How to order on AliExpress and Ship to Nigeria

Have you ever scrolled through AliExpress's endless product pages and seen amazing deals you just can't resist? But then the question hits: How do you get those items shipped to Nigeria? I’ve been there, and for a long time, I had a lot of items on my cart. 

Whether you're a guru online shopper or a curious newbie to AliExpress, this article will equip you with the knowledge to confidently get your wishlist in your home and enjoy the satisfaction of a successful cross-border purchase.

What is AliExpress?

AliExpress is a large online retail platform similar to Amazon, but it operates with sellers based in China. It's owned by the Alibaba Group and launched in 2010. AliExpress is a marketplace connecting international buyers with individual sellers and small businesses. It offers a wide variety of products at competitive prices, making it a popular destination for affordable goods.

Benefits of AliExpress

Here are some of the benefits of shopping on AliExpress:

Wide Variety of Products: AliExpress offers numerous products from countless sellers across China. You can find almost anything imaginable on the platform, from electronics and clothing to homeware and toys.

Competitive Prices: Because many sellers on AliExpress are based in China, where production costs can be lower, you can often find items at much lower prices than other online retailers.

Frequent Deals and Coupons: AliExpress offers frequent sales, discounts, and coupons that can help you save even more money on your purchases. They also have special promotions for new users.

Free Shipping Options: Many sellers on AliExpress offer free shipping, especially for orders above a certain amount. This can be a major advantage, especially for larger or heavier items.

Buyer Protection: AliExpress takes your shopping experience seriously, and it has robust buyer protection programs. These programs ensure that you receive your order as described, and in the rare event of a problem, you can file a dispute and get a refund. 

How to Buy Items on AliExpress and ShIp to Nigeria

It is said that the journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step.  While shopping on AliExpress isn’t a complex journey, you need to follow certain steps, which include: 

Create an AliExpress Account

To create an account, visit the AliExpress website–www.AliExpress.com–or download the mobile app from your device's app store. Click "Sign in/Register" at the top right corner of the website to create an account.

By clicking on their icons, you can register using your existing Facebook, Google, or Twitter account. You can also sign up with your email address by inputting it in the space provided. If you’re using your email to sign up, you will need to create a strong password that includes a combination of upper- and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.

After entering your email and password, click the "Create Your Account" button. You may be prompted to verify your email address by clicking the verification link sent to your inbox. Follow the instructions provided in the email to verify your account.

Add Payment Method 

To add and verify your payment method on AliExpress, go to your account at the top right corner of the website. A drop-down menu will appear. Click ‘Payment,' and you'll see the payment page. Under payment, go to “Cards” and click "Add new card. "

Follow the prompts to enter and save your payment details. You might need to provide relevant information such as your card number, expiry date, name on the card, and CVC. Once you've added your card, you may be asked to complete a verification process to ensure the security of your account and prevent fraudulent activities. 

Set Up Your Shipping Address

Still, under your account, scroll down to “Shipping addresses” and click "Add a new address." you will be required to enter your shipping address details, including your full name, address, city, zip code, and contact information. Once you have filled in all the required fields, click "Confirm."

Finding Your Products

Finding the right products on AliExpress can be made easier by using various search tips, including keywords and filters and considering customer reviews and ratings. Here are some tips to note:

Utilise Keywords and Filters:

Begin your search by entering relevant keywords in the search bar at the top of the AliExpress website. Be specific and use terms that accurately describe the product you're searching for. After entering your keywords, you can refine your search results by using the various filters available on the left-hand side of the page. These filters allow you to narrow search results by factors such as delivery options, shipping location, price range, and seller rating. By using filters, you can quickly find products that meet your specific requirements.

Look at Customer Reviews and Ratings:

One of AliExpress's most useful features is the customer review and rating. After selecting a product, scroll down to the product details page to find customer reviews and ratings. Pay attention to the overall rating and read through the reviews to better understand the product's quality, performance, and the seller's reliability. Look for products with a high rating and positive reviews. These indicate customer satisfaction and can help you make informed purchasing decisions.

Check Product Descriptions and Specifications: Read the product descriptions and specifications thoroughly to ensure the product meets your requirements. The description will provide information about the materials used, dimensions, features, and other important details.

Consider Transaction and Shipping Details: When considering a product, note the transaction details, such as the shipping costs, estimated delivery time, and return policy. These factors can impact your overall satisfaction with the purchase. Also, check if the product is eligible for free shipping or if there are any promotions or discounts available.

Use Visual Aid: If you're unsure about the product's appearance or any specific details, check if the seller has provided images or videos of the product in use. This can help you visualise the product better and make a more informed decision.

Placing Your Order

To place an order on AliExpress, add items to your cart, review your order, and select your shipping options.

Add Items to Cart:

Once you've found an item you want to purchase, select the desired variations such as size, colour, quantity, and any other available options. Click on the "Add to cart" or "Buy now" button to add the item to your shopping cart, depending on whether you want to continue shopping for more items or proceed directly to checkout.

Review Your Order:

After adding items to your cart, click on the shopping cart icon at the top right corner of the webpage to review them. Before checkout, ensure that the selected variations (size, colour, quantity, etc.) are accurate in the cart. You also want to review the total price to confirm the cost of your order.

Proceed with Checkout:

After reviewing your order, proceed with the checkout process by providing your shipping address and payment details.

Follow the prompts to complete the payment for your order using your chosen payment method. Once your order is successfully placed, you will receive a confirmation email with the details of your purchase and the estimated delivery time.

How to Make Payments on AliExpress from Nigeria

AliExpress supports multiple payment methods. You can use your debit card (MasterCard or Visa), American Express, or even PayPal. As a Nigerian, a virtual dollar card is the best way to pay.

Virtual dollar cards are prepaid cards that can be used for online transactions. They offer a secure and convenient way to pay on AliExpress and other online stores that need payment in dollars.

Here are some reputable virtual dollar card providers in Nigeria:

• Changera 
• Chippercash 
• Klasha
• Bitnob 

Steps to Use a Virtual Dollar Card on AliExpress:

Choose a Virtual Dollar Card Provider: Research a provider that suits your needs. Consider factors like fees, ease of use, and customer support.

Create an Account and Fund Your Card: Sign up with your chosen provider and follow their instructions to fund your virtual card.

Shop on AliExpress: Browse and add items to your cart on AliExpress as usual.

Checkout with Virtual Card: Select "Credit or Debit Card" as the payment method during checkout. Enter your virtual dollar card details (card number, expiration date, CVV code) and complete the payment.

Does AliExpress Ship to Nigeria

Yes, they ship to Nigeria. If you’re lucky, you might enjoy free shipping on most of the items you’ll be shipping. Otherwise, you can use AliExpress's standard shipping. AliExpress Standard Shipping is a reliable and affordable way to deliver your orders to Nigeria. While the delivery time can vary depending on customs clearance and distance, your package typically takes 15 - 45 days to arrive. This shipping option often provides tracking information so you can watch your package's journey until it reaches your doorstep.

Possible Customs Fees:

You may be expected to pay customs duties and taxes when your orders arrive in Nigeria. The amount to be paid varies as it depends on the nature of the product and the quantity you bought. 

Related: How to Sign Up and Use Heroshe for Your Shipping Needs

Conclusion 

Ordering on AliExpress and shipping to Nigeria is a straightforward process that requires attention to detail and patience. Following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully navigate the platform, select your desired items, and arrange delivery to your Nigerian address. Remember to verify the seller's credibility and be prepared for any potential customs fees or delays. Happy shopping!