Install for freeHow to Return an Item and Get a Refund on AliExpress: Refund Only, Return & Refund and Partial Refund
Sometimes an AliExpress order arrives and you immediately understand: this is not what you paid for. The color is wrong, the size is strange, the item is broken, the set is incomplete, or the “premium material” looks like it has never met premium in its life.
In these cases, you can request a refund, return the item, or ask for a partial refund. The important part is choosing the right scenario. Returning the item is not always the smartest option, especially if the product is cheap, the defect is small or return shipping is inconvenient.
In this guide, I’ll show when to choose Refund Only, Return & Refund or Partial Refund, how to submit a return/refund request on AliExpress, what evidence to prepare and what mistakes can cost you the refund.
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Refund only, return & refund or partial refund: what should you choose?
| Situation | Best option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Parcel did not arrive | Refund only | There is nothing to return |
| Tracking shows delivery to wrong address | Refund only | You did not receive the parcel |
| Item arrived broken and unusable | Refund only or Return & Refund | Depends on product value and AliExpress decision |
| Wrong item was sent | Full refund or Return & Refund | Seller sent something different |
| Item is usable but has a defect | Partial refund | You keep the item and get compensation |
| Wrong color or small mismatch | Partial refund | Usually not worth returning |
| Missing accessory or part | Partial refund or resend request | Depends on how important the missing part is |
| You changed your mind | Return & Refund | The item is not defective, so return may be required |
| Expensive item with serious defect | Return & Refund or full refund | Evidence and return terms matter |
RReasons to request a return or refund on AliExpress
You may request a return or refund if:
- the item does not match the description;
- the size, color, model or specification is wrong;
- the item arrived broken, cracked, torn or stained;
- the product does not work;
- accessories or parts are missing;
- the quantity is wrong;
- the seller sent the wrong item;
- the product appears to be counterfeit;
- the parcel was not delivered;
- tracking shows delivery to the wrong address.
The more specific your reason is, the easier it is to choose the right refund type and prepare evidence.
Might be of interest: How to start selling on Alixpress.
In order to minimize the risk of disappointment from the parcel, choose only reliable sellers on Aliexpress. The free browser extension AliHelper will help you with this. It will show an objective rating of any store by 5 criteria, and also with its help you can see the price history, track the parcel or discount, find similar products, and so on.
When returning the item may not be worth it
Returning an item is not always the best solution.
Think twice if:
- the item is cheap;
- return shipping is expensive;
- the defect is small;
- the item can still be used;
- you only need compensation, not a full refund;
- you do not have a printer for the label;
- the return deadline is too close;
- the seller asks you to return the item outside AliExpress.
For low-cost items, a partial refund may be more practical than turning your afternoon into a postal adventure.
What Types of Refunds Are Available on AliExpress?
AliExpress offers several refund options depending on the situation. Let’s consider the main types:
Refund without sending the goods to the seller (“Refund only”)
In some cases, the platform can approve a partial or full refund on Aliexpress without the need to send the goods back to the seller. This is possible if:
- The item does not match the description;
- There is damage or defects;
- The seller admits the mistake and agrees to the compensation.
Return & Refund
In this case, the buyer returns the purchase back to the seller and receives a full refund on Aliexpress. It is important to note that in some situations it is the buyer who pays for the return shipping, if it is not specified in the terms and conditions.
Partial Refund
The seller and buyer can agree on a partial refund on AliExpress if the item is slightly damaged or different from the description, but can be used.
Also may be of interest: How to win a dispute on Aliexpress – step-by-step instruction.
How to Return an Item on AliExpress
First, you should note that you can request a refund within 90 days of receiving the parcel. For each order, the first refund will be free of charge.
The return or refund process includes several steps. Let’s look at them in detail:
- Go to your account and open the “Orders” section;
- In the block of the desired order, click “Returns/refunds”;
- Select the reasons for the refund;
- Upload a photo or video if necessary;
- Confirm the information. Your request will be processed within 2 days;
- After your request is approved, make sure to click the “Get a Free Return tracking number”; button on the dispute page within 5 days to obtain your unique Free Return label. If you miss this deadline, your case will be closed with no refund, and you won’t be able to reopen the dispute;
- Download and print the Free Return label;
- Carefully pack your parcel;
- Drop off the return parcel and the printed Free Return label to any designated return location within 15 days of receiving the label. If the package is not delivered within the required time, the label will be voided. Completing the return sooner will expedite your refund;
- Hand over the return parcel with the label to the postal clerk;
- Keep your receipt and wait for your refund, which will be processed once the returned item(s) are checked.
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Checking and refunds
The seller will check the items upon receipt. If discrepancies are found (for example, you sent the wrong item), the seller may ship it back.
If everything is in order and the item meets the stated terms of the dispute, the money will be refunded to your account within 3-20 business days, depending on the terms of the bank that issued the card.
How to make a refund in the Aliexpress mobile app
The procedure for returning goods and money for them in the AliExpress mobile app is completely similar to the procedure on the website.
Important nuances when making a return on Aliexpress
Check deadlines
The platform sets a limited time frame to give back goods on Aliexpress – usually 90 days for a refund. After this time, it will be impossible.
Keep an eye on the delivery status
If you return the item, it is important to track its movement with a track number. This will allow you to avoid misunderstandings and confirm the fact of return if necessary.
Who pays for return shipping?
Return shipping depends on the return type and the reason.
In some cases, AliExpress may provide a Free Return label. Then you use the label and send the parcel through the designated return location.
In other cases, the buyer may need to pay return shipping first or pay it completely. This is why you should check the return terms before agreeing to send the item back.
Before returning, check:
- whether Free Return is available;
- who pays shipping;
- where the item must be sent;
- how much shipping costs;
- whether tracking is required;
- whether the refund amount is worth the return.
If the return shipping costs more than the item, do not pretend this is a business plan. Ask whether a partial refund makes more sense.
Return shipping and reshipment
Returns on Aliexpress are usually shipped via a shipping point. The cost of shipping depends on the weight and size of the shipment. Therefore, it is recommended to clarify the cost of shipping before checkout to assess the feasibility.
Do not return the item outside AliExpress instructions
If the seller sends you a private return address in chat and asks you to close the dispute first, be careful.
Use the return process inside AliExpress. Follow the official return instructions, label and address shown in the return/refund case.
Do not:
- close the dispute before the refund is processed;
- send the item to an address outside the case;
- return the item without tracking;
- throw away the receipt;
- agree to a refund outside AliExpress.
A return without proof is not a return. It is a parcel you hope someone will be honest about.
Conclusion
Returning an item on AliExpress is not difficult if you choose the right scenario from the beginning.
If the parcel did not arrive or the item is seriously wrong, Refund Only may be enough. If the product has a small defect but can still be used, Partial Refund may be smarter. If AliExpress requires the item back, follow the official return instructions, print the label on time, keep the receipt and track the parcel.
Do not treat every problem the same way. A broken expensive device, a wrong color, a missing accessory and a parcel delivered to the wrong address all need different refund strategies.
And before the next order, check the seller. It is much nicer to spend two minutes before buying than two weeks proving that the product was not what you ordered.
Open “My Orders”, choose the order, click “Returns/Refunds”, select the reason, upload evidence and submit the request. If return is required, follow the official AliExpress return instructions.
Refund Only means you request money back without sending the item back. Return & Refund means you send the item back and receive a refund after the return is accepted.
Choose Partial Refund when the item has a defect or mismatch, but you can still use it. This is often better for small defects, wrong color or missing minor accessories.
Yes, if the item is damaged, wrong or not as described. Photos, videos, listing screenshots and tracking screenshots make your case stronger.
It depends on the return type, reason and whether Free Return is available. Always check the return instructions before sending the item back.
Free Return means AliExpress provides a return label for eligible orders. You must get the label before the deadline, print it and send the parcel to the designated return location.
If you miss the label deadline, the return case may be closed and you may lose the refund opportunity. Always check the deadline on the return page.
Sometimes yes. This may happen if the item did not arrive, tracking shows wrong delivery, the item is unusable or the defect is clear enough for AliExpress to approve compensation.
If the product is not defective and you simply changed your mind, check whether return is available, keep the item unused and make sure all packaging and tags are intact.
