Ecommerce | Updated November 16, 2023  

AliExpress Shipping Time — How Long Does it Take? (2023 Guide)

Shipping is a major process for online shopping and business in general.

With that being said, more merchants want to receive adequate information about AliExpress shipping time.

There are frustrated dropshippers, especially on some Reddit threads:

In this article, we are going to talk about a topic so important that we decided to answer some frequently asked questions from clients about AliExpress shipping time and more, including:

  • How long does it take to ship from China?
  • How long does AliExpress take to ship?
  • What is the average shipping time from China to the US?
  • How long does a package take to arrive from China?
  • What is AliExpress’s extended processing time?
  • What about AliExpress fast shipping?

Of course, as we dive deeper into the topic, we will answer these questions and more related to AliExpress delivery time, Alibaba shipment, AliExpress UK, AliExpress Mexico, information about the sellers shipping method, and details about selling items like cheap AliExpress hair or bin AliExpress for cheaper prices.

With our previous experience and having ordered some items such as AliExpress dies and stamps in the past, we will dissect AliExpress shipping time and give you more detailed information on prices, how long it takes to ship from China, and we will answer other miscellaneous Alibaba shipping method questions.

How Long Does Shipping from China Take?

As you may already know, most sellers are sending packages from China. It’s good to know that while also keeping a decent tracking of your delivery along the way.

In most cases, the tracking details you are shown refer to China as the “country of origin,” but there are exceptions when you come across a supplier that is not based there.

How Long Does AliExpress Take To Deliver?

Delivery times will vary according to what plan you are using. We have used all plans available in the past:

  • AliExpress Standard Shipping
  • FedEx
  • SunYou Economic Air Mail
  • ePacket

We have experience purchasing different items such as cheap AliExpress hair, AliExpress dies and stamps, and other home products like bins. So, we know a thing or two about AliExpress shipping time.

Now let’s take a closer look at each shipping method and uncover information on how long it takes items to ship from China. We will also look at the contrast between China and USA shipping times and the overall cost of the process.

AliExpress Standard Shipping

AliExpress standard shipping is one of the most preferred methods. It is also the cheapest. However, there are some options on AliExpress that end up FREE of cost, which is great for customers.

If you use these plans, it will usually take between 15 and 45 working days to deliver your package. To some people, this may seem like a long period, but if the goods you are receiving are not urgent, it can prove great for your wallet, as it is a cheap method to securely get your items.

AliExpress Premium shipping, on the other hand, typically gives you a delivery window of only 7 to 15 working days. So, if you need your items sooner, then premium shipping might be the best method for you.

FedEx

When we talk about FedEx and AliExpress, we are talking about premium delivery. You can expect lightning-fast delivery times.

FedEx cuts down the delivery time by half and takes between 7 and 15 days. But, of course, this premium delivery service also comes with a premium price tag and happens to be one of the highest as of now.

The cost for a single delivery can rise to over $20, which is fine for most who are looking for more expedited delivery service. We also have some partners that receive orders and deliver them within three to five days of the purchase date.

SunYou Economic Air Mail

As you can see here, SunYou Economic Air Mail is preferred by many people and offers shipping for AliExpress with delivery times ranging between 15 and 35 days.

Bonus Material: 7 Dropshipping Suppliers With Faster Shipping Speed Than Aliexpress (as low as 2 days)

All items should be below 2kg to get shipped with SunYou Economic Air Mail, so it is suitable for stamps, stickers, jewelry, and other lightweight items.

Using ePacket

It’s known that ePacket delivery is also one of the most popular AliExpress shipping methods.

It is affordable and reaches clients faster, and depending on what items are purchased, it can be free at times for an entrepreneur and only cost the customer a few bucks. Thus, it can help with building a stronger profit. ePacket Delivery is often considered to be faster than many traditional shipping methods of the same price range.

According to its source and delivery policy, it takes between 16 and 28 days to deliver items using ePacket.

What Is the Best AliExpress Shipping Method?

It all comes down to personal preference and what the purpose of the order is. If you want FedEx to bring your goods fast and don’t care about the higher shipping costs, go for this premium delivery service option.

However, if you are looking to cut costs and extended shipping times are not a major factor, you may want to go with AliExpress standard shipping.  

If you are a merchant and want to ship faster to your clients while also securing your profits, go with ePacket Delivery or AliExpress Standard Shipping. These options allow for more reasonable delivery prices and are often delivered ahead of schedule.

You can enter your “My AliExpress” account, purchase, and try them out later in the process.

If any delays occur later, you can always use the AliExpress order phone number for questions. However, we suggest tracking down your delivery with a proficient last mile carrier app that will ease some of the anxiety.

Why Does Amazon Take So Long To Ship?

Amazon, as we know it, is a giant in providing all kinds of products to customers all over the world. Unlike AliExpress or Alibaba, here you can sell almost anything, and have items making their trek all over the world to reach their final destination.

If you are an Amazon Prime member, you can expect free standard shipping of between four and five business days. However, many people often get their orders before this shipping window.

In the case of a prolonged delivery window, you need a branded tracking page app that will provide you with real-time details on what is going on with your purchase.

Why Is Alibaba Shipping So Expensive?

There are multiple threads on why Alibaba is so expensive, especially this one you can find on Reddit.

From China to Australia or Europe, you might even find “bulk” prices when it comes to paying for shipping in these locations.

If you are using Alibaba for shipping to the US, the heavier the goods, the more Alibaba will charge you for shipping. So, if you have a long shipping distance and a higher package weight, you will incur higher shipping charges than you would find on other platforms.

Some people want to know how long it takes to ship from China to California. Unfortunately, finding the answer to this has proven difficult.  They claim that most delivery deadlines range between 10 and 15 days, with some taking up to 30 days.

Along with the weight and location, it also depends on the type of delivery. For example, is the delivery coming by air or sea? These methods and processes apply to AliExpress shipping time. 

So, how long is shipping from China going to take? You never truly know the exact date of delivery unless you have been provided with more precise tracking software to stay on top of things.

Alibaba Shipping Costs and Shipping Time to the US

As you can see in the table below, we have the prices for Alibaba shipping costs to the US depending on shipment volume (Weight/kg).

So, what about Alibaba’s shipping times?

  • It takes between 1 and 2 weeks to receive regular post from China to the US
  • It takes around 3 days to get it from Air Express freight
  • It takes around 1 day to receive a delivery from the air freight option
  • And it takes the longest to receive it from ocean freight — about 30 and 40 days

That, in a nutshell, are the shipping times you can expect when shipping from China to the US.  

According to Oberlo, shipping times can be tackled in dropshipping in many efficient ways, some of which you may find useful here.

Also, don’t forget that the AliExpress processing time is 1 to 5 days before you can begin counting down the delivery time.

Check your “My AliExpress” account regularly, and make sure you read all messages and notifications that are sent over following your purchase.

What Packaging Can You Expect With AliExpress Products?

If your packages are coming from FedEx, you might find that the packaging has the FedEx logo. However, most packaged AliExpress products come wrapped in plastic and are wrapped securely to protect the items against any kind of damage.

If you are using ePacket Delivery, you can expect plain, unbranded packaging.

We have given you answers to some of the more frequently asked questions regarding AliExpress shipping time. Now that you know how long it can take to ship your products from China and understand the different Alibaba shipping methods, you can make a more informed decision when choosing the right shipment methods for you.

Is AliExpress Standard Shipping Worth It?

Absolutely!  Standard shipping provides quality delivery to customers, despite the longer AliExpress shipping times.

Make sure you also take advantage of additional apps like delivery notifications while waiting for your packages to arrive.

AliExpress also offers one of the best pricing options for purchasing. Of course, some would argue that Amazon offers the best pricing, but AliExpress shipping puts some of the best Chinese retailers in one place, where you can find most items for a lot cheaper.

Standing Apart from the Competition

As a new eCommerce store, or even if you have been in the business for a couple of years, you know it can be difficult to compete with giants like Amazon. To counteract this, make sure you focus on the core of all deliveries — the products you are offering.

Offer only high-quality products and build long-term relationships with your eCommerce store customers. This is how you build equity and trust for your brand and business. Highlight your services, offer bundles, and create a more personalized level of support. If you find that the market is too saturated, find a more specific target market to avoid high bounce rates and lower sales.

More than anything, customers want to receive their packages in a timely manner, and they want them to come intact. It is your job to meet these expectations. However, if you know the shipping times are going to be longer, then preserve the quality of your brand and ensure the loyalty of your customers by showing unmatched quality when it comes to customer service and the products you provide.

Slower shipping times can be counterbalanced with an easy purchasing process and exceptional customer service. Also, people do love FREE deliveries. If you are going to deliver, you should make sure you have this option along with others because the majority of purchasers love a free delivery option.

People are aware that AliExpress or Alibaba shipping methods that are free are often a lot slower than paid options. Make sure that the AliExpress free shipping method is worth the wait. It’s up to you and how well you manage your store, send packages, and maintain relationships with carriers.

How Do You Track an Order Sent Via AliExpress Shipping?

To track an order sent via AliExpress shipping, go to the My Orders section and click on the Details link. All the details of your order will display on a new page. You can find and copy the tracking number and paste it into the form and click Track Parcel to find more specific details about your shipment. Shipment tracking is also available for AliExpress standard shipping.

How Do You Place an AliExpress Shipping Order?

To place an order with AliExpress shipping, navigate to the product detail page, and in the Shipping Menu section, choose AliExpress standard shipping or AliExpress premium shipping. You can then click Buy Now or Add to Cart. AliExpress uses its different shipping partners to deliver the products you order. Often, buyers do not have to pay for the shipping as long as it is shipped via standard shipping. Therefore, standard shipping is a very secure option to choose.

Does AliExpress Refund if the Product Is Not Received?

If a buyer can show that they didn’t receive their delivery within the estimated delivery time, the seller will provide a full refund. If the delivery date has come and gone, sign in to AliExpress, select the order, and click the Open Dispute button if you still haven’t received your shipment. Fortunately, the majority of packages are delivered within the estimated delivery windows.

Bonus Material: 7 Dropshipping Suppliers With Faster Shipping Speed Than Aliexpress (as low as 2 days)

AliExpress Standard Shipping Is Good for Your Online Store

Yes, having a good understanding when it comes to AliExpress shipping time and including the standard version on your online store is crucial as more and more people prefer free shipping over faster deliveries.

Since they will experience long shipping times in exchange for free shipping, make sure they have access to the apps and tracking information they need to keep tabs on their order.

Not paying the higher price for AliExpress premium and express shipping allows for more benefits for you as a merchant and customers.

Some may want their order faster, but it is up to you to determine your customer’s needs and ensure you offer them the best options. The goal is to have happy repeat customers that prefer your brand over others.

Final Thoughts: AliExpress Shipping Time

Working freely with AliExpress dropshipping methods or Alibaba shipping methods allows you to run a more successful online business. To get started, get to know all the specifications of the delivery services, prices, what is being offered to customers, and what offers are available for you as a merchant. Then you can make a strategy that allows you to maintain a much bigger profit when all is said and done.  

After all, isn’t this the ultimate goal of all merchants?

The best way to learn the most accurate information regarding pricing and shipping times between China and the US is to test your options before applying them to your store. Experiment with different good types, locations, and weights. Determine the different weight prices, if additional boxes are needed, what the packaging prices are, and what the price tag is for faster delivery.

Now, let’s talk about keeping customers in the loop with delivery notifications. People like to know when their package is on its way and when it’s going to arrive. This can be a simple message when the item is shipped, another when it enters the US, and a final alert when it’s about to be delivered. Adding these updates doesn't just make customers happy; it also helps to avoid the cost and hassle of missed deliveries and returns.

When you get a glimpse of that and know how to adjust the different specifications to suit your business, you won’t have to worry about AliExpress shipping time, as your customers will have the options available to them and can choose the best when visiting your online store.

Finally, expect some items to come earlier than expected and some to come later. You should also learn the differences in timelines when it comes to using air freight and sea freight for delivery purposes.

Learning more about your specific niche and the products you have chosen to sell can also provide you with a better idea on the best options for pricing and shipping that will prove to be the most beneficial.

AliExpress shipping is great if you want to build your long-term business strategy; you just have to be aware of the terms and costs involved. 

It is up to you to determine the best way to execute your ideas. Always plan to profit from each sale and find new and creative ways to create more value for your clients and yourself.

Selling online is not an easy task, especially with the competition these days. AliExpress shipments is just one to consider for your business as you continue to learn about the industry and find what works best for you and your customers.