As a last resort, you can file a chargeback with your credit card company or a claim with PayPal. Be aware that AliExpress may suspend your account if you do this without exhausting their dispute process first. Only use this for clear cases of fraud or non-delivery.

FAQs About AliExpress Returns

How long do I have to return an item on AliExpress?

You must open a dispute within your Buyer Protection period, which is usually until 15 days after the order’s delivery confirmation or estimated delivery date. There is no standard “30-day return window” like many Western stores.

Who pays for return shipping to China?

It depends on the reason. For seller faults (wrong/defective item), they typically pay. For buyer’s remorse, you pay. The cost can be high, sometimes more than the item itself, so it’s rarely worth it for cheap products.

Can I return an item just because I don’t like it?

Generally, no. The AliExpress return policy does not cover buyer’s remorse or change of mind unless the specific seller you bought from offers this option on their store page. Always check the seller’s individual policy.

What if the seller asks me to close the dispute to get a refund?

This is a major red flag. Never close a dispute until the refund has actually been issued and is visible in your account. Once you close a dispute, you cannot reopen it. A seller promising a refund after closure is often a trick. Always keep the dispute open until the matter is fully resolved through the official system.

My item is stuck in customs. Can I get a refund?

Usually, no. Customs delays or fees are considered the buyer’s responsibility. Sellers are typically only responsible for getting the item to the destination country. You should contact your local postal service or customs office.

What does “return to seller for refund” mean?

This means AliExpress has ruled that you must ship the item back to the seller at your own expense. Only after the seller confirms receipt will they issue a refund. You must use a tracked method and upload the tracking to the dispute.

How do I check my refund status?

Go to “My Orders” and find the specific order. The dispute page will show the status. Once processed, it will show as “Refund Successful,” and you’ll need to monitor your original payment method (credit card, PayPal, etc.) for the funds to arrive.

Final Thoughts on Navigating Returns

Shopping on AliExpress requires a slightly different mindset than other online retailers. The AliExpress return policy is really a protection system for when things go wrong, not a convenience for changing your mind. Your success depends on understanding the rules, acting within the strict time limits, and most importantly, providing irrefutable evidence when you have a problem. Always communicate with the seller first, be clear and polite, and use the dispute system fairly. By following this guide, you can shop on the platform with much greater peace of mind, knowing how to protect your purchases and your wallet.