Ordered something on AliExpress and having second thoughts? You're not stuck with it. Whether you're dealing with buyer's remorse or a dodgy seller, we'll walk you through exactly how to get your money back. And if you’re planning to shop again, it’s worth checking Groupon’s latest AliExpress discount codes — an easy way to cushion the cost of future buys.
As a UK shopper, you’ve got more protection than you might think. Here’s how to use UK consumer law and AliExpress Buyer Protection to cancel your order and secure a smooth, timely refund.
Know Your UK Refund Rights on AliExpress
UK consumer law applies to AliExpress purchases — even if the seller is overseas. That means:
- You get a 14-day cooling-off period starting the day after your item arrives.
- You can cancel for any reason: changed your mind, bought twice, found it cheaper, etc.
- If the seller never tells you about this right, your cancellation window can extend up to a year.
This right covers most physical goods (electronics, clothing, home items). Personalised items and perishables are usually excluded.
Verdict: UK law is firmly on your side — use it if a seller pushes back.
How to Cancel Instantly Before an Order Ships
This is the easiest situation. If the seller hasn’t shipped yet:
- Open your order details page.
- Click “Cancel Order”.
- Select any reason — no need to justify.
The seller has 72 hours to respond. If they don’t, your cancellation goes through automatically and your refund begins processing.
Verdict: Catch it early and you’re almost guaranteed a full refund with zero friction.
Paid Already? Here's How to Cancel Before Dispatch
If you’ve paid but the item is still unshipped, you can use the same cancellation process. Occasionally, sellers will try to talk you out of it, especially for higher-value items.
Keep it simple:
- Use a short reason like “Changed my mind.”
- Avoid long explanations — they just prolong the conversation.
- If the seller is unresponsive, wait out the 72-hour window.
Verdict: You’re still in a strong position — and no, you don’t need to negotiate.
Your Refund Options After an Order Has Shipped
Once the parcel is on the move, you can’t cancel outright — but you still have two solid routes:
- Use the 14-day cooling-off period when it arrives.
- Open a Buyer Protection dispute if the item is late, missing, faulty or inaccurate.
How Buyer Protection Works for You
AliExpress Buyer Protection covers situations where your item:
- never arrives,
- arrives damaged,
- doesn’t match the description.
You can open a dispute from the 11th day after shipment and up to 15 days after the delivery deadline.
How to Win an AliExpress Dispute
- Go to your order page and select “Open Dispute.”
- Choose “Refund Only” or “Return Goods”.
- Add clear evidence: photos, videos, screenshots of the listing.
The seller has 5 days to reply. If you can’t agree, AliExpress steps in and makes a final decision.
Verdict: Good evidence beats long explanations — stay factual and clear.
Cancellation vs Dispute: What’s Faster?
| Feature | Cancel Order | Open Dispute |
|---|---|---|
| When you can use it | Before shipping | After shipping or if faulty/misdescribed |
| Response time | 72 hours | 5 days + AliExpress review |
| Chance of automatic approval | Yes — if seller doesn’t reply | No — requires evidence |
| Refund speed | Fastest | Depends on dispute outcome |
When You’ll Get Your Refund
Refunds typically take 3–20 business days, depending on the payment method.
| Payment Method | Typical Refund Time |
|---|---|
| Credit card | 5–10 business days |
| PayPal | 3–5 business days |
| Debit card | 7–15 business days |
| Bank transfer | Up to 20 business days |
Verdict: Credit cards and PayPal refund fastest — helpful for future purchases.
What to Do When a Seller Says No
If a seller refuses cancellation or ignores your request:
- Wait out the 72-hour window — it will auto-cancel if unanswered.
- Escalate to AliExpress support if they reject without reason.
- Use your 14-day cooling-off period once the item arrives.
- Keep evidence: screenshots, messages, refusal notices.
If the seller already shipped, you’ll either return it via your cooling-off rights or dispute for non-delivery if the parcel never turns up.
Mistakes That Slow Down Your Refund
- Opening disputes too early: Wait for the correct timeframe.
- Unclear evidence: Use sharp photos and concise explanations.
- Accepting partial refunds: Don’t settle unless you genuinely want to.
- Not checking return requirements: Some sellers need specific packaging or courier methods.
- Not keeping records: Save screenshots of everything.
FAQs
How long do AliExpress refunds take?
Anywhere from 3–20 business days depending on your bank and payment method.
Can I cancel after the item ships?
No, but you can return it using your 14-day cooling-off period or open a dispute for issues.
What if the seller ignores my cancellation?
If they don’t reply within 72 hours, AliExpress cancels it automatically.
Do I get my full refund if I used a coupon?
Yes — you’ll get back the amount you paid. The coupon usually isn’t reissued.
What’s the difference between cancelling and disputing?
Cancelling happens pre-shipment. Disputes cover everything that goes wrong after shipping.
Quick Reference Checklist
- ✓ Use “Cancel Order” before shipping
- ✓ Wait 72 hours for auto-cancel if no seller reply
- ✓ Use your 14-day cooling-off period for returns
- ✓ Open disputes only within allowed timeframes
- ✓ Gather evidence for disputes
- ✓ Expect refunds within 3–20 business days
Make Future AliExpress Orders Low-Risk & Low-Cost
Once you understand how cancellations and refunds work, shopping on AliExpress becomes far less stressful. You’ve got strong UK rights and a robust Buyer Protection system behind you — use both whenever something doesn’t feel right.
And before your next purchase, take a quick look at Groupon’s AliExpress discount codes. Saving a few pounds upfront always helps — especially if you end up needing a refund later.
