Return policy comparison · 2026
AliExpress vs Cerqular
Policy data verified June 26, 2026 (AliExpress) and July 21, 2026 (Cerqular)
Winner
AliExpress
B+
3.6 / 5.0 · Good
Cerqular
B-
2.9 / 5.0 · Fair
The verdict
AliExpress has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading B+ (3.6/5.0) against Cerqular's B- (2.9/5.0). 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.
AliExpressCerqular
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
| AliExpress | Cerqular | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | 15 days | ✓ Varies by seller (check product's Shipping & Return section) |
| 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 | 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). | — |
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.
Cerqular tip
Cerqular is a peer-to-peer/seller marketplace, not a single retailer - always check the specific seller's Shipping & Return section on the product page before buying, since terms can differ wildly seller to seller.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, AliExpress or Cerqular?
AliExpress has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading B+ (3.6/5.0) against Cerqular's B- (2.9/5.0). 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 AliExpress's return window?
AliExpress's return window is 15 days.
What is Cerqular's return window?
Cerqular's return window is Varies by seller (check product's Shipping & Return section).
Does AliExpress or Cerqular offer free returns?
AliExpress: Mixed — free only on items with the 'Free Return' badge (cap 3/month); otherwise buyer pays. Cerqular: see full policy.