If you’re dropshipping from AliExpress, you may have noticed that shipping times can be quite long–sometimes up to a month or more. This can be frustrating for both you and your customers and can lead to a lot of canceled orders. In this blog post, we’ll explore some strategies on how to handle long shipping times with AliExpress dropshipping.
Why Is AliExpress Shipping Times So Long?
There are several reasons why long shipping times can happen when ordering from AliExpress. The first reason is that it is located in China, and shipping times to other countries can sometimes be longer due to the distance. Additionally, suppliers often use standard shipping methods instead of express shipping, which can also add to the shipping time. Sometimes, your supplier may not even have stock in their warehouse and they need some time to purchase it from a wholesaler which further delays your shipping times. Finally, it may have a backlog of orders and short of manpower.
While long shipping times can be frustrating, it’s important to remember that AliExpress is a popular website with a large number of orders. This means that there can sometimes be delays in shipping times, but the website does eventually get orders shipped out.
How to Handle Long Shipping Times on Aliexpress
If you are planning on ordering products from AliExpress, you may be worried about the long shipping times. Shipping times can vary depending on the product and the seller, but they can often be quite lengthy. However, there are a few things you can do to mitigate the effects of long shipping times.
1. Find a Reliable Seller
It is important to make sure that you select a reliable seller. There are a lot of bad sellers on AliExpress, so it is important to do your research and select a reputable seller. Once you have found a reliable seller, make sure to read the reviews and check the estimated shipping time before you make your purchase.
2. Talk with Your Seller
Your seller is the one who can really help expedite your shipping times and know the fastest and cheapest couriers to your customer’s country. Get the contact of your seller and have a chat with him to see how he can help you speed things up. He may find a faster shipping method for you that is unavailable on the platform. Or your seller may be able to stock up more for you so he can send out faster.
3. Use a Faster Shipping Method
Choose a faster shipping method such as ePacket or AliExpress Standard Shipping in AliExpress by paying a little more. It can speed up your delivery by 5-14 days.
4. Sate Cleary the Delivery Times
State it clearly on your website that it will take 2-4 weeks to ship so that customers who need the item urgently won’t complain about long shipping times.
5. Source Products Locally
Avoid selling products shipped from China if you want faster shipping times. Find local suppliers who can ship the item on your behalf.
6. Send Tracking Code to Your Customer
You can keep your customers updated on the status of their order and provide tracking information so they can see where their product is and when it is expected to arrive. This will keep your customer happy and reduce chargebacks and complaints.
7. Offer Them a Discount
If all else fails to pacify your customer. Give than a discount code or offer to refund then a small fee like 10-20% for the long wait. This usually helps to pacity angry customers who are tired of the long wait.
How to Communicate With Your Customers About Long Shipping Times
It’s important to communicate with your customers about shipping times, especially if you are selling products online. Customers want to know when they can expect their order to arrive, and if there are any delays, they want to be informed as soon as possible.
Here are a few tips on how to communicate with your customers about shipping times:
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- Use plain language: Avoid using jargon or technical terms that your customers might not understand.
- Be specific: Include the exact dates or timeframe for shipping in your communications.
- Provide alternative shipping options: If you offer expedited shipping, make sure your customers know about it.
- Set expectations: Let your customers know what to expect in terms of shipping times so they are not disappointed.
- Accept refunds: If your customer is unable to wait and demands a refund. Accept it and move on.
By following these tips, you can make sure your customers are fully informed about your shipping times and avoid any surprises or disappointments.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are a few steps that you can take to ease the frustration of long shipping times when dropshipping with AliExpress. You can keep your customers updated on the status of their order, choose a faster shipping option when available, and offer a discount on their next purchase. By taking these steps, you can help to keep your customers happy and reduce support tickets.