How to Shop from AliExpress and Jumia

[Jumia/Facebook]

Written by Oyinkansola Shoroye 

In the fast-paced world of online shopping, consumers are increasingly turning to global platforms like AliExpress and Jumia for their convenience and vast product offerings. This article aims to provide a detailed and informative guide to help users navigate the shopping processes on both AliExpress and Jumia. By breaking down each step, users can make informed decisions and enjoy a seamless shopping experience.


Shopping on AliExpress - A 10-Step Guide

1. Visit aliexpress.com:
Begin your journey by navigating to AliExpress' website, where a world of possibilities awaits.

2. Register:
Sign up on AliExpress effortlessly by providing necessary details. Choose from options like email, Facebook, Google, Twitter, or Apple accounts for a quick and personalized registration experience.

3. Select Shipping Address:
Ensure future shopping experiences are hassle-free by entering an accurate shipping address, including the postal code of your Local Government Area (LGA).

4. Change Display Currency to USD:
Optimize your pricing view by switching the display currency from Nigerian naira to U.S. dollars, offering a clearer understanding of costs.

5. Browse and Choose:
Explore AliExpress's extensive sections and choose your desired item from a plethora of options available.

6. Specify Details:
Tailor your purchase by specifying details such as color and size, if applicable, ensuring you get exactly what you want.

7. Add to Cart or Buy Now:
Add the item to your cart for multiple purchases or proceed to buy immediately by clicking "Buy Now."

8. Input Delivery Address:
If not entered earlier, input the delivery address or pickup location during the checkout process.

9. Payment Process:
Add a new card, enter the required details, and click "Pay" to complete the transaction securely.

10. Verify and Track:
Confirm the one-time code for card withdrawal, and once successful, track your order in the "My Orders" section.


Shopping on Jumia - A 10-Step Guide

1. Visit jumia.com.ng:
Begin your Jumia shopping journey by visiting their official website, where a plethora of products awaits exploration.

2. Account Creation:
Sign up using your email address on the website or opt for a quicker signup process by downloading the Jumia app from the Google Play store.

3. Product Search:
Look for your desired product by either browsing the catalog or using the search bar. Click on the product for more details.

4. Product Variations:
If the seller offers variations (e.g., color or size), choose the desired options by clicking the (+) or (-) signs.

5. Add to Cart:
Proceed to add the selected item to your cart. Adjust the quantity if needed.

6. Cart Overview:
Click on the cart basket icon to review your order. Continue shopping or proceed to checkout.

7. Checkout Process:
If you're ready to complete your purchase, enter your email and password or sign up if you don't have an account.

8. Pick-up Location or Shipping Address:
Choose either a pick-up location or provide your shipping address during the checkout process.

9. Payment Method:
Select a payment method and enter the necessary details. If you have a Jumia Free Voucher, enter the promo code for potential discounts.

10. Confirm Order:
Review your order summary, click "Confirm Order," make the payment, and await Jumia's delivery to your chosen pick-up location or shipping address.


By following these step-by-step guides for both AliExpress and Jumia, users can navigate these e-commerce giants with confidence, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable shopping experience. Now, let's delve deeper into each platform's unique features and explore tips to maximize your online shopping journey.


Understanding the Platforms
AliExpress and Jumia, although catering to a similar audience, differ in terms of features and layout. AliExpress, with its global marketplace, provides users access to a wide range of products directly from manufacturers. On the other hand, Jumia, a leading African e-commerce platform, offers a curated selection of products with a focus on the local market.
AliExpress boasts a user-friendly interface with a multitude of search filters, allowing users to find products efficiently. The platform's extensive product listings often include multiple sellers offering the same item, providing users with choices in terms of pricing, shipping, and seller ratings.
Jumia, tailored for the African market, provides a curated and localized shopping experience. The platform's layout emphasizes simplicity, making it easy for users to find products relevant to their region. Jumia also incorporates features such as flash sales and local promotions to enhance the shopping experience.

Creating an Account
One of the initial steps in embarking on your online shopping journey is creating an account on both AliExpress and Jumia. This process is essential for a personalized and secure shopping experience.
AliExpress offers multiple options for account creation, including email, Facebook, Google, Twitter, or Apple accounts. Users can choose the method that best suits their preferences, streamlining the registration process. Once registered, users gain access to features such as order tracking, personalized recommendations, and exclusive promotions.
Jumia, with a similar emphasis on user convenience, allows account creation through email. Additionally, users can opt for a quicker signup process by downloading the Jumia app from the Google Play store. This app-centric approach enhances accessibility, especially for users who prefer a mobile-first experience. After creating an account, users on Jumia enjoy benefits such as order history tracking and personalized recommendations based on their preferences.

Browsing Products Effectively
Efficiently navigating the vast array of products on AliExpress and Jumia requires mastering the art of effective browsing. Both platforms offer a variety of tools, including search filters, categories, and sorting options, to help users discover specific products or explore new items.
On AliExpress, the search bar at the top of the homepage serves as a gateway to a world of products. Users can enter keywords, product names, or even specific attributes to narrow down their search. Advanced filters on the left side of the page allow users to refine results based on factors such as price range, seller rating, and shipping options.
Jumia, designed with a focus on localized content, provides users with a straightforward browsing experience. The homepage features curated categories, highlighting popular products and ongoing promotions. The search bar, prominently placed at the top, allows users to enter keywords or product names for a quick search. Filters on the left side of the page further assist users in refining their search on Jumia, with options to filter by price, brand, and customer ratings.

Understanding Product Listings
Once you've narrowed down your search on both AliExpress and Jumia, the next step is to decipher product listings to make informed purchasing decisions. Product listings typically include detailed information, specifications, and customer reviews.
On AliExpress, each product listing is a treasure trove of information. Product descriptions provide insights into the features, specifications, and materials used. It's essential to carefully read these descriptions to ensure the product meets your expectations. Additionally, pay attention to seller ratings and customer reviews, as they offer real-world experiences and opinions. High seller ratings and positive reviews are indicative of a reliable and trustworthy seller.
Jumia follows a similar approach, presenting comprehensive product listings with detailed descriptions and specifications. While exploring product pages, take note of customer reviews and ratings to gauge the quality and reliability of the product. Jumia often features verified buyer reviews, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the feedback.

Adding Items to Cart
With the desired product identified, the next step is to add it to your cart. Both AliExpress and Jumia offer a straightforward process for adding items, allowing users to either proceed with an immediate purchase or save items for later consideration.
On AliExpress, after selecting a product, click on the "Add to Cart" button for later review or multiple purchases. If you're ready to proceed with the purchase immediately, you can click "Buy Now" to initiate the checkout process. The cart serves as a virtual shopping basket, allowing users to review and modify their selected items before completing the transaction.
Jumia follows a similar approach, allowing users to add selected items to their cart for a consolidated review. The cart overview provides a snapshot of the selected items, allowing users to adjust quantities or remove items as needed. This step is crucial for ensuring that your final order reflects your preferences and meets your shopping requirements.

Utilizing Wishlists
Creating wishlists on both AliExpress and Jumia is a strategic move to keep track of desired items and take advantage of future promotions. Wishlists serve as personalized collections of products that users can revisit and purchase when the timing is right.
On AliExpress, users can add items to their wishlist by clicking the heart-shaped icon on the product page or within the shopping cart. The wishlist feature is a valuable tool for organizing products, especially when planning purchases over an extended period. Additionally, AliExpress often notifies users about discounts or promotions related to wishlist items.
Jumia also offers a wishlist feature, allowing users to save selected items for future consideration. By clicking the heart icon on the product page, users can add items to their wishlist. This feature simplifies the process of monitoring price changes or taking advantage of special promotions when they arise.

Applying Coupons and Discounts
Maximizing savings is a key aspect of online shopping, and both AliExpress and Jumia provide opportunities for users to apply coupons or discounts to their purchases.
AliExpress frequently offers various coupons that users can find on the platform or receive during promotional events. To apply a coupon, users can enter the code during the checkout process. Additionally, AliExpress often provides discounts for specific items or sellers, allowing users to save on their favorite products.
Jumia, known for its promotional events and flash sales, offers users the chance to apply discounts during the checkout process. Users may receive vouchers or promo codes through the platform or promotional emails. These discounts can be applied by entering the code during the payment process, ensuring that users enjoy additional savings on their purchases.

Payment Methods
Understanding the available payment options on both AliExpress and Jumia is crucial for a smooth and secure transaction. Both platforms support various payment methods, including credit cards, mobile wallets, and other secure payment options.
AliExpress accepts a wide range of payment methods, including credit and debit cards, AliExpress Pocket (an online wallet), and various local payment methods depending on the user's location. The platform emphasizes secure transactions and provides users with the flexibility to choose the payment method that suits them best.
Jumia, similarly, offers multiple payment options to cater to diverse user preferences. Credit and debit cards are commonly used, and JumiaPay, the platform's proprietary mobile wallet, provides an additional convenient and secure option. Users can also choose to pay on delivery for select items, providing an extra layer of flexibility.

Tracking Your Orders
Once the payment is complete, the next step is to track your orders. Both AliExpress and Jumia offer order tracking features, allowing users to monitor the shipping progress and receive timely updates on the delivery status of their purchases.
On AliExpress, users can track their orders by navigating to the "My Orders" section. Here, they can find detailed information about each order, including the current status, shipping details, and estimated delivery dates. AliExpress often provides tracking numbers, allowing users to trace their packages through the respective courier services.
Jumia provides a similar tracking experience through the "My Orders" section. Users can access detailed information about their orders, including real-time tracking updates. Jumia also sends email notifications and SMS alerts with tracking information to keep users informed about the status of their deliveries.

Handling Returns and Refunds
In the unfortunate event that you need to return a product, understanding the return policies of AliExpress and Jumia is crucial. Both platforms have established procedures for initiating returns and obtaining refunds.
AliExpress has a comprehensive return policy that allows users to return products within a specified period after receiving them. The exact return period varies depending on the product and seller. Users can initiate a return by contacting the seller through the platform's messaging system. AliExpress facilitates communication between buyers and sellers to resolve issues and ensure a satisfactory resolution.
Jumia, similarly, has a well-defined return policy. Users can initiate the return process through the "My Orders" section on the platform. Jumia provides clear instructions on returning items, and users can choose reasons for return, such as receiving a damaged or incorrect product. Once the return is initiated, users can track the progress through the platform.

Customer Support
In the world of online shopping, reliable customer support is essential. Both AliExpress and Jumia offer customer support services to assist users with any issues or inquiries they may have during the shopping process.
AliExpress provides customer support through its messaging system, allowing users to communicate directly with sellers. In case of disputes or unresolved issues, AliExpress steps in to mediate and ensure a fair resolution. Additionally, the platform offers a comprehensive Help Center with FAQs and guides to address common concerns.
Jumia offers customer support through various channels, including a helpline and email support. Users can reach out to Jumia's customer service team for assistance with order-related queries, product information, or any challenges they may encounter. Jumia aims to provide timely and helpful support to enhance the overall shopping experience.

Reviewing Sellers and Products
Before making a purchase, it's essential to evaluate sellers and products to ensure a positive shopping experience. Both AliExpress and Jumia provide tools for reviewing seller ratings, product reviews, and customer feedback.
On AliExpress, seller ratings play a crucial role in determining the reliability of a seller. Users can view seller ratings based on factors such as communication, shipping speed, and product quality. Reading product reviews from other buyers provides valuable insights into the actual performance and quality of the item.
Jumia, likewise, incorporates a robust review system. Users can check seller ratings and read product reviews to assess the overall satisfaction of previous buyers. This information is instrumental in making informed decisions about the trustworthiness of sellers and the quality of products.

Staying Informed about Promotions
To maximize your savings and take advantage of special offers, staying informed about promotions on both AliExpress and Jumia is key. Both platforms regularly feature sales, discounts, and special events that users can leverage for cost-effective shopping.
AliExpress often runs promotional events, seasonal sales, and discounts on specific products or categories. Users can stay informed by subscribing to newsletters, enabling notifications on the app, and checking the platform's homepage for announcements. Additionally, participating in AliExpress's promotional events, such as Singles' Day or Anniversary Sales, can lead to significant savings.
Jumia, known for its dynamic promotions and flash sales, keeps users updated on ongoing deals through various channels. Subscribing to Jumia's newsletters, following the platform on social media, and regularly checking the homepage are effective ways to stay informed about the latest promotions. Jumia also hosts special events like Black Friday sales, providing users with opportunities to enjoy substantial discounts.


In conclusion, shopping on AliExpress and Jumia involves a comprehensive process that spans from understanding the platforms to making informed decisions about products and sellers. By following the step-by-step guides for each platform, users can navigate the intricacies of online shopping with confidence.
Understanding the unique features of AliExpress and Jumia, creating and securing accounts, browsing products effectively, and utilizing features like wishlists and coupons are essential aspects of the online shopping experience. Additionally, staying informed about promotions, tracking orders, handling returns, and reviewing sellers contribute to a seamless and satisfying shopping journey.
Whether you are exploring the global marketplace of AliExpress or navigating the curated offerings of Jumia, the goal is to empower consumers to make informed decisions, maximize savings, and enjoy a positive online shopping experience. By leveraging the tools and features provided by these e-commerce giants, users can unlock a world of possibilities and convenience from the comfort of their homes.