AliExpress Return Policy – How to Return Items for Free on AliExpress

AliExpress is a globally renowned online marketplace that provides customers with an extensive range of products to choose from. Nevertheless, similar to any other online retailer, AliExpress may deliver defective or damaged goods or items that do not match the description. Hence, it becomes crucial to comprehend the AliExpress return policy to obtain a refund or exchange.

One of the most advantageous aspects of the AliExpress return policy is that it allows free returns on a considerable number of items. In other words, you can send back the product without incurring any shipping costs, which can prove to be beneficial in saving a significant amount of money.

What Is AliExpress Free Return Service

The AliExpress Free Return Service is a scheme that permits purchasers to return qualified products for free within 15 days from the date of delivery. This program is only available to buyers in certain countries and regions.

For an item to be eligible for the Free Return Service, it must meet the following criteria:

• It should be sold by a participating seller.
• The product should be in its original condition, including all tags, labels, and packaging.
• It should not be a customized or personalized item.
• The item should not pose any danger or hazard.

What Products Can Apply to AliExpress Free Return Service

AliExpress Free Return Service covers a variety of product categories, including clothing, shoes, accessories, home and garden items, toys and games, electronics, sports equipment, beauty products, and health and personal care products.

Clothing, Shoes and Accessories

The majority of purchases made on AliExpress fall under the category of clothing, shoes, and accessories. Unless they are customized items, free returns are available for these products. This covers a range of subcategories such as tops, dresses, pants, shorts, skirts, undergarments, swimwear, coats, jackets, activewear, shoes, sandals, sneakers, slippers, jewelry, sunglasses, handbags, wallets, and belts.

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The convenience of being able to try on clothes and return them without any additional costs eliminates the risk of online apparel shopping. However, it is important to ensure that tags or labels are not damaged during the process.

Toys and Games

AliExpress is a popular destination for toy shoppers looking for a variety of products, such as fidget toys or remote control cars, which usually come with free returns. However, it's important to keep in mind that personalized or engraved toys are not eligible. The free return shipping policy generally applies to categories like action figures, dolls, stuffed animals, board games, and puzzles.

Electronics and Household Goods

On AliExpress, you can enjoy free returns for a variety of electronics and household items. These include smart home gadgets, small kitchen appliances, electronics accessories, low-value consumer electronics, and home decor categories.

However, it is important to verify the seller beforehand because expensive items such as phones may not be eligible for free returns. Nonetheless, most affordable products usually meet the criteria for free returns.

Reasons for Returning Items on AliExpress

AliExpress offers various options for returning items due to several reasons. Some of the common reasons include receiving a defective or damaged item, receiving an item that does not match its description, receiving an item in the wrong size or color, or simply changing your mind and no longer wanting the item.

Defective or Damaged Goods

Frequently, customers return items purchased through online shopping due to defects or damages. These faults may include missing parts, physical damage like cracks or dents, signs of wear such as stains, and non-functional electronic devices or appliances. It is advisable to take pictures of the defects or damages to provide evidence for your return request. However, when doing so, you must take care not to cause any further damage to the item.

Item Not as Described

On certain occasions, the item you receive may not align with what was described by the seller. This can include discrepancies in size, style, color, or materials, as well as missing features or a different branding or model than advertised.

In such situations, free returns can prove to be quite useful. All you need to do is initiate the return process and provide an explanation for the mismatch between the product received and the details provided by the seller.

Changing Your Mind

Shoppers can change their mind and return items for free. Common reasons for returns include the item not meeting expectations, looking different in person, finding a cheaper alternative elsewhere, or no longer needing or wanting the product. Even if you decide to return an item without any specific reason, as long as it's within the allotted time frame, you can still receive a refund.

How to Return Items on AliExpress

To initiate a return of an item purchased on AliExpress, opening a dispute with the seller is the first step. Follow these steps:

1. Go to My Orders and choose the order that includes the item you want to return.
2. Click on Open Dispute.
3. Select Return Goods as the type of dispute.
4. Clearly explain the reason for returning the item, along with providing any relevant evidence like photos or videos.
5. Submit the dispute.

Also, here are something you should know if you want to submit a return application:

• Confirm that you've received the goods.
• Express your intention to return them.
• Choose the reason for the return carefully.
• Confirm the refund amount after the return.
• Opt for 'AliExpress Free Return Service' to receive a free return label.
• Provide your valid email address for return instructions and reminders.
• If your item is heavy or large, select the appropriate option.
• Describe the product issue in detail.
• Upload clear pictures or videos showing the problem.

Upon receipt of the dispute, the seller has 5 days to respond. In case the seller approves the return, a Free Return label will be provided. If the seller does not agree to the return, you can escalate the dispute to AliExpress.

To return the item, pack it securely and attach the Free Return label. Drop it off at a designated post office or shipping carrier.

How to Start a Return Request

The process of initiating a return dispute on AliExpress can be simplified by following these straightforward steps:

1. Log in to your AliExpress account and navigate to My Orders.
2. Find the specific order in question, and then click Dispute.
3. Choose Return Goods as the reason for the dispute.
4. Elaborate on why you need to return the product.
5. Include any relevant photographs or evidence to support your claim.
6. Ensure that you submit the dispute within 15 days of receiving the product.

By performing these steps, you'll initiate the official return request process. The seller will then have an opportunity to respond.

Shipping the Item Back

Once your return request is approved, AliExpress will supply you with a prepaid return label. To finalize the return process, follow these steps:

1. Print out the shipping label provided within the dispute.
2. Securely pack up the item in either a box or mailer.
3. Attach the return label onto the outside of the package.
4. Drop off the package at the nearest post office or shipping provider.
5. Retain the tracking number to refer back to if necessary.

Utilize the provided label to avoid any charges for return shipping. Do not pay for return shipping expenses out-of-pocket.

Receiving Your Refund

Upon receiving the returned item and conducting an inspection, the seller will initiate the refund process. The refund will be executed within a maximum of 10 business days and will be credited back to your original payment method. You do not need to take any action to receive the refund, and its status can be tracked through your AliExpress account.

Refunds are generally prompt, although the processing time may vary based on the seller's handling time. If your refund is delayed, you may contact AliExpress for assistance.

FAQs

1) When is the latest I can request a return?

To request a return, you must do so within 15 days of receiving your item. Start the return process promptly upon receipt to ensure timely completion. The 15-day window begins from the actual delivery date, not the estimated one. Monitor your order status for arrival updates.

2) Who covers the cost of return shipping?

If the Free Return Service applies, you won't have to pay for shipping. Otherwise, you're responsible for the return shipping costs. Most returns are covered by the seller, and you can use the provided pre-paid return label to avoid charges. If free returns aren't available, you can still return the item by paying for shipping.

3) How much time does it usually take to get a refund?

After the seller receives and inspects the return, the refund process typically takes 10 business days. Here's the breakdown:

• Seller receives and inspects the return: 1-3 days
• Seller processes the refund: 5-7 days
• Refund clears to your payment method: 1-3 days

During holidays or peak seasons, the process may take longer. If it's been more than two weeks, contact the seller or request AliExpress mediation.

4) In what manner will I receive the refund?

Refunds are credited back to your original payment method. If you use a credit card, the refunded amount will be added to your card balance. For PayPal payments, the refund will be credited to your PayPal balance. If you use an AliExpress wallet, the refund will be added to your AliExpress account balance. No additional action is required, but allow for processing time based on your payment provider and bank.

5) What is the process for requesting an exchange rather than a return?

To request an exchange, open a dispute with the seller and select "Exchange Goods" as the dispute type. Provide a clear explanation and any relevant evidence. The seller has up to 5 days to respond. If they agree, they will send you a replacement item. The exchange process is similar to returns, including the 15-day timeframe, specific reason for exchange, and returning the original item using the provided label. Await shipment of the replacement item.

Remember that exchanges are dependent on the seller's agreement, but it doesn't hurt to ask!

Conclusion

AliExpress's Free Return Service can alleviate any doubts associated with online shopping, particularly when it comes to receiving subpar products. This service guarantees that if you are not satisfied with a product, you can easily return it free of charge, giving you peace of mind while shopping online. With this service, you can confidently shop without worrying about wasting money on unwanted merchandise and enjoy a stress-free shopping experience.