AliExpress deals aren’t luck—they’re strategy. This guide walks you through 45 tactics, like timing purchases during sales and decoding seller ratings. Avoid wrong-size clothes, counterfeit electronics, and shipping delays with our checklists. We’ve even included tips for negotiating replacements without disputes.

Before we proceed to the guide, here’s a calendar of AliExpress’ biggest annual sales (2025) to plan your shopping year:

Now let's begin!

1. Use Flash Deals for Quick Discounts

Flash Deals on AliExpress offer substantial savings through limited-time offers that typically last only a few hours.

How to Find Flash Deals

• Check the Flash Deals section on the homepage daily for new offers.
• The deals refresh regularly, so morning and evening checks can reveal different discounts.
• Products in Flash Deals can be discounted 30-70% off regular prices.

Flash deals create urgency but deliver some of the best short-term discounts on the platform. Many shoppers find their best purchases through these time-sensitive offers.

2. Sort by Orders to Find Popular Items

Sorting products by order count helps you identify reliable items that have been purchased and tested by many shoppers.

Why This Works

• Products with high order counts have been vetted by real buyers.
• Popular items often provide better value for money.
• High-order items typically have more reviews with photos to examine.

To use this feature, simply enter your search term and select the “Orders” option from the dropdown sorting menu. This method helps you avoid untested products and find items with proven quality.

3. Shop in the Outlet Section for Savings

The Outlet section contains products at heavily reduced prices, offering an excellent opportunity for bargain hunters.

Outlet Shopping Advantages

• Products are often 40-80% cheaper than regular listings.
• The section includes overstock items and previous season merchandise.
• Outlet deals change frequently as inventory gets updated.

Look for the Outlet tab on the main navigation menu. The best deals tend to appear early in the morning or late evening when fewer shoppers are browsing.

4. Buy During AliExpress Sales Like 11.11

AliExpress runs several major sales events throughout the year that offer the deepest discounts available.

Key Sales Events

• 11.11 (Singles Day) on November 11th – the biggest annual sale
• AliExpress Birthday Sale (late March)
• Summer Sale (June-July)
• Black Friday and Cyber Monday (November-December)

Pro tip: Add items to your cart 2-3 days before big sales. Sellers often send special discount coupons for items in your cart as the sale approaches.

5. Stack Coupons for Extra Savings

Combining multiple discount types on a single purchase can significantly reduce your total cost.

How to Stack Discounts

• Product-specific discounts (shown directly on product pages)
• Store coupons (found under “Discounts & Coupons” section)
• Site-wide coupon codes (entered at checkout)
• Coin discounts (apply AliExpress coins to your purchase)

These discounts can be used simultaneously on a single order. For example, you might get 10% off the item price, $5 off with a store coupon, and another $10 off with a site-wide coupon code.

To maximize savings, check all available coupons before finalizing your purchase. Many shoppers have saved 30-50% through strategic coupon stacking.

6. Collect Coins Daily in the App

AliExpress offers a virtual currency system that can lead to significant discounts on purchases.

How to Earn Coins

• Log into the app daily to collect free coins.
• Complete tasks like watching videos, sharing products, or playing mini-games.
• Check the “Coins” section on the main page for all earning opportunities.

The coins page often contains hidden discounts that aren't visible elsewhere. According to search results, some shoppers find items that normally cost $4-5 for just $1 or less using coins.

To maximize coin benefits:

• Search for products directly from the coins page
• Click “buy now” from the coins page rather than adding to cart first
• Compare final price on checkout page with regular price

7. Use Select Coupons for Automatic Discounts

Select coupons (also called Choice coupons) offer automatic discounts during special promotion periods.

Choice Day Benefits

• Occurs during the first week of every month
• Offers flat 10-20% discounts on orders
• Stackable with store-specific coupons for deeper savings

Choice Day sales are considered by many users to be the best time to shop each month. These discounts apply automatically at checkout when eligible items are purchased.

8. Read Reviews with Photos Before Buying

Product reviews provide crucial information about actual quality and appearance.

What to Look for in Reviews

• Photos showing the actual product received
• Comments about sizing and material quality
• Shipping time experiences from your region
• Specific details about product performance

Reviews with photos are especially valuable as they show the real product rather than promotional images. Many experienced shoppers avoid any product with few or no photo reviews.

9. Check Seller Ratings for Reliability

The reputation of a seller greatly impacts your shopping experience on AliExpress.

Important Seller Metrics

• Overall star rating (aim for 95%+ positive feedback)
• Number of years on the platform
• Communication score
• Shipping speed rating
• Product accuracy rating

Sellers with higher ratings typically provide better customer service and more accurate product descriptions. You can find this information on the seller's store page or in the product listing.

10. Compare Prices from Different Sellers

The same product can be listed at very different prices across AliExpress.

Price Comparison Strategies

• Use the search function to find multiple listings
• Sort by “Orders” to find popular sellers with competitive prices
• Check if the price includes shipping to your location
• Look for hidden costs like taxes or import fees

According to experienced shoppers, the same store might have up to five different listings for identical products at varying prices. The lowest-priced option is often hidden and requires additional searching.

11. Search in English for Better Results

Language choice affects the quantity and quality of search results on AliExpress.

Search Language Tips

• Use English terms for most products
• Try generic terms if specific searches yield few results
• Include product specifications in your search terms
• Avoid brand names that might be filtered

English searches typically return more options and sometimes better prices than searches in other languages. This simple technique can expand your product options significantly.

12. Avoid Fakes by Checking Seller History

Counterfeit products are common on AliExpress, but several strategies can help you avoid them.

Spotting Reliable Sellers

• Check how long the store has been operating
• Look for detailed product descriptions with original photos
• Read negative reviews to spot patterns of selling fakes
• Be cautious of unrealistically low prices for branded items

Take screenshots of all product descriptions and claims before purchasing. This documentation proves useful if you need to file a dispute later.

13. Use Image Search to Find Products

The image search feature helps locate items when you don't know the exact name or terminology.

How to Use Image Search

• Upload a photo of the product you want
• The platform will display visually similar items
• Compare prices across the results
• Often finds lower-priced alternatives to expensive products

This tool is particularly helpful for finding cheaper versions of items you've seen elsewhere online or in physical stores. Many shoppers report saving 30-50% by using image search to find identical products from different sellers.

14. Pick Free Shipping When Available

Free shipping options can drastically reduce your total spending on AliExpress.

How to Find Free Shipping

• Look for “Free Shipping” labels on product listings.
• Filter search results to show only items with free shipping.
• Compare total costs (product + shipping) before deciding.

Free shipping usually takes longer but saves money. According to experienced shoppers, the free shipping option typically takes 15-30 days for delivery, which is often just as fast as paid standard shipping.

15. Choose Local Delivery to Avoid Customs Fees

Local delivery options help you avoid unexpected customs charges and speed up delivery times.

Benefits of Local Warehouses

• No surprise customs or import taxes.
• Delivery times measured in days rather than weeks.
• Easier returns process if needed.

Look for the “Ship from” label that shows your country or a nearby location. Items shipped from local warehouses might cost slightly more but often prove more economical when all fees are considered.

16. Use Combined Delivery for Faster Shipping

AliExpress offers combined delivery for multiple items from different sellers.

How Combined Shipping Works

• Multiple items are consolidated at a logistics center.
• Products arrive in a single package rather than separately.
• Tracking is simplified with one tracking number.

This option appears at checkout when applicable and can reduce both shipping costs and environmental impact. Combined shipping typically cuts delivery time by 30-50% compared to receiving multiple packages.

17. Pay in USD to Avoid Conversion Fees

The currency you choose at checkout can significantly impact your final cost.

Currency Selection Strategy

• Pay in USD rather than your local currency.
• Avoid double conversion fees from both AliExpress and your bank.
• Check your credit card's foreign transaction fees first.

Many shoppers report saving 2-5% on purchases by paying in USD instead of letting AliExpress convert to their local currency. This small change can add up to substantial savings over multiple purchases.

18. Use Discounted Gift Cards for Savings

Purchasing discounted AliExpress gift cards offers another layer of savings.

Gift Card Savings Approach

• Look for gift card promotions on deal websites.
• Purchase cards during promotional events for extra value.
• Stack gift card discounts with on-site coupons.

Gift cards frequently sell at 5-10% below face value through various deal platforms. This method creates an immediate discount before applying any other promotions.

19. Try “Buy Now, Pay Later” Options

Several payment solutions allow you to spread the cost of AliExpress purchases.

Payment Flexibility Benefits

• Delay full payment until after you receive items.
• Split payments into smaller installments.
• Manage cash flow better for larger purchases.

This feature is available in select countries and typically requires no additional fees. The option appears at checkout for eligible buyers and provides financial flexibility without added costs.

20. Shop Through the App for Exclusive Deals

The AliExpress mobile app offers promotions not available on the desktop site.

App-Only Advantages

• New user bonuses and app-only discounts.
• Mobile-exclusive flash sales and coupons.
• Push notifications for price drops on saved items.

App shoppers report finding prices that are 5-15% lower than on the website. The app also makes it easier to collect daily coins that can be exchanged for additional discounts.

21. Play App Games to Earn Coupons

AliExpress features interactive games and activities that reward players with additional savings.

Game Rewards System

• Daily check-ins earn coins and coupons.
• Mini-games award bonus discounts.
• Sharing products with friends unlocks additional savings.

These gamification features make shopping more engaging while providing tangible benefits. Regular players can earn $3-5 in coupon value weekly through consistent participation.

22. Check Detailed Reviews for Electronics

When purchasing electronic items, thorough review analysis is essential to avoid low-quality products.

What to Look for in Electronics Reviews

• Check for performance details and battery life information.
• Look for reviews with actual photos showing the product in use.
• Read both positive and negative reviews to understand common issues.

According to experienced AliExpress shoppers, electronics with at least 50+ orders and multiple photo reviews are generally more reliable. Reviews with images are especially valuable as they show the actual product rather than promotional images.

23. Size Up When Ordering Clothes

Clothing sizes on AliExpress typically run smaller than Western sizing standards.

Size Selection Strategy

• Order 1-2 sizes larger than your normal size.
• Always check the size chart measurements for each item.
• Look for reviews that mention sizing accuracy.

Size 9 in China is different from size 9 in the United States, so relying on your regular size can lead to disappointment. Many experienced shoppers recommend checking measurements in centimeters rather than relying on S/M/L designations.

24. Look for Eco-Friendly Budget Alternatives

Many sellers offer affordable eco-friendly versions of popular products.

Finding Sustainable Options

• Search using terms like “eco,” “sustainable,” or “biodegradable.”
• Check product descriptions for material information.
• Read reviews to verify sustainability claims.

These products often cost slightly more than standard versions but provide an environmentally conscious alternative at prices still below mainstream retail.

25. Filter by Price, Shipping, and Ratings

Using search filters effectively can dramatically improve your shopping experience.

Effective Filtering Techniques

• Use the browser search function if app filters are limited.
• Add “free shipping” to your search terms to find no-cost delivery options.
• Sort by orders to find popular, proven products.

Many users find that the AliExpress search function works better with more specific keywords rather than broad terms. When the built-in filters seem inadequate, try using “site:aliexpress.com” in Google search with your specific requirements.

26. Use “Pack” or “Bundle” to Find Deals

Including specific terms in your search can uncover hidden bulk discounts.

Search Term Strategies

• Add “set,” “kit,” or “bundle” to your search query.
• Look for listings with “X+1 free” in the title.
• Search for “wholesale” along with your product name.

These search techniques often reveal options that offer more items for less money per unit, creating better value even for individual shoppers.

27. Leave Items in Cart for Seller Coupons

Strategic cart abandonment can trigger additional discount offers.

Cart Strategy Tips

• Add items to your cart 2-3 days before you plan to purchase.
• Check your in-app messages regularly for special offers.
• Sellers often send coupons like “$2 off $2” for items in your cart.

This technique works especially well for higher-priced items where sellers have more margin to offer discounts. Many experienced shoppers report receiving discount offers within 24-48 hours of leaving items in their cart.

28. Set Price Alerts for Sales

Monitor price changes to buy at the optimal time.

Price Tracking Methods

• Use third-party price trackers for AliExpress.
• Take screenshots of prices to track manually.
• Compare historical prices before major sales events.

Services like Pricearchive track AliExpress prices back to 2016 for millions of products, helping you determine if current “sale” prices are actually good deals.

29. Check Seller Badges Before Buying

Seller credentials provide important clues about reliability and product quality.

Seller Verification Checklist

• Visit the seller's store page and check their overall rating.
• Look for badges like “Top Brand” or “Guaranteed Genuine.”
• Sort the seller's products by orders and check their best-sellers.

A simple but effective verification method is to visit the seller's store, sort by orders, and examine their most popular products. If these top items have many positive reviews with photos, the store is likely legitimate.

30. Avoid Unrealistic Prices and Offers

Suspiciously low prices often indicate counterfeit or poor-quality products.

Red Flags to Watch For

• Branded products at 80-90% below retail price.
• Perfect 5.0 ratings with few or no detailed reviews.
• Vague product descriptions with poor grammar.

Experienced shoppers recommend using common sense when evaluating deals. If a price seems too good to be true—like premium electronics at 90% off—it likely indicates a counterfeit product.

31. Prepare for Big Events Like Anniversary Sale

Major AliExpress sales events offer the year's best discounts but require preparation.

Key Sale Dates

• March 28 – Anniversary Sale (AliExpress Birthday)
• August 28 – Mega Brand Sale (up to 70% off)
• November 11 – Global Shopping Festival (11.11)
• November 29 – Black Friday

The AliExpress Anniversary Sale typically begins with preliminary events around March 15, with the main sale launching on March 18. Planning purchases around these dates can result in substantial savings.

32. Follow AliExpress Social Accounts for Promos

Social media channels often announce exclusive promotions before they appear on the platform.

Finding Hidden Promos

• Follow official AliExpress accounts on major social platforms.
• Join AliExpress-focused Reddit communities.
• Subscribe to promotional emails for early notifications.

Early notification of sales gives you time to research products and fill your cart before limited-time offers expire or popular items sell out.

33. Wait for Seasonal Sales for Bigger Discounts

Timing purchases with seasonal promotions can maximize savings.

Seasonal Discount Calendar

• March: Anniversary/Birthday Sale
• June-July: Summer Sale
• November: 11.11 Global Shopping Festival and Black Friday
• December: Year-End Sale and Cyber Monday

The 11.11 Global Shopping Festival typically offers the deepest discounts of the year, with many products available at 50-70% off regular prices.

34. Look for Buyer Photos in Reviews

Product photos shared by real buyers provide the most honest view of what you'll actually receive.

Finding Real Product Photos

• Prioritize reviews that include customer images.
• Compare multiple photo reviews to see consistency across different orders.
• Check if the product matches the seller's promotional images.

According to experienced shoppers, items with many photo reviews tend to be more reliable purchases. These unfiltered images show the actual product quality rather than professionally edited marketing photos.

35. Check Negative Reviews for Common Issues

Negative reviews often reveal recurring problems that might affect your purchase decision.

Analyzing Negative Feedback

• Look for patterns in complaints (sizing issues, material quality, etc.).
• Pay attention to how the seller responds to negative reviews.
• Check if multiple customers mention the same problems.

Reading 1-3 star reviews helps identify potential deal-breakers before purchasing. Some issues might be acceptable to you, while others could be absolute deal-breakers depending on your needs.

36. Browse “SuperDeals” for Limited Offers

The SuperDeals section features heavily discounted items for a limited time.

How to Access SuperDeals

• From the AliExpress homepage, click on “Super Deals.”
• Check both “Now” and “Upcoming” sections.
• Offers typically provide 30-70% discounts off regular prices.

SuperDeals are refreshed regularly with new offers. According to search results, browsing this section early in the morning or late evening may reveal better deals when fewer shoppers are online.

37. Check “Choice” Items for Quality Assurance

AliExpress Choice products undergo additional quality verification by the platform.

Benefits of Choice Products

• Pre-vetted by AliExpress for quality and reliability.
• Often include faster shipping options.
• Typically offer better buyer protection.

The Choice program helps you identify products that have passed additional quality checks. This section is especially valuable when purchasing electronics or other items where quality consistency matters.

38. Use Thesaurus for Alternative Search Terms

Expanding your search vocabulary improves your chances of finding the best deals.

Search Term Variations

• Try synonyms for your main search terms.
• Use both generic and specific product descriptions.
• Search with related industry terminology.

According to experienced AliExpress users, the search engine often struggles with exact matches. Using alternative terms like “set,” “kit,” or “bundle” can uncover options that the standard search might miss.

39. Try Generic Terms to Find Hidden Gems

Overly specific searches sometimes limit your results and cause you to miss great deals.

Broadening Your Search

• Start with general category terms.
• Avoid brand names that might be filtered or blocked.
• Use descriptive terms rather than specific model numbers.

Many search issues stem from AliExpress's filtering system. As mentioned in the search results, you can overcome this limitation by searching with broader terms or using Google with “site:aliexpress.com” followed by your search terms.

40. Browse Bestsellers for Trending Items

Bestseller lists provide a quick way to find popular, proven products in each category.

Finding Bestseller Lists

• Navigate to specific categories and look for the “Bestselling” tab.
• Check a seller's store page and sort their products by orders.
• Look for the “All Popular” page for platform-wide trending items.

Products with high order counts have been tested by many buyers, making them safer purchases. This approach helps you avoid untested products while identifying items that have satisfied many previous customers.

41. Use Category-Specific Filters for Better Results

Each product category has unique filtering options that help narrow down your search.

Specialized Filtering

• Look for category-specific attributes (like material type for clothing).
• Use minimum star ratings to find quality items.
• Filter by shipping origin to find items that will arrive faster.

The standard filters often fail to work properly on AliExpress. Instead, try using the browser's search function after loading all results, or use category-specific attributes that appear only when browsing within specific sections.

42. Check Which Items Make Coupons Invalid

AliExpress applies specific rules that can invalidate coupon use on certain purchases.

Common Coupon Restrictions

• Choice items often cannot be purchased with general coupons.
• Items below specific price thresholds may not qualify for coupon use.
• Select promotional items like those in “SuperDeals” reject coupon applications.

According to AliExpress's official terms, “AliExpress Coupons cannot be used on purchases on special promotional items such as those in GaGa Deals, Coupon Promotions, etc.” This rule means you need to verify coupon compatibility before adding items to your cart.

43. Separate Choice/Local from Global Sellers

Mixing different seller types in one order can create shipping complications and limit discount options.

Order Separation Strategy

• Create separate orders for Choice items versus standard shipping items.
• Group items by warehouse location (US, EU, China) for combined shipping.
• Check if seller-specific coupons apply to all items in cart.

Choice products have special coupon rules and shipping methods that don't mix well with standard items. Keeping them separate ensures you can apply the maximum available discounts to each order type.

44. Shop During Birthday/Anniversary Sales

AliExpress offers major discounts during its annual birthday celebration in March.

Anniversary Sale Benefits

• The 2025 Anniversary Sale runs from March 15-28.
• Early access events begin approximately two weeks before the main sale.
• Discounts of 50-70% appear on popular items during this period.

According to the search results, the AliExpress Anniversary Sale commences with preliminary events around March 15, with the main festivities officially launching on March 18. This is one of the platform's biggest sales outside of the November 11.11 event.

45. Take Advantage of Monthly Choice Day Events

Choice Day offers exclusive discounts on AliExpress's premium shipping program items.

Choice Day Details

• Occurs during the first week of every month and lasts 7 days.
• Offers automatic 10-20% discounts on qualifying orders.
• Products must be at least $10 to qualify for free shipping.

To maximize savings, aim to place orders that meet the minimum threshold (typically €29 or about $30) to trigger the larger Choice Day coupons. These discounts apply automatically at checkout when you purchase eligible items.

46. Check Shipping Costs Before Finalizing

Hidden shipping fees can eliminate any savings from product discounts.

Shipping Cost Analysis

• Free shipping options typically take 15-30 days for delivery.
• Paid shipping might not be faster despite the higher cost.
• Combined shipping can reduce overall costs for multiple items.

Combined shipping consolidates multiple items at a logistics center and typically cuts delivery time by 30-50% compared to receiving separate packages. Always compare the total price (product + shipping) before making your final decision.

47. Compare “Ship from US” vs China Pricing

Local warehouse shipping offers faster delivery but often at higher prices.

Price-Speed Tradeoff

• Local warehouse items typically cost 10-30% more.
• Shipping from China takes longer but costs less.
• Local warehouse items avoid customs fees and delays.

Items shipped from local warehouses arrive in days rather than weeks and eliminate surprise customs charges. Though they cost slightly more upfront, they often prove more economical when all fees are considered.

48. Use Image Search to Find Cheaper Versions

The image search feature helps locate identical items at lower prices.

How to Use Image Search Effectively

• Upload a photo of an item you've seen elsewhere.
• Compare multiple results to find the best price.
• Check seller ratings for each lower-priced alternative.

This tool is particularly useful for finding cheaper versions of items you've seen on other websites or in physical stores. Many shoppers report saving 30-50% by using image search to locate identical products from different sellers.

49. Check the Coins Section for Extra Discounts

AliExpress coins provide substantial discounts when used strategically.

Maximizing Coin Value

• Search for products directly from the coins page.
• Click “buy now” from the coins page rather than adding to cart first.
• Stack coin discounts with seller coupons for bigger savings.

According to recent posts, you can get discounts of 60-70% by combining coins with other promotions. To get the most value, target items with free shipping, as coins only discount the product price, not shipping costs.

50. Use AliExpress Buyer Protection Guarantees

AliExpress offers protection programs to safeguard your purchases.

Buyer Protection Details

• Full refunds for undelivered items or those not as described.
• Protection typically lasts 75-90 days from purchase.
• Disputes must be opened within the protection period.

This system provides security when ordering from overseas sellers. If you receive an item that doesn't match the description or never arrives, you can file a dispute and receive a refund through the platform.

51. Take Screenshots of Product Descriptions

Documenting product details protects you if items arrive different from advertised.

Documentation Strategy

• Screenshot the full product description page.
• Save images of any specific claims about materials or functionality.
• Capture seller promises about shipping time or warranty.

This documentation proves vital if you need to file a dispute later. Many experienced shoppers report that having screenshots has helped them win cases when products arrived significantly different from what was advertised.

52. Open Disputes for Undelivered Items

AliExpress has a specific process for handling problems with orders.

Dispute Process Tips

• Open disputes only after the buyer protection period has started counting down.
• Provide clear evidence including screenshots and photos.
• Respond promptly to any seller communication during the dispute.

When filing a dispute, be precise about the issue and your desired resolution (refund or replacement). Include all relevant evidence like tracking information for undelivered items or comparison photos for quality issues.