How to Find the Best Deals on AliExpress: The Complete Guide
AliExpress is one of the largest shopping platforms in the world, with millions of products at tempting prices. But among all the offers, there are also less reliable sellers, inflated "deals," and products that simply aren't worth the price. In this guide, you'll learn exactly how to filter correctly, compare prices, and identify the real deals - so that every order is genuinely worthwhile.
Why Is It Important to Know How to Filter Correctly?
A basic search on AliExpress returns thousands of results, and not all of them are relevant to you. Using filters wisely is the difference between an hour of frustrating scrolling and finding the perfect product in minutes. In addition, proper filtering helps you avoid problematic sellers and focus only on quality offers.
The Key Filters Worth Knowing
- Seller rating (4.5 and above): Filter only for sellers with a high rating to ensure good service and reliability.
- Number of orders: A product with thousands of orders indicates popularity and the trust of other buyers.
- Warehouse location: Choosing a warehouse in Europe or your local region can significantly shorten shipping times.
- Price range: Set a minimum and maximum price to filter out products that are too cheap (which may be poor quality) or too expensive.
- Free shipping: Filter by free shipping to avoid surprises in the final cost.
How to Compare Prices Smartly
One of the most common mistakes is buying the first product that looks cheap. To truly buy at a low price, it's important to compare several sellers offering the exact same product.
Tips for Accurate Price Comparison
- Search for the same product across multiple sellers: You'll often find the same item at different prices - sometimes with a difference of tens of percent.
- Check the total cost: Don't look only at the product price, but also at shipping fees and any potential taxes.
- Use browser extensions for price tracking: Tools like AliPrice display price history and show whether the "deal" is really worth it.
- Compare by unit price: When buying in bulk, always calculate the price per single item.
How to Identify a Real Deal Versus a Fake One
AliExpress is full of promotions, but not every discount is a real discount. Sometimes the "original" price is inflated to make the discount look bigger. Here's how to tell the difference.
Signs of a Real Deal
- Stable price history: If the price has dropped consistently and didn't jump up right before the sale - that's a good sign.
- Genuine coupons: AliExpress offers seller coupons and platform coupons that stack and actually lower the price.
- Major sales events: On dates like 11.11, Black Friday, and the AliExpress Anniversary, there are real promotions with deep discounts.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
- A 90% discount on an expensive product: This is almost always a marketing trick or a counterfeit product.
- A new seller with no reviews: Always prefer sellers with a proven track record.
- Generic photos with no detailed description: A lack of information is usually a warning sign.
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Additional Tips for Maximum Savings
Beyond filtering and comparing, there are a few small habits that can save you a lot of money over time.
- Add products to your cart and favorites: AliExpress sometimes sends personal coupons for products you've saved.
- Use welcome coupons: New users often enjoy special discounts.
- Read reviews with photos: Genuine reviews with buyer photos give you an accurate picture of the product.
- Check the return policy: Reliable sellers offer buyer protection and refunds in case of a problem.
Summary
Shopping wisely on AliExpress isn't a matter of luck - it's the result of a smart approach. When you combine precise filtering, real price comparison, and the ability to spot deals that aren't fake, you guarantee yourself the best value for your money. Try these tips on your next purchase, and you'll see how easy it is to save hundreds on every order. Happy shopping!
Real costs: VAT, customs and the €150 threshold in Spain
Many buyers forget that the price you see on AliExpress isn't always the final price. Since July 2021, all purchases entering the EU are subject to Spanish VAT (21% standard rate), which AliExpress usually collects directly at checkout for orders under €150. This means the amount shown at payment already includes tax and you shouldn't face surprises from the courier.
The problem appears when the order value (excluding shipping) exceeds €150: in that case customs duties also apply and the courier may charge an additional handling fee. That's why it sometimes makes sense to split a large order into several smaller ones.
| Order value | VAT (21%) | Customs duties | Handling fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to €150 | Yes (collected by AliExpress) | No | Not usual |
| Over €150 | Yes | Possible | Approx. €10–€30 |
Practical tip: before confirming a cart above €150, check whether it's cheaper to place two separate orders below that threshold to avoid duties and courier handling fees.
Warehouses in Spain vs. China: what pays off
Choosing a warehouse located in Spain or the EU cuts delivery time from weeks to just a few days and, in many cases, guarantees no additional customs charges, as the product is already within the European Union. The downside is usually a slightly higher price. It's worth comparing both options depending on how urgent your purchase is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. On orders under €150, AliExpress charges the 21% VAT directly at checkout, so the final price already includes it.
Above €150, customs duties and a courier handling fee of between €10 and €30 may apply, in addition to VAT.
Yes, if you're in a hurry. Shipping takes just a few days and you avoid customs procedures, although the price is usually a bit higher than from China.
You can split the purchase into several orders below €150 each so you don't exceed the threshold that triggers duties.
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