The Best Time to Shop on AliExpress for the Biggest Discounts
AliExpress is a treasure trove of affordable products, offering everything from electronics and fashion to home decor and beauty supplies. With millions of sellers and products, finding the best deals can be both exciting and overwhelming. To truly maximize your savings, timing is crucial. Knowing when to shop on AliExpress can make the difference between a good deal and an amazing one.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best times to shop on AliExpress, from major sales events to strategic seasonal discounts, ensuring you get the biggest bang for your buck.
1. Major AliExpress Sale Events
1.1 11.11 Global Shopping Festival (Singles’ Day)
When it happens: November 11th (Annually)
Why it’s the best time: The 11.11 event, also known as Singles’ Day, is by far the biggest shopping festival on AliExpress and one of the largest in the world. This sale rivals Black Friday in terms of discounts and deals, making it the ultimate time to shop for the best prices.
What to expect: Discounts can reach up to 90% off on a wide range of products, from electronics to fashion to home goods. AliExpress also offers flash deals, group buying discounts, and exclusive coupons during this time. Sellers often list huge markdowns, and the competition for items can be fierce, so planning ahead is essential.
To make the most of this event, prepare by adding items to your wishlist ahead of time, and check regularly for flash sales or special bundles that pop up during the event. Remember, the earlier you shop, the better your chances of snagging that sought-after deal.
1.2 6.18 Mid-Year Sale
When it happens: June 18th (Annually)
Why it’s significant: The 6.18 Mid-Year Sale is another massive shopping event on AliExpress, offering discounts similar to the 11.11 sale but with fewer shoppers competing for the same items.
What to expect: You can expect deep discounts on tech gadgets, fashion, beauty products, and home appliances. The event typically features daily flash sales, limited-time promotions, and sitewide discounts. Sellers often release exclusive coupons and special offers to entice buyers.
While this event isn’t as widely publicized as 11.11, it’s still an excellent opportunity to grab discounts, especially for those who prefer shopping without the rush that comes with the Singles’ Day extravaganza.
1.3 New Year Sale
When it happens: Late December through early January
Why it’s a great time to shop: The New Year Sale offers a chance to get discounts right after the holiday season as sellers are looking to clear out leftover stock.
What to expect: Look for discounts on winter apparel, gifts, electronics, and home decor. Because it’s a clearance event, you’ll often find older models or end-of-season items at great prices. Many sellers reduce prices on winter stock or previous-year inventory to make room for new arrivals.
If you’re after post-holiday deals or winter essentials, the New Year Sale offers fantastic savings.
1.4 Back-to-School Promotions
When it happens: Late July to August
Why it’s relevant: Back-to-school promotions are another key time to snag discounts, especially for students and families preparing for the new school year.
What to expect: You’ll find deals on school supplies, electronics (think laptops, tablets, headphones), fashion, and stationery. Many sellers also offer bundle discounts for bulk purchases like stationery sets, backpacks, and more.
This is a great time to grab affordable gadgets, books, and clothes for the school year, all at a fraction of the regular price.
2. Seasonal Sales and Holidays
2.1 Chinese New Year Sale
When it happens: Late January to early February
Why it’s prime shopping time: The Chinese New Year Sale occurs just before and after the Chinese New Year holiday. This period marks a major sales event on AliExpress, as sellers offer discounts to celebrate the occasion.
What to expect: You’ll see significant discounts on gifts, clothing, tech gadgets, and home decor. However, be mindful of potential shipping delays due to factory shutdowns during the holiday.
While the sales are excellent, expect some delays as Chinese manufacturers and warehouses take time off for the New Year celebrations.
2.2 Summer and Winter Sales
When it happens: June to August (Summer); December to January (Winter)
Why it’s worth shopping: Seasonal sales are great for grabbing items at a discount after the peak season. For example, summer items go on sale in winter, and winter items are discounted in the summer.
What to expect: Summer sales offer discounts on swimwear, outdoor equipment, electronics, and travel accessories. Winter sales feature coats, scarves, space heaters, and holiday decorations at significantly reduced prices.
Shopping out of season can net you huge savings, and it’s a smart way to grab seasonal items before the prices rise again.
3. AliExpress Weekly and Monthly Deals
3.1 Weekly Flash Deals
When they happen: Every week (Deals rotate regularly)
Why it’s an easy way to save: AliExpress offers flash deals each week, usually lasting for just a few hours or a single day. These deals offer massive discounts on select products.
What to expect: Flash deals typically offer up to 80% off on categories like electronics, home goods, fashion, and more. You can find deals for popular items that sell out fast, so timing is essential.
To make the most of these deals, check AliExpress regularly, especially during high-traffic hours, to snag items before they disappear.
3.2 Monthly Coupons and Special Offers
When they happen: Monthly, depending on the seller
Why it’s beneficial: Many sellers offer special monthly coupons that can be stacked with other discounts for extra savings. These promotions typically come around the beginning of the month or coincide with special shopping events.
What to expect: You can find store-wide discounts, extra percentage-off offers, or free shipping promotions. Be on the lookout for coupons that let you save a set amount on purchases or unlock additional discounts on certain products.
If you’re shopping frequently on AliExpress, taking advantage of these monthly promotions is a simple way to get extra savings.
4. Time Your Purchases According to Shipping Times
4.1 Avoid Holidays and Peak Seasons
When to avoid: Major holidays like Christmas, Chinese New Year, or Black Friday can result in slower shipping and higher prices due to demand.
Why it’s important: During peak seasons, more people are shopping, which can lead to longer delivery times and potential price increases.
What to expect: Items might take longer to reach you, and some sellers may raise prices due to higher demand. Consider shopping earlier to avoid the rush.
4.2 Off-Peak Seasons
When it’s best to shop: Late winter (after New Year’s) and late summer (after the back-to-school rush).
Why off-peak shopping is ideal: During off-peak times, there’s less competition for items, and delivery times tend to be faster. You’re also likely to find larger discounts as sellers try to clear out older inventory.
What to expect: With fewer customers shopping, stock is more readily available, and shipping tends to be quicker. You can also take advantage of end-of-season sales to grab great deals.
5. Look for Special Seller Promotions
5.1 Seller-Specific Discounts
When they happen: Varies by seller
Why it’s great for bargains: Many sellers offer exclusive promotions, especially if you’re a new customer or buying in bulk.
What to expect: Discounts like Buy One, Get One Free, or extra discounts for bulk orders. Some sellers also offer exclusive coupons to encourage repeat purchases.
Be sure to check individual store promotions to get the most savings.
5.2 AliExpress Coupons and Red Packet Rewards
When they happen: Throughout the year, particularly during sales like 11.11 or 6.18
Why it’s useful: AliExpress offers Red Packets (small cashback rewards) and extra discount coupons during major shopping events, allowing you to save even more.
What to expect: These coupons can be used in combination with other promotions for extra savings on your purchases.
6. Conclusion
Finding the best time to shop on AliExpress is all about timing. By taking advantage of major sales events like 11.11 and 6.18, seasonal sales, and weekly flash deals, you can save big on your purchases. Additionally, shopping during off-peak seasons and using seller-specific discounts and coupons will help stretch your budget even further.
So, plan ahead, keep an eye on AliExpress’s promotions, and happy shopping! With a little strategy, you’ll be able to score fantastic deals and get the most out of your AliExpress shopping experience.
This article provides a detailed breakdown of the best times to shop on AliExpress, helping you to make smarter purchases and maximize your savings.