AliExpress Free Shipping Hacks: 4 Simple Methods That Work

Finding a great deal on AliExpress is always a thrill, but high shipping costs can quickly spoil the excitement. While free shipping seems less common than it used to be, it’s far from impossible to find. You just need to know where to look and what strategies to use.

This guide will walk you through four simple, effective methods to cut down on or completely eliminate those pesky shipping fees, helping you score the best possible price on your next purchase.

Method 1: Master the “Free Shipping” Filter

The most direct way to find items without shipping costs is to use AliExpress’s built-in filter. It’s a powerful tool available on both the website and the mobile app.

On the AliExpress Website:

Start by searching for the product you want using the search bar at the top of the page.
On the results page, look for a filter bar located just above the product listings.
Simply check the box next to “Free Shipping.”
The page will automatically refresh to show only items that ship to your location for free. To find the best deals, you can also sort the results by “Price” to see the cheapest options first.

On the AliExpress App:

Use the search bar at the top of the app’s home screen to look for your item.
Once the search results appear, tap the “Filter” button, which is usually found at the top right of the screen.
In the filter menu, toggle on the “Free Shipping” option.
Tap “Done” to apply the filter. The results will now only display products with no shipping fees.

Method 2: Use Image Search to Find a Better Deal

Have you found the perfect product, but the shipping cost is too high? Don’t give up. Another seller might offer the exact same item with free or cheaper shipping. The AliExpress app’s image search feature is your secret weapon for this.

Take a screenshot of the product you want to buy.
Open the AliExpress app and tap the camera icon in the search bar.
Upload the screenshot from your photo gallery.
AliExpress will scan the image and show you visually similar or identical products from various sellers.
Browse through the results. While the search page doesn’t always show shipping costs upfront, you can quickly tap on a few promising listings to check their shipping fees. You may find another seller offering the same item with a much better overall price.

Method 3: Negotiate Shipping Costs with the Seller

For larger orders or when buying multiple items from the same store, you can sometimes convince the seller to reduce or waive the shipping fees. This method requires a bit more effort but can lead to significant savings. It works by showing the seller you are a serious buyer.

Add all the items you want to purchase from a single seller to your shopping cart.
Proceed to the checkout page.
When you reach the “Payment Method” section, choose an option you don’t typically use and that doesn’t have your payment details saved (like a bank transfer or another card).
Click to confirm the payment. An error will occur, but this action generates an “Awaiting Payment” order in your account.
Now, contact the seller through the messaging system. Politely explain that you have a pending order with multiple items and ask if they would be willing to reduce the shipping cost to help you complete the purchase.
Sellers are more likely to offer a discount when they see a confirmed pending order, as it shows real buying intent.

If the seller agrees, they will adjust the total price on their end. You can then return to your pending order, click “Pay Now,” and complete the transaction with your preferred payment method. If they decline, the unpaid order will cancel automatically after a few days with no penalty to you.

Method 4: Leverage AliExpress Coupons and Coins

While there are no specific “free shipping” coupons on AliExpress, you can use general coupons and coins to reduce your total order cost, effectively canceling out the shipping fees.

Check for Platform & Seller Coupons: Before you buy, always look for available coupons. AliExpress frequently runs campaigns and promotions where you can grab coupons that apply to your entire order. You can also visit a seller’s store page to see if they offer specific coupons.
Exchange Coins for Discounts: AliExpress rewards users with “Coins” for daily check-ins, playing in-app games, and leaving reviews. You can accumulate these coins and exchange them for coupons or direct discounts on certain products at checkout.

By applying these coupons and discounts, you can often reduce your total cost by an amount equal to or greater than the shipping fee, making it feel like you got free shipping after all.