How Does the Shipping Process on AliExpress Work?

What is the shipping process on AliExpress like?

As an e-commerce platform under Alibaba, AliExpress has attracted a large number of merchants and consumers worldwide in recent years. For many new sellers, understanding the shipping process on AliExpress is crucial. Not only does it affect whether orders can be delivered smoothly, but it also directly impacts customer satisfaction and store reputation. So, what exactly is the shipping process on AliExpress? This article will analyze actual cases and relevant reports to provide you with a detailed interpretation of this process.

First, from the perspective of merchants, the shipping process on AliExpress can be divided into several main stages product preparation, logistics selection, order processing, and shipping confirmation. During the product preparation phase, merchants need to ensure sufficient inventory and inspect the products to avoid returns or complaints due to quality issues. For example, according to an industry report earlier this year, a certain AliExpress seller had multiple instances of returned goods due to failing to carefully check product specifications, which ultimately affected the store's rating. Product preparation is a critical step in the entire shipping process.

Next is the logistics selection stage. AliExpress offers various logistics solutions for merchants, including economical logistics, standard logistics, and fast logistics options. Different types of logistics services cater to different customer needs. For instance, small items may be better suited for economical logistics to reduce costs; whereas high-value or time-sensitive items are recommended to choose fast logistics. It’s worth noting that in recent years, with the continuous improvement of international logistics networks, some logistics companies have begun offering customized services such as priority delivery and full tracking functions, greatly enhancing user experience. According to the latest news, Cainiao Network has reached strategic cooperation agreements with several international airlines to further optimize cross-border transportation efficiency.

Once the logistics solution is determined, the order processing phase begins. In this process, merchants need to promptly update the order status and upload shipping information to the AliExpress backend system. They also need to print labels according to the specified format and properly package the parcels. Media reports indicate that in a recent survey, many small and medium-sized enterprises newly on the AliExpress platform were found to have problems with non-standard operations, such as forgetting to fill in accurate shipping addresses or incorrectly attaching labels, which frequently occurred. These issues often result in packages not being delivered on time or getting lost, causing unnecessary trouble for both parties involved. Merchants must strictly follow the platform's requirements for each step.

Finally, after completing all the aforementioned preparations, comes the shipping confirmation phase. At this point, the merchant just needs to hand over the parcel to the selected logistics company to complete the entire shipping process. However, it’s worth noting that even at this stage, merchants still need to closely monitor the logistics dynamics to address any potential emergencies that may arise. For example, sometimes due to changes in customs policies of the destination country, there might be instances of customs detention. In such cases, merchants need to actively communicate and coordinate with relevant departments to resolve the issue as soon as possible.

In summary, although the shipping process on AliExpress seems simple at first glance, it actually involves many details that require attention. Whether it’s product preparation or logistics selection, every step requires merchants to invest enough time and effort in planning and management. Only by doing so can every transaction be completed successfully, laying a solid foundation for future business development. Looking ahead, with technological advancements and changes in market demand, it is believed that AliExpress will continue to improve its service system, providing more convenient and efficient global trade platforms for more small and medium-sized enterprises.