AliExpress together with Amazon are the ecommerce platforms that lead the market worldwide. Every day more people buy Chinese products on Aliexpress due to its low costs and noticeable improvement in quality that it has had in recent years. Learn how to buy safely in the Chinese giant, through this guide.
How to buy the Aliexpress
Create a new account
If you don’t have an account on the Aliexpress platform yet, create a new one , it’s free and it will only take about five minutes . Fill in the register with your personal data. You can also fill out the form by associating your Facebook, Twitter, Google or Pinterest account. If you decide to do it with Google, the registration is immediate.
At the end you should check your mailbox where you will receive an email from the company in order to validate your registration on the platform. After validating the account, your registration will be complete.
Select the products you want to buy
Being a new user, you can choose between three gifts . You can choose from a list a product for a cost of $ 0.01, a coupon of $ 2 or get exclusive discounts on several selected products.
Now you must select the products you want to buy . But beyond taking the price of the product as the main criterion, evaluate the seller’s profile. Verify that the publication of the product offers protection to the buyer with a refund guarantee, in case the product is damaged.
If you have any disagreement with the product, because it is not what it was promoted in the photo, you have the possibility of returning it and your money will be fully or partially refunded to your account .
Product delivery
Some people prefer to opt for lockers in China that are responsible for receiving and guarding the merchandise until it reaches their country of origin. If you want to choose a locker, you must enter the corresponding shipping address.
In case you want to receive the package directly, enter your address and Aliexpress will take care of shipping your products with the delivery company that is associated with the company. Verify in advance which company is responsible for receiving Aliexpress products from China and carry out a constant check .
Avoid scams on Aliexpress
Although this ecommerce platform has an excellent reputation worldwide, there is the possibility that a seller will incur a crime such as scam. To avoid being part of such a situation it is better to take some precautions before buying a product .
Choose reliable sellers
Aliexpress works as an intermediary between the buyer and the seller, therefore it cannot control that everything is done optimally. When buying your products, choose the sellers with the best reputation. Check what ratings other users have given the seller and the products they sell.
Select reliable payment methods
So that you feel secure in each purchase, Aliexpress may be an intermediary when paying. That is, depending on the type of payment you choose, the company is responsible for withholding the money until you receive your product . Once you confirm that the order has arrived without problems, the money will be released.
The Escrow system works with payment methods such as AliPay, Paypal, transfers and credit card, Visa, Martescard or Maestro debit cards. There are multiple payment options in addition to those mentioned that are available. Just avoid using off-platform payment methods because if you have a problem with the seller, Aliexpress won’t be able to help you.
Avoid buying misleading replicas
Although Aliexpress is usually cautious with this type of product, it does not hurt to check if we are dealing with an original product or a copy . There are copies that are quite convincing and look original.
If the seller indicates in the title of the publication that the product is original, then he is obliged to offer such product as indicated. The most obvious thing when detecting a misleading product is the price , since generally the original has a price similar to the same product in the official store.
Finally, Some Aliexpress products have an authentication seal that guarantees that the product is original.
How to Create an Account on AliExpress
Before diving into the world of AliExpress, the first step is to create an account. Follow these simple steps to get started:
- Visit the AliExpress website or download the app to your mobile device.
- Click on the “Sign In” button located at the top right corner of the homepage.
- Choose your preferred registration method: either using your email address or social media accounts such as Google or Facebook.
- Fill in the required information, including your name, email address, and password.
- Click on the “Create Account” button to complete the registration process.
Exploring AliExpress Categories
AliExpress offers an extensive range of categories to cater to every shopping need. From electronics and fashion to home decor and beauty products, you can find it all. To find the products you’re looking for, follow these steps:
- On the AliExpress homepage, browse through the featured categories or use the search bar to enter specific keywords.
- Once you’ve selected a category or entered your search query, the website will display a list of relevant products.
- Narrow down your search further by applying filters or sorting options such as price, rating, and seller’s location.
- Take your time to explore different sellers and read customer reviews to ensure you’re making an informed decision.
Evaluating Sellers and Products
When shopping on AliExpress, it’s essential to evaluate sellers and products to ensure a satisfactory purchase. Here’s how you can do it:
- Pay attention to the seller’s ratings and feedback from previous customers. Look for high ratings and positive comments, as this indicates a reliable seller.
- Read product descriptions thoroughly to understand the specifications, dimensions, and materials used.
- Check product images and reviews uploaded by customers for a better understanding of the item’s quality.
- If you have any questions or concerns about a product, contact the seller directly through the AliExpress messaging system.
Placing an Order
Once you’ve found the perfect product, it’s time to place your order. Follow these steps to complete your purchase:
- Click on the product you wish to buy to open the product page.
- Select the desired variations, such as size, color, or quantity.
- Review the total cost, including the price of the item, shipping fees, and any applicable taxes.
- Click on the “Buy Now” or “Add to Cart” button, depending on your preference.
- If you have multiple items in your cart, proceed to the checkout page, where you can review your order and make any necessary changes.
- Enter your shipping address and select your preferred shipping method.
- Choose a payment method from the available options, such as credit/debit card, PayPal, or AliExpress Pocket.
- Review your order one last time and click on the “Place Order” button to complete your purchase.
Tracking Your Order
After placing your order, it’s natural to be curious about its whereabouts. AliExpress provides a tracking system to help you monitor the progress of your delivery. Here’s how to track your order:
- Go to the “My Orders” section of your AliExpress account.
- Find the order you wish to track and click on the tracking number.
- You will be redirected to the shipping carrier’s website, where you can enter the tracking number to retrieve the latest updates on your package’s location and estimated delivery date.
- Keep in mind that shipping times may vary depending on the seller’s location and the chosen shipping method.
Resolving Issues and Seeking Refunds
In unfortunate circumstances where you encounter issues with your order, AliExpress has policies in place to protect buyers. Here’s how to address common problems:
- If you haven’t received your order within the specified delivery time, contact the seller to inquire about the status of your shipment.
- If the product you receive is significantly different from the description, take clear photos and contact the seller immediately to request a refund or replacement.
- If you’re unable to resolve the issue with the seller, you can open a dispute on AliExpress by providing detailed evidence and describing the problem.
- AliExpress will mediate the dispute and facilitate a resolution between the buyer and the seller. In most cases, refunds or partial refunds can be obtained.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You are now equipped with the knowledge of how to buy on AliExpress like a pro. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can navigate the platform with confidence and enjoy a seamless shopping experience. Remember to be diligent in evaluating sellers and products, stay updated with tracking information, and utilize AliExpress’ dispute resolution system when necessary. Happy shopping!
