AliExpress offering only partial refund - should I accept or escalate?

Short answer If AliExpress is offering you a partial refund, consider whether the amount covers your losses adequately. If it does not, you may want to escalate the issue to seek a full refund, especially if the item was not as described or arrived damaged. What to check Review the item description and compare it with what you received. Check the reason for the partial refund offered by AliExpress. Consider any shipping fees, customs duties, or VAT that may affect your total loss. Look into the seller's return policy and customer feedback for similar cases. Assess the time frame for escalating the issue before the dispute period ends. What to do next Log into your AliExpress account and navigate to your order history. Select the order in question and review the details of the partial refund. Contact the seller directly to discuss your concerns and see if they can offer a better resolution. If the seller is unresponsive or unwilling to help, proceed to escalate the issue through AliExpress by opening a dispute. Provide all necessary evidence, including photos and communication with the seller, to support your case. Wait for AliExpress to review your dispute and respond with their decision. Common pitfalls Accepting a partial refund without considering the total costs incurred, including shipping and customs fees. Failing to document your communications with the seller, which can weaken your case. Not acting within the dispute resolution time frame set by AliExpress. Overlooking the seller's return policy, which may provide additional options for resolution. Pro tip Always keep a record of all transactions and communications related to your order, as this can be crucial in resolving disputes effectively.