11.11 on AliExpress: Deals and Coupons Guide

The 11.11 on AliExpress, known as Singles' Day, is the biggest discount campaign of the year and a date circled in red for any online shopper. Every November, AliExpress packs in huge markdowns, stackable coupons and coin games that let you pay less for thousands of products. In this guide, I'll explain exactly what this date is, how coupons and coins work, and what strategy to follow to squeeze the most out of every dollar without getting swept up in the rush.

What is 11.11 or Singles' Day on AliExpress?

November 11 started in China as an informal celebration for single people (hence the "1111", four ones). Over the years it became the biggest e-commerce event on the planet, and AliExpress adopted it as its flagship campaign worldwide.

Although the name refers to the 11th, the reality is that the promotion runs for several days. There's usually a pre-sale phase with reserved prices and a main deals phase around the 11th. On AliExpress you'll see countdowns, categories with time-limited discounts and stock that flies off the shelves, especially on the most sought-after products.

For shoppers, the advantage is clear: highly competitive prices on electronics, home goods, fashion, tools or accessories, with the convenience of shopping straight from your phone on AliExpress.

How coupons work on AliExpress

Understanding coupons is the key to paying less. On AliExpress several types coexist and, best of all, many can be combined with each other. These are the most common during 11.11:

• AliExpress coupons (platform-wide): issued by the store itself and usually applied to a large number of products if you exceed a minimum purchase amount.
• Store coupons (Seller): offered by each seller for their products. Look for them on the item's product page before paying.
• Promo codes: entered manually in the cart. During the campaign, AliExpress shares several that change every day.
• Multi-selection discounts: sometimes, adding more units or several products from the same seller unlocks additional markdowns.

The trick is in the order of application: first the sale price is discounted, then the store coupon and after that the platform coupon or promo code. That's how savings stack up. Always check the cart summary to see how much you're really paying.

Tip on minimum amounts

Many coupons require a minimum spend. If you're close to reaching it, grouping products from the same seller can pay off. That said, don't buy things you don't need just to "hit the minimum": the real savings vanish if you end up spending more.

AliExpress coins: what they are and how to use them

AliExpress coins are a points system you earn for free by completing simple tasks within the app. They're not real money, but they can be redeemed for discounts during events like 11.11.

How do you accumulate them? Mainly in these ways:

1. Daily check-in: visit the coins section each day and tap to receive your reward.
2. Mini-games and tasks: the app suggests activities (viewing products, following stores) that add extra coins.
3. Completed purchases: some orders grant additional coins.

When the campaign arrives, those coins turn into discounts applicable in the cart or the ability to redeem them for coupons. The amount you can discount per product is usually limited, so don't expect to pay for an entire order with coins alone. Think of it as an extra that rounds out your savings.

How to make the most of 11.11

The best strategy starts before the big day. Here's a practical roadmap to arrive prepared for the AliExpress deals:

• Create your wish list in advance. Add what interests you to favorites. That way you can compare the real price when the markdowns arrive and spot the genuine savings.
• Watch the price history. Some products go up right before so they can be "marked down" afterward. Saving the previous price protects you from fake deals.
• Start accumulating coins weeks ahead. The daily check-in takes seconds and makes a difference on 11.11.
• Gather coupons and codes in good time. Check the app's promotions section and save the ones that apply to your products.
• Shop from the app. AliExpress reserves many exclusive deals and games for mobile, not the web version.
• Pay attention to shipping and delivery times. Prioritize sellers with warehouses in Europe if you're in a hurry; they usually arrive sooner.
• Check the ratings. A rock-bottom price with a bad reputation is no bargain. Read reviews and look at real photos from other buyers.

Another important recommendation: find out about taxes and customs. In the European Union, purchases are subject to VAT, which is normally already included in the final price you see when paying on AliExpress. Always review the total before confirming so you don't get any surprises.

Avoid impulse buying

11.11 plays on the sense of urgency: countdown clocks, "last units" and flash deals. Before hitting buy, ask yourself whether you really need that product and whether the price is genuinely good. A 50% discount on something you won't use is not a saving.