How to Cancel an AliExpress Order: A Comprehensive Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions

AliExpress, the global online marketplace, is a treasure trove of affordable goods. However, sometimes we make impulse buys or realize we’ve ordered the wrong item. Thankfully, AliExpress offers a cancellation process, though it’s not always straightforward. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, explaining the different scenarios and providing detailed instructions on how to cancel your AliExpress order successfully. Let’s dive in!

Understanding AliExpress Order Cancellation

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, it’s crucial to understand the factors that influence your ability to cancel an order. The cancellation window is primarily dictated by the seller’s processing time and whether they have already shipped your order.

Key Factors Affecting Cancellation:

• Order Status: The most important factor is the status of your order. You have the best chance of cancelling when the order is in the ‘Pending Payment’ or ‘Awaiting Shipment’ phase. Once an order is shipped, cancellation becomes significantly more difficult.
• Seller’s Processing Time: Sellers have a specified processing time, which indicates the timeframe in which they will ship your order. You generally have more leeway to cancel before this time expires.
• Seller’s Policies: Some sellers may have more lenient cancellation policies than others. It’s worth checking the seller’s store page for any specific information.

Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Cancel an AliExpress Order

The cancellation process varies slightly depending on the order status. We’ll cover each scenario below:

Scenario 1: Cancelling an Order in ‘Pending Payment’ Status

If you haven’t yet paid for your order, cancellation is incredibly simple. Here’s how:

1. Log in to your AliExpress Account: Visit the AliExpress website or open the app and log in using your credentials.
2. Go to ‘My Orders’: Hover over your account name in the top right corner (on the website) or tap the ‘Account’ button in the bottom right corner (on the app). Select ‘My Orders’ from the dropdown menu or the list.
3. Locate the Pending Order: Find the order you wish to cancel in the list of your orders. It should have the status ‘Pending Payment’.
4. Cancel the Order: Click the ‘Cancel Order’ button next to the order details.
5. Confirmation: You may be asked to confirm your cancellation. Click ‘Confirm’ or the equivalent button.

That’s it! The order is now cancelled, and you won’t be charged. You might see the order disappear from your ‘My Orders’ list, or it might be moved to a ‘Cancelled’ section.

Scenario 2: Cancelling an Order in ‘Awaiting Shipment’ Status

This is the most common situation where you might want to cancel an order. The order has been paid for, but the seller hasn’t shipped it yet. Here’s what to do:

1. Log in to your AliExpress Account: As before, log in to the website or app.
2. Go to ‘My Orders’: Navigate to the ‘My Orders’ section.
3. Locate the Order: Find the order with the ‘Awaiting Shipment’ status.
4. Request Cancellation: Click on the ‘Request Order Cancellation’ button or simply ‘Cancel Order’. It might be displayed with an icon or be part of a dropdown menu.
5. Select a Reason: You will be prompted to select a reason for cancelling the order. Choose the most accurate option from the list (e.g., ‘I no longer need the item’, ‘I found a better price’, ‘I ordered the wrong item’, ‘The shipping time is too long’, etc.). Providing a valid reason increases your chances of a successful cancellation.
6. Submit Your Request: After selecting the reason, click ‘Submit’ or the corresponding button to finalize your cancellation request.
7. Seller Approval: Now, the cancellation request goes to the seller. They have a certain time to respond to your request. It can range from a few hours to several days.
8. Check Status: Periodically check the status of your cancellation request in your ‘My Orders’ list. The order will either show as ‘Cancellation Pending’ or ‘Cancellation Approved’ if approved, or will revert back to ‘Awaiting Shipment’ if the seller rejects the request.

Important Note:

• Seller’s Decision: Remember, the seller has the final say on whether to approve or reject your cancellation request. If the seller has already prepared the order for shipment, they are unlikely to approve the request.
• Seller Contact: If the seller is taking too long to respond or the cancellation has been rejected, try contacting the seller directly through the messaging system within AliExpress to politely explain your situation and request a cancellation.

Scenario 3: Cancelling an Order That’s Already Shipped (Extremely Difficult)

Once an order is marked as ‘Shipped’, cancelling it becomes extremely difficult, and in most cases, impossible. However, there are a couple of things you can still try, although they might not guarantee a successful cancellation:

1. Contact the Seller Immediately: If you’ve noticed that the order was shipped in error or you desperately need to cancel, contact the seller immediately through the message system. Explain your situation politely and firmly. The sooner you do this, the better your chances of them potentially working to reroute the package. However, don’t count on this method succeeding since it will depend on whether the seller can physically intercept the package.
2. Refuse Delivery (If Possible): If the package arrives at your doorstep, you might be able to refuse delivery by indicating to the postal service that you don’t want to accept the package. They will usually ship it back to the seller. However, this action will not guarantee a refund; you’ll need to handle that separately through a dispute after the order is returned to the seller.
3. Open a Dispute (After Receiving): Once you receive the item and you are not satisfied, you can initiate a dispute. This will be discussed in further detail below.

Important Note: If the item was already sent, the fastest and easiest option for you will be to receive the item and open a dispute if necessary. You can not guarantee that the seller will be able to cancel the shipping for you. If you refused delivery and the package is lost during the return process, it will be extremely difficult to get a refund.

Dealing with Rejected Cancellation Requests

Sometimes, the seller may reject your cancellation request, especially if they’ve already started processing your order. If this happens, here’s what you can do:

1. Contact the Seller Again: Politely reach out to the seller again through the AliExpress messaging system. Explain your reasoning for wanting to cancel, and try to work with the seller to find a solution, such as a refund if the package is returned or a discount on a future purchase.
2. Wait for Delivery and Open a Dispute: If the seller refuses to cancel the order, you’ll need to wait for the item to be delivered. Upon receiving the item you have the option to open a dispute with AliExpress if the item is damaged, not as described, or if you are simply not satisfied with your purchase.

Opening an AliExpress Dispute

Opening a dispute is your recourse if the seller refuses to cancel your order and the item is not as expected upon receiving it, or if you have received the wrong item. Here’s how to open a dispute:

1. Go to ‘My Orders’: Navigate to your ‘My Orders’ list.
2. Locate the Order: Find the order with the problem.
3. Open Dispute: There will be an option called “Open Dispute” or a similar variation next to the order you want to open a dispute for. Click this option. The option usually appears once the order is marked as delivered.
4. Select Dispute Reason: Select the most accurate reason for opening the dispute. For example, the item arrived damaged, the item is not as described, the item never arrived, and other available options.
5. Provide Evidence: Provide as much evidence as possible to support your claim. This could include photos of the damaged item, screenshots of the product description that doesn’t match what you received, or any other relevant information.
6. Describe Your Issue: Explain in detail what went wrong and what resolution you are seeking (refund, return, exchange). Write as clear and concise as possible.
7. Submit the Dispute: Once you’ve completed all the fields, click “Submit” to open the dispute.
8. AliExpress Review: AliExpress will review the dispute, usually within a couple of days, and might ask for additional information from either you or the seller.
9. Resolution: AliExpress will make a final decision based on the evidence provided. You will either receive a full refund, a partial refund, or no refund.

Tips for a Successful Dispute:

• Be Clear and Honest: Accurately and honestly describe your issue.
• Provide Quality Evidence: Take clear, well-lit photos of any damage or discrepancies.
• Be Patient: Disputes can take time, so be patient and wait for AliExpress to make a decision.
• Communicate Clearly: Respond to AliExpress’ requests for information promptly and clearly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About AliExpress Order Cancellation

Let’s address some common questions people have about canceling orders on AliExpress:

Q: Can I cancel an order after the seller has already shipped it?
A: Technically, no. Once an order is marked as shipped, you cannot cancel it directly through AliExpress. However, you can try contacting the seller, refusing the package upon delivery, or opening a dispute after receiving it if there’s an issue.

Q: How long does it take for a seller to approve a cancellation request?
A: The seller usually has a few days to respond to your cancellation request. The exact timeframe can vary, so keep an eye on the order status.

Q: Will I get a full refund if my cancellation request is approved?
A: Yes, if your cancellation request is approved before the order is shipped, you will receive a full refund to the payment method used to place the order.

Q: What if the seller ignores my cancellation request?
A: If the seller ignores your cancellation request, you will have to wait to receive the item, and open a dispute afterwards if you are not satisfied with your purchase.

Q: Can I cancel an order if it’s still in ‘Pending Payment’ status?
A: Yes, cancellation is easiest and instant when the order is in ‘Pending Payment’ status, simply click on “Cancel Order” and confirm.

Q: How do I find the ‘Cancel Order’ button?
A: The location of the ‘Cancel Order’ button can vary slightly depending on whether you’re using the website or app, but it’s usually located near the order details within the “My Orders” section, and it’s displayed as a button labeled “Cancel Order”, or “Request Order Cancellation”. If your order is already shipped, the button will not be displayed.

Q: I canceled my order, but I haven’t received my refund yet. How long will it take?
A: Refunds are usually processed within a few business days. However, it may take a bit longer to reflect in your account depending on your payment provider.

Q: Can I cancel an order if I changed my mind?
A: Yes, you can cancel an order even if you changed your mind; the process is the same as any other cancellation request. However, it’s more likely to be approved if the order hasn’t yet shipped.

Final Thoughts

Canceling an AliExpress order can seem a bit tricky at first, but with a little understanding and the right steps, it’s generally manageable. Remember to always check your order status, contact the seller when necessary, and be prepared to open a dispute if needed. This guide should help you navigate the process with greater confidence, ensuring you have a pleasant shopping experience on AliExpress. Happy shopping!