Return policy comparison · 2026
99designs by Vista vs AliExpress
Policy data verified July 21, 2026 (99designs by Vista) and June 26, 2026 (AliExpress)
99designs by Vista
B
3.2 / 5.0 · Good
Winner
AliExpress
B+
3.6 / 5.0 · Good
The verdict
AliExpress has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading B+ (3.6/5.0) against 99designs by Vista's B (3.2/5.0). It wins 2 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return shipping: free returns (incl. by mail) versus return shipping varies.
Score breakdown
Five axes, 5.0 points total — the same deterministic grader behind every Thrifle policy page.
99designs by VistaAliExpress
Return window · worth 2.0
Restocking fee · worth 1.0
Return shipping · worth 1.0
Holiday window · worth 0.5
Transparency · worth 0.5
Key terms side-by-side
| 99designs by Vista | AliExpress | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | ✓ 60 days (contest refund guarantee, restrictions apply) | 15 days |
| 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). |
| 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. |
| Holiday extension | — | ✓ Not specifically extended |
| Non-returnable | 1-to-1 Projects, contests with a guaranteed prize, contests that reached the Final round (auto-converts to guaranteed), contests where a winner was already awarded | Customized or personalized goods, perishables, unsealed hygiene/personal-care items, opened sealed media or software, alcohol, downloaded digital content, and services already performed. |
| Watch-out 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). |
99designs by Vista tip
Requesting a refund forfeits any legal right to use submitted designs, and 99designs pushes several retention offers (brief updates, extended rounds, blind contest format) before processing a refund - expect friction rather than an automatic payout.
AliExpress tip
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.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, 99designs by Vista or AliExpress?
AliExpress has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading B+ (3.6/5.0) against 99designs by Vista's B (3.2/5.0). It wins 2 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return shipping: free returns (incl. by mail) versus return shipping varies.
What is 99designs by Vista's return window?
99designs by Vista's return window is 60 days (contest refund guarantee, restrictions apply).
What is AliExpress's return window?
AliExpress's return window is 15 days.
Does 99designs by Vista or AliExpress offer free returns?
99designs by Vista: see full policy. AliExpress: Mixed — free only on items with the 'Free Return' badge (cap 3/month); otherwise buyer pays.