Refunds

When to Flag AliExpress 'No Logistics Info Yet'

July 11, 2026 · 7 min read

One of the most common headaches for eBay dropshippers sourcing from AliExpress is when an order gets stuck on 'no logistics info yet'. This isn't just a minor annoyance; it's a ticking time bomb for an eBay Item Not Received (INR) case if not addressed proactively. Knowing when to act, and what action to take, is crucial for maintaining your seller rating and profitability.

Understanding AliExpress Logistics Statuses

Before diving into timelines, let's clarify what 'no logistics info yet' actually means in the context of AliExpress's tracking system. Your Fetch Order Tracking sheet pulls directly from the AliExpress API. When an order's logistics_status is reported as NO_LOGISTICS_INFO, it indicates one of a few things:

The seller has created a shipping label but hasn't handed the package over to the carrier.
The package has been handed over, but the initial scan hasn't propagated through the tracking system yet.
The seller provided a fake or invalid tracking number.
The package is moving, but the chosen shipping method (e.g., untracked economy shipping) provides minimal or no public tracking updates.

Our focus here is on the first two scenarios, where an actual parcel is expected to enter the tracking network.

The Critical Window: 72 Hours Post-Payment

For most reputable AliExpress sellers and standard shipping methods, you should see initial tracking updates within a specific timeframe. Our data consistently shows a critical window:

If an AliExpress order still shows NO_LOGISTICS_INFO 72 hours (3 days) after the gmt_create timestamp (when the order was paid and placed on AliExpress), it's time to flag it for review.

This 72-hour window allows for processing time, weekend delays, and initial carrier pickup scans to register. Beyond this, the probability of a significant delay or an issue with the tracking number increases sharply.

Why 72 Hours?

Seller Processing Time: Most sellers commit to processing and dispatching within 1-3 business days. 72 hours covers this.
Initial Carrier Scan: Even if a package is picked up immediately, it can take 24-48 hours for the carrier's system to update and for that update to reflect in AliExpress's API.
Preventive Action: Waiting longer pushes you closer to the eBay estimated delivery window, leaving less time for resolution.

Workflow for Flagging 'No Logistics Info Yet' Orders

Here's a step-by-step workflow to integrate into your Fetch Order Tracking routine:

Filter Your Sheet: Regularly filter your Fetch Order Tracking sheet for logistics_status = NO_LOGISTICS_INFO.
Check gmt_create: For each flagged order, compare the current date/time to the gmt_create timestamp.
Identify Overdue Orders: Any order where CURRENT_DATE_TIME - gmt_create > 72_HOURS should be marked for immediate action. You might add a custom column in your sheet for 'Flag for Review' and set a conditional formatting rule.
Contact the AliExpress Seller:

Open a chat with the seller directly on AliExpress.
Politely inquire about the delay in tracking updates.
Provide the AliExpress order number.
Ask for a valid tracking number or an update on the package status.

Set a Follow-Up Reminder: Give the seller 24-48 hours to respond. If no satisfactory response or update appears in your Fetch sheet, proceed to the next step.

When to Consider a Refund/Cancellation

If, after contacting the seller, you still have no valid tracking information or the seller confirms a significant delay beyond a reasonable timeframe (e.g., 'warehouse out of stock, shipping next week'), you need to make a decision quickly.

Option 1: AliExpress Refund Request

If the seller cannot provide a valid tracking number or has not shipped, initiate a refund request on AliExpress. The reason should be 'The seller has not shipped the order'. This is usually straightforward if no tracking exists.

Option 2: Cancel and Reorder

If the item is still required for your eBay order, cancel the current AliExpress order and reorder from a different, more reliable seller. Prioritize sellers with a strong track record and faster shipping options.

Option 3: Inform the eBay Buyer

In rare cases where you are confident the item will ship soon but there's an unusual delay, you might consider messaging your eBay buyer. However, exercise extreme caution here. Only do this if you have a very good reason and can offer a small token of apology (e.g., a partial refund later). Generally, it's better to resolve the issue on the AliExpress side without involving the eBay buyer directly unless absolutely necessary.

Preventive Measures

Seller Vetting: Prioritize AliExpress sellers with high ratings, many sales, and positive feedback specifically mentioning fast shipping.
Shipping Method Selection: Opt for reliable shipping methods like AliExpress Standard Shipping, ePacket, or similar options that offer consistent tracking. Avoid untracked economy options for dropshipping.
Automated Alerts: Use Fetch Order Tracking's capabilities to set up custom alerts or conditional formatting in your Google Sheet that highlights orders meeting the 72-hour 'no logistics info yet' criteria.

By strictly adhering to the 72-hour rule for flagging 'no logistics info yet' orders, you can significantly reduce the risk of eBay INR cases, maintain customer satisfaction, and keep your dropshipping operations running smoothly.

For more insights into managing your dropshipping orders, explore the full capabilities of Fetch Order Tracking.

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