Shopping on AliExpress often means buying small items from several different sellers. This can lead to a mailbox full of separate packages arriving on different days, each with its own tracking number to manage. For a long time, this was just part of the experience. Now, AliExpress has introduced a feature that streamlines this process: Combined Delivery.
This guide will explain everything you need to know about using Combined Delivery on AliExpress. We will cover how it works, its main advantages, and how you can use it to make your shopping more convenient. By the end, you’ll understand how to get products from different stores delivered together in a single box.
What is AliExpress Combined Delivery?
Combined Delivery is a logistics service offered by AliExpress that consolidates multiple orders from different sellers into a single package. Instead of receiving several small parcels, eligible items are grouped together at a sorting warehouse in China and shipped to you under one tracking number.
This service is designed to make shopping more efficient for customers. It simplifies tracking, reduces packaging waste, and can even help with customs procedures in certain countries. Not all products are eligible, but AliExpress is continuously expanding the program, making it easier than ever to find items that qualify.
The Advantages of Using Combined Delivery
Consolidating your orders into one shipment offers several clear benefits that enhance the shopping experience.
Fewer Packages and Tracking Numbers
The most obvious advantage is convenience. Instead of juggling a dozen different tracking numbers and wondering which package will arrive next, you only have one to monitor. This declutters your order history and simplifies the process of knowing when your items will be delivered. You’ll receive everything at once, making the unboxing process much more satisfying.
Easier Customs Handling
For shoppers in countries with strict import regulations or limits on the number of international packages one can receive annually, Combined Delivery is a game-changer. By grouping multiple items into one shipment, you reduce the number of individual packages that need to clear customs. This can save you time and potential paperwork, as you only have to process one shipment instead of many. This is particularly good news for many buyers in Latin America and other regions with similar import rules.
Potential for Faster Shipping
Orders consolidated through Combined Delivery are often upgraded to a better shipping method. Instead of being sent via slower, untracked mail, your combined package is typically shipped using AliExpress Standard Shipping or AliExpress Saver Shipping. These methods are generally faster and more reliable, meaning you get your items sooner.
How AliExpress Combined Delivery Works
The process is mostly automated, but you need to know how to identify and select eligible products to take advantage of it. For the combination to work, you must add all eligible items to your cart and pay for them in a single transaction.
How to Find Eligible Products
AliExpress provides a few ways to find items that can be shipped together.
- Use the “Combined Delivery” Filter: The easiest method is to use the search filter. After searching for a product, look for the “Combined Delivery” filter option in the sidebar or filter menu. Applying this will show you only products from sellers who participate in the program. You can add items from different searches to your cart, and as long as they are all eligible, they will be combined.
- Check Your Shopping Cart: As you add items to your cart, AliExpress will automatically group eligible products together. You will see a note indicating which items can be part of a combined shipment. This allows you to see which of your chosen products qualify before you proceed to checkout.
- Explore the Dedicated Section: AliExpress has also created a special section on its website and app that features popular products available for Combined Delivery. While filtering is more direct, this section is a great place to browse for deals on items that you know can be shipped together.
Remember, you must pay for all the items in one go. If you pay for each item separately, they will be shipped as individual orders, even if they were eligible for combination.
How to Use AliExpress Combined Delivery
- Shop as Usual: Add products to your cart that have the “Combined Delivery” icon. You can mix items from different sellers as long as they’re eligible.
- Check the Cart: Before paying, look for the “Combined Delivery” label under eligible items.
- Pay All at Once: Combined delivery only works if you complete the entire payment in a single transaction.
- Track One Shipment: After payment, your order will receive a single tracking number for all items grouped together.
If you prefer to avoid combined shipping, you’ll need to pay for products separately.
Shipping Methods for Combined Delivery
The shipping method used for your consolidated package depends on the total value of your order.
- AliExpress Saver Shipping: For lower-value combined orders, AliExpress typically uses Saver Shipping. This is a basic shipping method that is faster than standard economy mail but may have limited tracking once it enters the destination country.
- AliExpress Standard Shipping: For higher-value combined orders, the package is usually sent via AliExpress Standard Shipping. This is a certified shipping method with a full, end-to-end tracking number. It is generally faster and more reliable than Saver Shipping, making it the preferred option.
You may also have the option to pay a small fee to upgrade a low-value order to AliExpress Standard Shipping if you prefer the added security of detailed tracking.
Handling Returns and Disputes with Combined Orders
While Combined Delivery is convenient, it adds a layer to consider when dealing with returns or problems.
Free Returns
Many products on AliExpress come with a “Free Return” option. If you have multiple items with this benefit in your combined package and need to return them, be aware that AliExpress typically allows only one free return label per combined shipment. This means you may need to send all items back together, even if they are from different sellers.
Opening a Dispute
If there is an issue with your shipment, such as a lost package or damaged items, you will need to open a dispute for each product involved within the combined order. Even though they arrived in one box, each item is still treated as a separate order in your AliExpress account. Be sure to provide evidence for each item you are disputing.
Cancelling an Item
Because combined orders are processed quickly to facilitate sorting, canceling an item can be tricky. You must request the cancellation almost immediately after placing the order. It is possible to cancel just one item from a combined order without affecting the others, but if the package has already been processed for shipping, cancellation will no longer be an option.
Start Combining Your Orders Today
The Combined Delivery feature is a significant improvement that addresses one of the common hassles of shopping on AliExpress. It simplifies tracking, speeds up delivery, and makes managing international orders easier than ever. By learning to identify eligible products and understanding how the process works, you can make your shopping experience much more streamlined.
Next time you shop, try using the “Combined Delivery” filter and see how it works for you. You might be surprised at how much more convenient your AliExpress shopping can become.
Have you tried AliExpress Combined Delivery? We’d love to hear your opinion. Leave a comment below with your feedback or experience!
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