Chinese bargain platform AliExpress will start free returns of products in eight countries. Customers must return their product within 15 days of receipt. The Netherlands is excluded from the pilot for now.
The company reports this in a press release. AliExpress wants to improve the buying experience and increase consumer confidence, with Canada and Australia being the first to introduce free returns. This will be followed by France, Germany, Spain, the UK, Russia and the US.
Electronics, fashion and cosmetics
Consumers can request a money refund after receiving their order. They must do so within 15 days, after which they can return their product for free. The refund will follow after three days.
The products covered by the free returns scheme are labelled on the website. They include electronics, jewellery, shoes and cosmetics. These items must be returned in unused condition. Mobile phones, underwear, food and items over $1,000 are not covered.
European distribution centre
China's AliExpress, a subsidiary of Alibaba, acts as a sales platform for suppliers and brands. They can offer their usually cheap products to consumers around the world.
Alibaba decided last year to build a European distribution centre in Liège so that it can store stock closer to European consumers. In addition, Alibaba wants to ship goods from Europe to China through the DC so that Chinese consumers can get products from the West.
