Have you ever ordered from AliExpress, and then asked yourself just how long it would take for the delivery? I am sure I do – once that order is placed and the package is on its way, the feeling of looking at the tracking status and waiting for the delivery of the long-awaited gadget or piece of clothing is quite palpable. Time shipping from AliExpress can be so unpredictable.
This article will overview the shipping options and give you a general idea of how long Aliexpress takes to ship when ordering from online stores.
Where Does AliExpress Ship From?
The AliExpress platform is a bridge, linking buyers and sellers across the world. Although it’s located in China, you will find products from different countries on this site. This refers to the US, Russia, China, and so on.
The place of origin, which is an essential factor, determines the time it takes to arrive. It is mainly from China that most sellers hail, so Guangzhou and Shenzhen are what are called “shipping hubs.” The items will often take longer to be delivered since they are coming from the other side of the world, or region.
Some sellers have gotten smart though. To serve customers internationally, some have opened up local warehouses in other parts of the world. Orders filled from locations closer to you will generally arrive sooner.
So in summary – while AliExpress is Chinese, you could be getting something shipped from just about anywhere. Just check the seller’s location to get an idea of your estimated delivery time. The closer to home it ships from, the faster it’ll hopefully get to you.
How Does AliExpress Shipping Work?
AliExpress is one of the biggest online markets for crossing the borders. It is not known by all that AliExpress has its own rules for shipping products that are different from those of popular marketplaces such as Amazon. Knowledge of how AliExpress shipping operates is vital for business owners who have started AliExpress dropshipping.
Tip: you can read this blog ” How to Boost Dropshipping Store Traffic“, to help your business thrive!
In a typical dropshipping model on AliExpress, here are the basic steps for how shipping is handled:
- You start your Webstore (Shopify, WooCommerce, etc) and design it with your own banner, logo, or whatever you prefer. Your products come from AliExpress suppliers that you will sell.
- If an order is placed in your shop, you will get notified and payment thereafter.
- Through the dropshipping tool, you can then transmit the order to the partnering supplier on AliExpress. This will be our supplier who will wrap and send it to your customer.
The supplier sends the order from their warehouse/facility, which is typically in China. They usually undertake the shipping. They will furnish you with the tracking information in order for you to sync it with the store order in order to keep your customer updated.
Once the package is shipped by air or sea to the address provided at checkout when the buyer is making a purchase. The delivery times will fluctuate inversely proportional to the shipping method applied.
Overall, AliExpress suppliers process and deliver the ordered items to consumers on the dropshipping stores’ behalf. Unlike storefronts where the stock is being stored in fulfillment houses, marketplaces are different in this aspect.
Using a tool like Dropshipman makes managing shipping seamless. It automatically syncs orders, tracks shipments, and provides shipping options to customers upfront based on the estimated delivery dates for a seamless experience.
The selection of suppliers and shipping methods becomes essential in this process; AliExpress dropshipping makes it possible for internet sellers to offer the same products as their competitors, but at lower prices, to customers around the world. The identification of a particular brand fulfillment process is of paramount significance.
How Long Does AliExpress Take To Ship?
The shipping time for AliExpress orders could range from very short to exceptionally long as the shipping destination country, the shipping mode, and other factors could affect the shipping time. Here’s a general breakdown of the expected delivery times for some popular shipping methods and destinations:
Popular Shipping Methods and Delivery Estimates:
The main shipping carriers available on AliExpress include:
- Standard Shipping: Budget-friendly but slower, 2-4 weeks average delivery. Often free.
- ePacket: Affordable at $1-10 on average and faster at 2-3 weeks on average.
- EMS: Reliable service for $15-30 usually delivered within 1-2 weeks.
- DHL/FedEx: Fastest options within 5-10 days but most expensive, $30+
Estimated Delivery Times by Country:
Here’s an overview of typical shipping timeframes for some common destinations:
- USA, Canada: 2-4 weeks (ePacket, AliExpress Standard Shipping), 5-8 days (EMS, DHL, UPS, FedEx)
- Australia: 1-5 weeks (AliExpress Standard Shipping), 5-8 days (Special Line, DHL)
- UK: 1-5 weeks (Other European countries), 5-8 days (EMS, DHL)
Actual delivery times can vary depending on factors discussed in the following section.
Factors that Affect AliExpress Shipping Time
When it comes to getting an AliExpress order, it all depends on some essential factors, which affect the time of delivery. While the estimated shipping dates give a general idea, here are some of the main things that could impact your actual delivery:
Distance is definitely a factor
The more it is to travel, the slower it is to move. Of course, orders from China to the US or Europe will take a long time but orders from China to the same country or region will take less time.
Customs Clearance
All inbound consignments from abroad no matter what country they were sent from have to go through customs clearance. Such events can cause delays if any of the inspections and the paperwork issues or other hold-ups are not in the control of the seller.
Shipping Carrier’s Performance
Reputable carriers like FedEx, UPS, and DHL tend to be faster and more reliable than local postal services. Opting for one of them when possible could speed things up.
Holidays and Peak Seasons
The holiday season and the rush of customers are some of the events that leave carriers with a lot of packages for delivery. These seasons may well bring delays to expect.
Order Processing Time
The seller should deal with your order before sending it out which involves preparing and packaging your item before handing it over to you. Some take just a bit longer while others require more time before they reach their end.
How to Get Faster Shipping on AliExpress?
If you need your AliExpress order delivered quickly, there are a few strategies you can employ to expedite the shipping process:
Choose Expedited Shipping Options
Opt for speedy shipping choices. Paying a bit extra for carriers like EMS, FedEx, or DHL can seriously cut down travel time compared to regular mail. These services deliver more quickly and reliably.
Look for Sellers with Local Warehouses
Look out for local warehouses. Some sellers keep stock near customers. Ordering from these shops means your stuff is already closer to home, so expect faster arrivals.
Consider Consolidating Orders
Bundle up big orders. Planning to buy multiple items from different sellers? Consider combining shipments into one using a consolidation service. This can save on shipping costs while getting everything together faster.
Communicate with Sellers
Chat with the sellers. Doesn’t hurt to politely ask shops about their shipping details and estimated delivery dates. Vendors may offer expedited options or offer helpful shipping insights not shown on listings. Communication is key to squeezing out extra speed.
TIPS: How to Choose the Right AliExpress Shipping Methods for Dropshipping
For dropshippers, choosing the right shipping method is a balancing act. You want to keep costs low while offering customers decent delivery times. Luckily, AliExpress offers a variety of options to suit your needs. Here are some tips to navigate the world of AliExpress shipping and pick the perfect method for your dropshipping business:
Know Your Target Market:
- Shipping Destinations: Consider where most of your customers are located. Not all shipping methods reach everywhere. Tailor your choices based on your target market.
The Balancing Act: Cost vs. Speed
- Express Shipping: Super fast (think DHL, FedEx) but comes at a premium. Not ideal for most dropshipping products due to the high cost.
- Standard Shipping: (ePacket, AliExpress Standard Shipping) Offers a good compromise between affordability and speed. Most commonly used for dropshipping.
- Economy Shipping: (Cainiao Super Economy Global) Cheapest option but is very slow and often lacks tracking. Best avoided unless absolutely necessary.
Track It Like You Back It
- Tracking Availability: Always prioritize methods with tracking information. This allows you and your customers to monitor the shipment’s progress and reduces customer service inquiries.
Beyond Price and Speed
- Delivery Success Rates: Look into a seller’s shipping history. A history of lost or damaged packages due to a particular method might be a red flag.
Pro Tip: Be Transparent
Clearly communicate estimated delivery times to customers based on the chosen shipping method. Setting expectations upfront reduces frustration and keeps customers happy.
By following these tips, you’ll become an AliExpress shipping pro, ensuring a smooth customer experience and propelling your dropshipping business to success. Remember, happy customers are the foundation of any thriving business, so choose your shipping methods wisely!
Conclusion
In the end, shipping times on AliExpress really do depend on a lot of variables like the exact carrier being used, customs processing speeds, and even seasonal factors. But hopefully, this overview gave you a better sense of the typical delivery windows to expect with each shipping method. Don’t be too anxious – just sit back, forget about it until it arrives, and be pleasantly surprised when that little package from China finally shows up!
If you have any more questions about AliExpress shipping or need further assistance, feel free to explore the FAQs section below for additional insights.
FAQs
Is AliExpress estimated delivery accurate?
Not always. AliExpress estimated delivery times are often optimistic and can vary depending on several factors, like:
- Shipping method: Express options are generally faster than standard shipping.
- Seller location: Packages from farther away will take longer.
- Destination country: Customs clearance can add time.
- Holidays: Expect delays during peak seasons.
It’s best to consider the estimates as a general guideline and be prepared to wait a bit longer.
What is the 15-day guarantee on AliExpress?
There isn’t actually a 15-day guarantee on AliExpress. They do have a Buyer Protection Period, but it’s typically longer than 15 days (often around 60 days). This period allows you to open a dispute if you haven’t received your order or it’s not as described.
Does AliExpress ship on Sundays?
Most Chinese businesses, including AliExpress sellers, typically operate Monday-Saturday. So, while some sellers might process orders on Sundays, most shipments would likely occur on weekdays.
Why do AliExpress orders take so long?
There are a few reasons why AliExpress orders can take a while to arrive:
- Distance: Many sellers are located in China, so packages have to travel long distances.
- Shipping method: Standard shipping is the most economical option, but it’s also the slowest.
- Customs clearance: Packages going through customs can experience delays.
- Backlogs: During holidays or sales, there can be a backlog of packages, slowing down delivery.
If you need something quickly, consider using an express shipping option, but be aware it will cost more.
