What Does Awaiting Delivery Mean on AliExpress?

AliExpress is famous for being one of the largest international marketplaces on the internet. Due to high order volumes, they have streamlined and optimized their delivery and reporting processes.

If you have recently placed an order on AliExpress, you may have noticed an order status called “Awaiting Delivery”. Awaiting Delivery means that the AliExpress seller has handed over your package to the logistics provider and is currently on its way to your shipping address.

Your package will go through several phases during this stage. This includes transit, being sorted at a sorting center, clearing customs in both countries and then finally being delivered. The “Awaiting Delivery” stage is a routine part of every order process, so you won’t need to take any action for your package to be shipped.

In this article, we will elaborate on each step of the process that occurs during the Awaiting Delivery stage, what you can do to ensure smooth delivery and answer some questions that were sent in from our readers.

Process Flow During “Awaiting Delivery” Stage on AliExpress

AliExpress orders go through numerous processes and stages once the status changes to “Awaiting Delivery”. Each of these processes is described in detail below.

Dispatch 

The first thing that happens upon having your order successfully paid and processed is the dispatch step. During this time, the seller will print the packing slip and shipping labels and attach them to your package.

They will also prepare the required documents (such as the invoice) for export and import clearance. Your package will then be handed over to the logistics provider, who is tasked with bringing the package to the sorting center. 

Outbound in Sorting Center 

A sorting center is a facility where packages are received and sorted. The logistics provider will sort and segregate packages and group them according to destination countries, as this helps carriers ship orders more economically.

The sorting center personnel handle various activities, which include unloading, sorting, consolidating, quality checking, and loading packages for the next destination. Your package will undergo each of these before moving on to the next step.

Hand Over to Carrier (Air/Sea)

Your package is then scheduled and handed over to a carrier. This carrier will transport your item via sea freight or air freight based on what shipping method you have selected for your order.

However, depending on its size, type, and/or destination, your package may only be shipped by sea. You’re able to see the delivery times during the ordering process.

Clearing Customs (Export)

Your package then arrives at the customs office in the seller’s country. Customs officers check the documentation for the item description, declared value, and whether it is legal to export it. They may also physically inspect your package during this step before clearing it.

Departure at Origin Country

The carrier then ships the item from the seller’s country to the buyer’s country. The package may change hands several times during this step depending on the carrier’s routing and scheduling.

Arrival at Destination Country

Thereafter, your package arrives at the destination country and is unloaded from the plane or ship after arrival. The package is subsequently delivered to the local customs office.

Clearing Customs (Import)

The customs office in the buyer’s country will also check the item’s documentation and check whether any unpaid import taxes or duties are due on the item. They will also check if the item is permitted or restricted in the country. 

Customs officers may also physically inspect the item if they are suspicious about the item’s quality or contents. This step can only be cleared once the customs officer has deemed the clearance as successful, which means that all outstanding import procedures have been completed.

You may also need to pay import duties and taxes. Take note that in some countries, import taxes and duties may be collected by the delivery agent.

Out for Delivery

After clearing customs, the item will be handed over to the local delivery agent. In some cases, the item is sent to another sorting center (often referred to as a distribution center) to be sorted before being dispatched to the final delivery address.

Delivered

This is the final stage in the delivery process. It means that the package has been successfully delivered to you at the shipping address you specified. The order is now completed and closed on AliExpress.

What Can I Do During The “Awaiting Delivery” Stage?

As described above, every AliExpress order goes through multiple touchpoints and processes during the “Awaiting Delivery” stage. If you’re concerned about your order getting held up or being delayed, you may want to track your shipment regularly to ensure it is delivered on time.

This includes monitoring your order through the tracking system, being present at the delivery address, communicating with the seller, and engaging with the local delivery agent whenever needed. Here are some useful tips to consider:

• Track Your Order – You should track your order regularly as this will help you identify any issues such as delays as soon as they occur. For example, you can learn if there are any outstanding customs import taxes due on your order or whether your buyer protection is going to expire before your item is delivered.

• Be Available for Delivery – If you know what your order’s estimated delivery day and time are, you can make yourself available at the delivery address during that window. This will ensure you are able to receive your package once it arrives.

• Communicate With Seller if Required – If your order runs into delays or other problems, you should contact the seller immediately and ask about the issue. You can then work to resolve it.

• Engage Local Delivery Agent as Needed – If your package has experienced multiple failed delivery attempts, you should contact the delivery agent directly and set a suitable delivery time or a self-collect arrangement.

Frequently Asked Questions

We have answered some of the most frequently asked questions related to this topic that were sent in by some of our readers. If you would like to have your questions answered, simply write to us.

How Long Are Orders in the “Awaiting Delivery” Stage?

AliExpress orders go through multiple touchpoints in the “Awaiting Delivery” stage. For this reason, it is possible for your order to be delayed at any one of these touchpoints. Your order’s delivery time will also be influenced by your chosen shipping method, destination country, and the customs office’s processing speed.

In most cases, you should receive your package within 15 to 30 days. However, you should be prepared to receive your package anywhere from 15 to 60 days after placing the order, based on delays and/or the delivery agent’s efficiency.

What Can I Do If My Order Is Stuck in “Awaiting Delivery” Status?

AliExpress orders are shipped with buyer protection that is valid for up to 90 days. This means you are entitled to a full refund if you don’t receive your package within this 90-day window.

As such, you can also choose to wait for delays and issues to get resolved and then receive your item. If your buyer protection is close to expiring and you want to start the claim process, you can choose to either contact the seller directly or open a dispute.

Can I Request a Refund While the Order Is in “Awaiting Delivery” Status?

If you haven’t received your package and are still within the buyer protection time window, you can ask the seller for a refund. However, you should ensure you fulfill the requirements for a refund before requesting it.

These situational requirements include if the parcel has gotten lost in transit, has been damaged, or is experiencing prolonged delays.