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AliExpress Premium Shipping: The Key to Get Your Orders on Time
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Aleksandra -
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Chief of Content Marketing
Aleksandra teaches marketing and management at various levels in High School. She writes about marketing, the economics and logistics of the dropshipping business and ecommerce in general.
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Chief of Content Marketing
18 minutes

Are you tired of waiting weeks, or even months, for your AliExpress orders to arrive? One shipping option that caught my attention is AliExpress Premium Shipping.

But what exactly is AliExpress Premium Shipping and how does it work?

Let’s delve into the details to understand how this shipping method can offer a premium experience for shoppers like me.

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What Is AliExpress Premium Shipping?

aliexpress premium shipping

AliExpress Premium Shipping is a shipping service offered by AliExpress that aims to provide customers with faster and more reliable delivery times. When choosing this shipping method, your package will be handled by private couriers, such as DHL Express, rather than traditional postal services like China Post.

This allows for shorter delivery times, with an average shipping time of 7-15 days.

πŸ’‘ Tip: Read my AliExpress Dropshipping Guide – How To Do It In 2023?

➑ Who Ships Your Orders When Using Aliexpress Premium Shipping?

aliexpress premium shipping

When it comes to AliExpress Premium Shipping, you can expect your orders to be delivered by reputable and reliable carriers. Thus, a variety of major shipping companies are involved in this process, including well-known names such as DHL, FedEx, UPS, Speedaf, etc.

These carriers are known for their efficiency and worldwide reach, ensuring that your shipments are delivered promptly and safely.

With the focus on premium shipping, the delivery process is streamlined and optimized to provide a hassle-free experience for customers. However, it’s important to note that while AliExpress Premium Shipping offers fast and reliable delivery times, there may be potential additional costs such as customs duty fees depending on the country of origin and destination.

πŸ‘‰ Learn How To Determine Shipping Costs When Selling Online.

➑ How Long Does AliExpress Premium Shipping Take?

Well, let me tell you from personal experience that AliExpress Premium shipping typically takes 7-15 days for delivery. That’s right, in just under two weeks, you can expect your package to arrive at your doorstep. What’s even better is that this delivery time is half the time of AliExpress Standard shipping.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that customs and customs clearance in the recipient’s country can sometimes cause delays. But overall, if you’re looking for a faster delivery option, AliExpress Premium shipping is definitely worth considering.

πŸ‘‰ Learn How to Reduce AliExpress Shipping Times in 2024.

How Does AliExpress Premium Shipping Work?

The process of AliExpress Premium Shipping involves the package being picked up from the seller, transported to the nearest international hub, and then shipped to the destination country. The package is then handed over to the local delivery service for final delivery.

However, keep in mind that customs clearance can sometimes cause delays in the delivery process, particularly if additional documentation is required or if there are any issues with the contents of the package.

Thankfully, AliExpress often takes measures to ensure a smooth customs clearance process, making it less likely for your package to be held up.

πŸ’‘  Tip: Discover the 17 Best Multi Vendor Marketplace Platforms For Ecommerce.

Types of Shipping Methods on AliExpress

Shipping MethodShipping TimeCost (1-10 Best)
Cainiao Super Economy30-50 days10
Cainiao Expedited Standard20-40 days8
Cainiao Super Economy For Special Goods20-40 days8
AliExpress Standard15-45 days7
AliExpress Premium7-14 days5
ePacket7-30 days7
Yanwen Express25-30 days7
SunYou Economic Air40-60 days10
EMS5-10 days3
DHL, FedEx, UPS3-7 days1
China Post Air Parcel7-30 days4

➑  AliExpress Standard Shipping

AliExpress Standard Shipping stands out as one of the top choices for affordable shipping on AliExpress. It’s the go-to option for those not in a rush to get their items.

Opting for AliExpress Standard Shipping means your packages should arrive in about 15 to 45 working days. The great thing is, that you can keep tabs on your orders and be sure they’re on their way.

➑ AliExpress Premium Shipping

AliExpress Premium Shipping offers a reliable, quicker delivery option compared to standard shipping. It’s the right choice for those who want their items sooner.

With Premium Shipping, your items should reach you in just 7 to 15 working days. Whether it’s for personal use or your business needs, Premium Shipping ensures timely arrival and a convenient shipping experience.

πŸ”Έ ePacket Shipping method

ePacket shipping is a well-liked choice among AliExpress suppliers for shipping to the United States. It’s faster and more dependable than other free shipping options.

The key advantage of ePacket is its faster delivery time – about 2 weeks to the US. This is because it uses a mix of postal services and private couriers to ensure swift delivery. Plus, it guarantees delivery and offers parcel tracking for peace of mind.

However, it is important to note that ePacket is limited to certain countries and has specific requirements in order to be eligible. These requirements include a maximum product price of $400 and physical size and weight restrictions.

πŸ”Έ SunYou Economic Air Mail

SunYou Economic Air Mail is both speedy and budget-friendly when it comes to shipping on AliExpress.

Packages using SunYou Economic Air Mail typically reach their destination in 7-15 business days. This means you can get your AliExpress purchases quickly without spending too much. It’s a top pick for dropshippers.

πŸ”Έ DHL & UPS

DHL and UPS are famous for their fast and dependable shipping services.

DHL, a global shipping company, ensures quick and efficient transport in about 3-7 business days to various destinations worldwide.

UPS, another key player in shipping, offers expedited options guaranteeing delivery within 2-5 business days. When it comes to affordability, UPS’s expedited shipping is often considered a cost-effective choice.

Consider the value of your item when choosing between DHL and UPS. For instance, for high-value items, DHL may be the safer choice.

πŸ”Έ FedEx

FedEx offers one of the quickest delivery times among AliExpress shipping options, with packages arriving in 7-15 days. Also, some customers even report receiving items in as little as 3 days with FedEx.

FedEx’s speed is due to its extensive network and efficient logistics system. While it may cost a bit more, the faster delivery is often worth it when you need items urgently.

πŸ”Έ EMS

EMS, or Express Mail Service, is one of the most budget-friendly shipping methods on AliExpress. It’s both affordable and quicker than traditional shipping methods in the same price range.

Expect your package to reach its destination in just 7-15 days with EMS, and sometimes even as fast as 3-7 business days. EMS uses airmail for swift delivery, offering shorter shipping times without breaking the bank. Most EMS shipments also come with tracking numbers for easy monitoring.

πŸ”Έ China Post Air Parcel

This shipping method is known for being affordable and cost-effective, making it a popular choice among buyers.

However, it is important to note that China Post Air Parcel does have a slower delivery time compared to other shipping options. So, it is far away from AliExpress’s premium shipping services.

Thus, the average delivery time for this method ranges from 15 to 60 days, which may not be suitable for customers who need their products urgently.

Nonetheless, if time is not a critical factor for you and you’re looking for a cheap shipping option, China Post Air Parcel could be a viable choice. It offers reliable delivery and allows for package tracking, making it a convenient shipping solution for budget-conscious buyers.

πŸ”Έ Yanwen Express

Yanwen Express competes directly with AliExpress Standard Shipping and allows you to track your packages from start to finish. To keep costs low and deliver items quickly, Yanwen partners with services like DHL and China Post.


Delivery typically takes about 25-30 days, falling within the usual timeframe for AliExpress standard shipping.

πŸ”Έ Cainiao Super Economy

Cainiao Super Economy, operated by the Alibaba group, offers super affordable shipping for AliExpress purchases. In many cases, the shipping cost is included in the product price, making it appear as free shipping on AliExpress orders.


However, Cainiao Super Economy packages usually take 30-50 days to arrive. Although you receive a tracking number, it can only be used within China.

πŸ”Έ Cainiao Super Economy For Special Goods

Cainiao Super Economy For Special Goods is a unique version of Cainiao Super Economy that comes with complete tracking information. This option is available only for items valued at less than $5 and weighing less than 2kg.

Cainiao Super Economy For Special Goods is faster than the regular Super Economy, taking around 20-40 days, and it is slightly more expensive. It’s a good choice if you want economical shipping with tracking.

πŸ”Έ Cainiao Expedited Standard

Cainiao Expedited Standard is the express shipping option from Cainiao, offering end-to-end tracking at a very attractive price. It’s about twice as fast as Cainiao Super Economy, with delivery taking approximately 20-40 days and full tracking available.

Cainiao Expedited is similar to Cainiao Super Economy For Special Goods but doesn’t have restrictions on package size.

πŸ‘‰ Read about Wiio Dropshipping: The Truth Behind This AliExpress Alternative.

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Costs: AliExpress Standard Shipping vs AliExpress Premium Shipping

Standard shipping and Premium shipping on AliExpress differ in terms of cost.

So, the premium shipping is generally more expensive than Standard shipping and is rarely available for free. Also, it can cost from $29 to more than hundreds of dollars, depending on your location. 

On the other hand, you can find standard shipping free very often. Also, even the shipping costs are low.

Let’s take the example of shipping a woman’s dress to the US. As you can see, the standard shipping is free, but the premium shipping options cost between $33-45. πŸ‘‡

shipping methods

Availability: AliExpress Standard Shipping vs AliExpress Premium Shipping

It’s important to note that Premium shipping is not available on all orders, as it depends on the seller’s support for this service.  For instance, on this product, I did not get the premium shipping as an option.

availability

Unfortunately, there is no filtering option specifically for sellers offering Premium shipping, so you may need to manually check each individual listing to see if it is available. Hence, this filtering is only available for “free shipping”. 

free shipping

Where Does Aliexpress Ship Products From?

When it comes to shipping, AliExpress offers a wide range of options to cater to customers from different parts of the world. With a global presence, AliExpress ships products from various countries, providing convenience and faster delivery times.

To make it easier for users to find products that ship from specific locations, AliExpress allows customers to filter products based on their dispatch location. 

countries for delivery

So it ships products from not only China but also from other countries around the world. For example, customers can find products that ship from Spain, the United States, Brazil, and many other countries.

So, you typically get the available options best on what is the most suitable for your location. For instance, if I set on another location, rather than my US one, here’s what I get. πŸ‘‡

aliexpress premium shipping

What Are The Benefits Of Choosing Fast Shipping Methods?

When it comes to online shopping, one of the most important factors to consider is the shipping method. Customers are always on the lookout for faster delivery times and reliable shipping services.

In this article, I will discuss the reasons why it is beneficial to opt for fast shipping methods when shopping on AliExpress. Let’s see!

βœ… Get Positive Customer Reviews

Great customer feedback is invaluable for any dropshipping business. It not only reflects the quality of the products and services offered but also enhances the trust and credibility of the brand.

In fact,  let’s consider this scenario. When I’m on AliEpxress looking for a specific item, my initial step is to review customer reviews on AliExpress products.

Therefore, for me, this aspect plays a crucial role in determining whether or not I will make a purchase from a particular seller.

reviews

So, positive reviews and ratings attract potential customers and encourage them to make a purchase.

Moreover, the feedback received from customers can be used as a valuable source of information to continually improve and enhance the business. Therefore,  ensuring excellent customer satisfaction should be one of your top priorities.

πŸ‘‰ Learn about Testimonial Advertising: 11 Proven Examples To Sell More.

βœ… Increase Your Conversion Rate

When it comes to online shopping, speed is of the essence. Hence, customers want their purchases to arrive quickly, and offering fast shipping options can significantly improve conversion rates.

Think about it – if a customer is comparing two similar products, and one offers faster delivery times, they are more likely to choose that option.

Fast shipping not only satisfies customer preferences but also helps to build trust and credibility with your audience.

Additionally, offering quick delivery can contribute to better visibility and rankings on search engines.

πŸ‘‰ Discover the 15 Ways to Double Your Dropshipping Conversion Rate On Your Store.

So, it’s time to prioritize faster deliveries and reap the rewards.

βœ… Less Abandoned Carts

When it comes to online shopping, the availability of fast shipping methods plays a crucial role in reducing abandoned carts.

So, customers are more likely to complete their purchases when they know their orders will arrive quickly. This helps to minimize the number of abandoned carts and improves conversion rates.

πŸ’‘ Tip: Learn How To Recover Abandoned Carts For Shopify Dropshipping Stores.

5. Better Visibility

Ensuring better visibility in the e-commerce market is vital for any business. When it comes to offering fast shipping methods, it becomes even more crucial. Search engines, like Google, favor merchants who provide top-quality services and are reliable.

As a result, dropshippers that prioritize quick shipping have the advantage of improved rankings, leading to increased dropshipping sales.

πŸ‘‰ Learn How To Increase Organic Traffic To Your Dropshipping Store?

So, how this works? By offering fast shipping, you will be able to satisfy customer expectations and earn positive reviews. This in turn contributes to better visibility. Hence, when customers receive their orders promptly, they are more likely to leave positive feedback and recommend the business to others.

6 Ways Of Getting Fast Shipping Times With AliExpress

1. Choose AliExpress Premium Shipping

When it comes to shipping options on AliExpress, one that stands out is AliExpress premium shipping. This shipping method offers a range of benefits, including fast delivery and cost-effectiveness. 

AliExpress premium shipping provides a reliable and efficient delivery service, ensuring your packages reach you in a timely manner. Transition: On average, the delivery time for AliExpress premium shipping ranges from 7 to 15 days, depending on the destination.

However, it’s important to note that this shipping method may not be available for all products.

Compared to private couriers, AliExpress premium shipping offers a more affordable option without compromising on speed. Transition: This makes it an ideal choice for those looking for a cost-effective and faster shipping option.

πŸ‘‰ Discover the 9 Reasons Why AliExpress Is So Cheap [Truth Revealed].

2. Select Reliable Dropshipping Suppliers That Offer Fast Shipping Methods 

AliExpress dropshipping suppliers present various shipping options with different prices and delivery speeds. As illustrated earlier, some suppliers offer low-cost but slow shipping, while others provide quicker but slightly more expensive delivery.

You, as a dropshipper, don’t have control over selecting the shipping method; you must choose from the options your supplier offers. 

Like the one in the picture below. Hence, this supplier offers 3 shipping methods, and all of them come with different shipping costs and times. But, as long as I can see, the lower the shipping time, the higher the cost is. πŸ‘‡

options

However, I will not recommend it, since the costs are very high, and the product I selected is a fitness legging which cost around $20.

So, it would be wise to choose a supplier that offers fast yet affordable shipping methods. Also, if you want to reduce these shipping times, choosing the AliEpxress Premium shipping options might also be wise. 

For example, I personally use the Alitools Shopping Assistant. This AliExpress extension helps me check on suppliers’ shipping times and the options they offer. This way, I can make a more informed decision.

alitools extension

πŸ‘‰ Check out the Top 11 Dropshipping AliExpress Chrome Extensions.

3. Pay Attention To Processing Times

Another way to minimize AliExpress shipping times is to consider the processing times provided by dropshipping suppliers. To clarify, there’s a distinction between processing and shipping times.

πŸ“  Processing time refers to how long a supplier takes to prepare an order after you’ve placed it. It’s the duration from when you order a product from your dropshipping supplier until they get it ready for shipping.

Hence, I just placed an order for my hairpin. Thus, this notification at the bottom is actually the processing time, which is 24 hours. πŸ‘‡

processing time

πŸ“ On the other hand, shipping time is the time it takes a shipped order to reach its final destination. Here you can see how this looks once your order is approved by the supplier.

πŸ’‘ Ultimate guide: What Does Shipped Mean In Dropshipping?

Now let’s get back to the point. The average processing time on AliExpress is anywhere between 2-3 days.

Let me give an example. If the estimated shipping time of a product is about 7 days and the processing time is 3 days, your customer will receive that product within about 10 days.

As you can see, the shorter the processing time, the faster the total delivery time. Therefore, you should check the processing times to figure out how long it takes for AliExpress suppliers to process orders.

But how can you do that? For this purpose, I use the Up Assistant extension, and I can check on each supplier’s rating and details.

supplier rating

That’s how I usually find information about their processing time. Because otherwise, it cannot be viewable before placing an order.

4. Partner With Suppliers Who Have Warehouses in Your Target Country

Surprisingly, with AliExpress dropshipping, you can collaborate with suppliers that maintain warehouses in your target country.

While most AliExpress dropshipping suppliers are based in China, some stock their products in warehouses outside China, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, France, Canada, and more.

So, if you aim to offer quicker shipping times, filtering products by a warehouse location closer to your customers is a smart move.

For example, if your target audience is in the USA, you’d seek suppliers based in the USA, or in a nearby location. To find such a supplier, sort by “ship from.”

aliexpress premium shipping

5. Seek “VIP” Listings for Your Dropshipping Products

AliExpress dropshipping suppliers often create “VIP” listings for loyal customers or dropshippers, giving priority to their orders.

This not only results in shorter processing times but can also lead to special shipping methods like 4PX or YunExpress, enabling faster deliveries.

VIP listings also provide the benefit of purchasing AliExpress products at lower prices. If you’ve been working with an AliExpress dropshipping supplier for an extended period, you can ask them to create a VIP page for you.

πŸ’‘ Tip: Check out the Dropshipping Product Research Tools: How To Find Winning Products In 2024?

6. Check Supplier’s Customer Feedback & Rating

Customers trust customers, and I’m no exception. I always review customer feedback and ratings on AliExpress before making a buying decision.

That’s why I read both positive and negative comments to gain insights into shipping times, processing times, product quality, and more.

I can even view photos of the products that customers receive. For example, when deciding to buy the dress for my birthday, I examined product pages from different suppliers. And thanks to this, I was able to make a better decision.

aliexpress premium shipping


Through customer product reviews, I assessed product quality and checked delivery times. It greatly influenced my choice.

Which AliExpress Shipping Method Is Best?

In my view, the response to this frequently asked question hinges on your individual needs and preferences.

Drawing from my own experience, here’s what I’d suggest: πŸ‘‡

If quick shipping is your priority, I’d recommend going for premium shipping options. Therefore, my recommendation would be to explore AliExpress Premium Shipping and EMS. Typically, these methods offer speedier delivery times and improved tracking features.

While they may come with a higher price tag, their quick and dependable service makes them a great choice for time-sensitive shipments.

Conversely, when it comes to sending items to your customers, it’s common to rely on standard shipping methods like China Post or SunYou Economic Air Mail. These methods are generally more budget-friendly and tend to provide reasonable shipping durations, falling within the 15 to 45-day range.

Furthermore, if your target customer base is located in the United States, it’s worth giving ePacket a serious look as well.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, it is crucial for AliExpress sellers to be transparent and upfront about shipping times with their customers.

The choice of shipping method plays a significant role in the delivery process, which is why it’s essential to consider factors such as AliExpress processing time, the location of the seller, and customer expectations.

By offering a range of shipping options and clearly communicating the expected delivery times, sellers can ensure a positive experience for their customers. This not only helps build trust and loyalty but also helps avoid any disappointment or confusion regarding the delivery of products. 

If you value fast delivery, I suggest considering premium shipping alternatives. As a result, I would suggest looking into AliExpress Premium Shipping and EMS as potential options. Generally, these services provide quicker shipping times and enhanced tracking capabilities.

 So, when it comes to shipping on AliExpress, choosing the right method based on these factors is key to providing a reliable and satisfactory delivery experience for all customers.

About the Author

Profile picture of Aleksandra
Aleksandra Miteva
Aleksandra teaches marketing and management at various levels in High School. She writes about marketing, the economics and logistics of the dropshipping business and ecommerce in general.