AliExpress Return Policy
Every return window, fee, and holiday extension for AliExpress — pulled from the retailer's own policy page and linked below so you can confirm it yourself.
AliExpress is a marketplace, so terms vary by seller — always check the item page for the 'Free Return' badge before buying. The baseline is a 15-day window, and free returns are capped at 3 a month on eligible items. If an order never arrives or isn't as described, open a dispute inside Buyer Protection.
Policy at a glance
- Return window
- 15 days
- Return shipping
- Seller-dependent. Items with the 'Free Return' badge: seller pays a prepaid label (capped at 3 free returns per month). Seller error (wrong/damaged/not-as-described): seller pays. Otherwise the buyer pays.
- Free returns
- Mixed — free only on items with the 'Free Return' badge (cap 3/month); otherwise buyer pays
- Restocking fee
- None in the baseline buyer-protection terms (individual sellers may vary).
- Holiday extension
- Not specifically extended
- Category
- Marketplace
Can’t be returned: Customized or personalized goods, perishables, unsealed hygiene/personal-care items, opened sealed media or software, alcohol, downloaded digital content, and services already performed.
Time-sensitive items: Digital products are non-refundable once accessed or downloaded. Buyer Protection for items that never arrive runs up to 60 days (90 for Russia, 120 for Brazil).
Why AliExpress earned a B+
About AliExpress
Type almost anything into AliExpress's search bar and you'll get hundreds of results, usually from a different small factory or seller each time. It's Alibaba's consumer-facing marketplace, connecting American shoppers directly with manufacturers and sellers based mostly in China, which is how a phone case can cost two dollars and a set of tools can undercut a hardware store by half.
You're basically browsing a bazaar rather than a single retailer, so quality and seller reliability swing wildly from listing to listing — check reviews and photos from other buyers before you commit. It's a favorite for electronics accessories, phone cases, novelty gadgets, craft supplies, and cheap clothing, and it works well if you're patient and not in a rush. The tradeoff for those prices is shipping: packages routinely take two to four weeks to arrive since most ship directly from overseas.
What they sell
- Phone accessories, cases, and small electronics gadgets
- Fashion basics, jewelry, and accessories at low per-item prices
- Home goods like kitchen tools, storage, and decor
- Craft, hobby, and DIY supplies
- Tools, auto parts, and hardware from independent sellers
Frequently asked questions
What is AliExpress's return window?
15 days
Does AliExpress offer free returns?
Mixed — free only on items with the 'Free Return' badge (cap 3/month); otherwise buyer pays
How much does AliExpress charge for return shipping?
Seller-dependent. Items with the 'Free Return' badge: seller pays a prepaid label (capped at 3 free returns per month). Seller error (wrong/damaged/not-as-described): seller pays. Otherwise the buyer pays.
Does AliExpress charge a restocking fee?
None in the baseline buyer-protection terms (individual sellers may vary).
Does AliExpress extend its return window for the holidays?
Not specifically extended
What items cannot be returned to AliExpress?
Customized or personalized goods, perishables, unsealed hygiene/personal-care items, opened sealed media or software, alcohol, downloaded digital content, and services already performed.
Also known as
aliexpress.com, aliexpress.us, ali express
Return-policy data is compiled from AliExpress’s public customer-service pages by Thrifle AI, our in-house research system. Policies change often and we can be out of date — always confirm on AliExpress’s official site before purchase. Spotted something wrong? Tell usand we’ll fix it.