Is AliExpress Legit And Safe For Buying And Selling in 2024?
Is AliExpress legit? If you’ve ever thought to buy or sell on this global platform you’re not alone.
With stories of crazy deals and dodgy quality floating around, it’s no wonder people are curious. But what if there’s more to it?
In this post I’ll get to the truth about is AliExpress legit in 2024, is it safe and worth your time? Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
- What is AliExpress?
- Is AliExpress Safe?
- Is AliExpress Legit?
- The No. 1 Tool for all dropshippers – now with AI
- AliExpress Products
- AliExpress Shipping Times
- How To Buy From AliExpress Safely Without Getting Ripped Off
- How To Avoid Getting Scammed On AliExpress? [6 Pro Tips]
- Why Do People Think AliExpress is a Scam?
- How I Tested AliExpress Legitimacy? Sharing My Experience
- Why Is AliExpress So Cheap?
- Alibaba Vs AliExpress
- How Alibaba Works
- How AliExpress Works?
- Alibaba vs AliExpress Summary
- Is AliExpress Legit- FAQs
- 1. Are AliExpress items cheap?
- 2. How long does AliExpress take to ship?
- 3. Is AliExpress cheaper than Amazon?
- 4. Is AliExpress cheaper than Alibaba?
- 5. Is it safe to buy from China?
- 6. Why is the shipping fee so high on AliExpress?
- 7. What’s the difference between SHEIN and AliExpress?
- 8. Why was AliExpress banned in India?
- 9. What if I get scammed on AliExpress?
- 11. How to spot a fake store on AliExpress?
- 12. How do you report a fake product on AliExpress?
- 13. Is AliExpress tracking legit?
- Conclusion
What is AliExpress?
![](https://prod-dropshipping-s3.s3.fr-par.scw.cloud/2024/08/ali-3bc5ed0c-758.png)
AliExpress is an online marketplace of Alibaba that connects buyers with sellers worldwide. It offers an extensive range of products at competitive prices, making it a go-to platform for many online shoppers.
In fact, AliExpress is particularly known for its vast selection of products, ranging from electronics and clothing to home decor and accessories. With millions of items available, you can find almost anything you need on the platform.
Plus, various vendors sell the same product. This wide variety of choices allows you to explore different options and compare prices before making a purchase.
Also, one of the key aspects AliExpress is famous for is its relatively low prices. And, you are wondering why?
Well, sellers on AliExpress often offer products at competitive rates due to factors such as direct sourcing, bulk purchases, and reduced overhead costs. So, if you are a budget-conscious buyer, this one is for you!
But, let’s see is AliExpress Safe?
Is AliExpress Safe?
YES! Safety is a major concern for any online buyer, and AliExpress understands the importance. Therefore, AliExpress implements several measures to protect your interests regarding buyer safety.
✅ AliExpress Buyer Protection
One of the biggest perks of shopping on AliExpress is the buyer protection program. When you place an order, you often see a Buyer Protection badge on the listing.
This badge ensures that your order will arrive within the promised delivery window — for example, 75 days.
If your package doesn’t arrive on time, you can file a claim, and AliExpress will issue a full refund within 15 business days. It’s a great way to feel secure when making purchases from Chinese sellers and other international vendors.
✅ Handling Defective or Fake Items: What to Expect
Sometimes, items bought online might not meet your expectations. If you receive fake items, defective products, or anything that seems too good to be true, you’re entitled to a full or partial refund.
The process involves opening a dispute with the seller, where you’ll try to negotiate a solution, such as a partial refund, item replacement, or voucher.
If no agreement is reached, AliExpress will step in to ensure that you get your money back. It’s important to check seller’s reviews and positive feedback from previous buyers before making a purchase.
✅ Ensuring Your Security With Their Payment Methods
When it comes to payment methods on AliExpress, you have a few options. If you choose to pay directly with a credit or debit card, only AliExpress will have access to your payment details — third-party sellers won’t see your card details.
For added security, I recommend not storing your payment information on the platform. This extra step can help protect you from potential breaches.
✅ Using AliPay for a Safer Shopping Experience
If you’re concerned about your payment details, using AliPay might be a safer option. By loading your AliPay account with your credit or debit card, you can make purchases without sharing your card details with AliExpress or its sellers.
It’s a more secure payment method and can give you peace of mind when shopping online.
✅ The Honest Customer Feedback
AliExpress encourages buyers to leave honest and detailed feedback on their shopping experience. Thus, this feedback system is crucial in building trust and transparency within the AliExpress community.
Reviewing the seller’s ratings and feedback can provide valuable insights into the reliability and quality of their products.
Read my comparison of Temu vs AliExpress: Which One Is Better For Dropshipping?
Is AliExpress Legit?
And, the most common question is – Is AliExpress legit? Let’s start with this: As of this moment, AliExpress has over 150 million active buyers and over 200 million visits. Plus, they have around 20M visitors per day!
What’s more, AliExpress is #5 in the eCommerce & Shopping > Marketplace category and #54 Globally according to Similarweb data.👇
![online shopping on aliexpress](https://images.surferseo.art/455ec30b-b305-40f8-a2ab-1c43aad414aa.png)
So, Is AliExpress legit? 100% Yes, AliExpress is Legit for both buyers and sellers!
AliExpress Products
As I already mentioned above, AliExpress is famous for its vast selection of products, offering a diverse range of items to cater to the needs and preferences of buyers worldwide.
So, whether you’re searching for the latest electronics, trendy fashion apparel, unique home decor, or niche accessories, AliExpress has you covered.
💡 Tip: Discover the 9 Reasons About Why AliExpress Is So Cheap [Truth Revealed]
Therefore, you can find items from different categories, ranging from consumer electronics and accessories, beauty and health products, and garden essentials to sports and entertainment products.👇
![is aliexpress legit products](https://prod-dropshipping-s3.s3.fr-par.scw.cloud/2023/05/caaa.png)
Not to mention the options you have under a specific category. For example, let’s search the women’s clothing category. Once I clicked on it, a huge fly-out menu with multiple sub-categories was displayed!👇
![product catalog](https://prod-dropshipping-s3.s3.fr-par.scw.cloud/2023/05/categorie.png)
This is the case for every single category on the website!
In reality, this platform is a one-stop shop. So, you can explore numerous options without having to visit multiple websites or physical stores.
👉 Check out the Top 11 Dropshipping AliExpress Chrome Extensions.
AliExpress Shipping Times
There’s no exact answer for shipping times. However, we must point out that it is not fast. And this is another reason that brings the question – Is AliExpress legit?
On AliExpress, delivery times are estimated based on each product page.
However, in my experience, relying on these estimates can be a wild goose chase. The delivery times provided, typically spanning from 20 to 60 days, often prove to be wildly inaccurate.
![shipping times](https://prod-dropshipping-s3.s3.fr-par.scw.cloud/2023/05/shipping-times.png)
Plus, the delivery time usually depends on the shipping provider. However, the shipping costs also vary. For example, let’s review the changes in shipping times based on different shipping companies.👇
Adding to the frustration, the COVID-19 crisis has prompted AliExpress to extend the “Buyer Protection Time” to a maximum of 90 days. In simpler terms, this means you might find yourself waiting for a whopping 90 days before being eligible for a refund in the case of non-delivery.
If you haven’t received a tracking number within 10 days of placing your order, it’s advisable to contact the seller to keep track of your order’s progress.
![shipping and delviery process](https://prod-dropshipping-s3.s3.fr-par.scw.cloud/2023/05/delivery.png)
However, it’s important to note that you won’t be able to officially open a non-delivery dispute until the maximum delivery time specified has been surpassed. Plus, the tracking is not always accurate.
💡 Tip: Learn about AliExpress Premium Shipping: The Key to Get Your Orders on Time.
How To Buy From AliExpress Safely Without Getting Ripped Off
Step 1: Create An AliExpress Account
First, you need to register. So once you land on the AliExpress website, in the right corner, there’s a button “Account,” click on it, and choose “Register”.👇
![create an account on aliexpress](https://prod-dropshipping-s3.s3.fr-par.scw.cloud/2023/05/REGISTER-ALI.png)
To make it faster, they offer you to make accounts based on your existing accounts over Social media.
Step 2: Start Shopping
Next, you can start shopping. So you can open their huge product catalog and scroll over product categories.
Or, if you have a specific product in mind, you can type in a keyword, and the platform will list items from the specific product.👇
![serach for products on aliexpress](https://prod-dropshipping-s3.s3.fr-par.scw.cloud/2023/05/searchhh.png)
Step 3: Check The Trademark Database
To ensure a smooth purchasing and selling experience on AliExpress, it’s crucial to check the USPTO trademark database for any product you’re interested in. This will help you avoid legal complications associated with trademark infringement.
Simply visit the USPTO website and search for the brand in question. If the brand appears in the database, it means it is trademarked and may require caution.
![trademark database](https://prod-dropshipping-s3.s3.fr-par.scw.cloud/2023/05/trademarksss.png)
⚠️ NOTE: Many popular brand-name products found on AliExpress are likely to be counterfeit. Brands like Nike, Apple, and Gucci are commonly replicated, so exercise caution when encountering them.
For lesser-known brands, it’s still advisable to check the trademark database to ensure you’re not unintentionally violating any trademarks when reselling the products online.
Step 4: Read Customer Reviews
The first thing I do before making a decision to buy a product on AliExpress or any other huge marketplace is check customer reviews. These reviews are 100% HONEST!
![is aliexpress legit](https://prod-dropshipping-s3.s3.fr-par.scw.cloud/2023/05/testimonialss.png)
Moreover, I find it helpful that most people leave photos. So, I can also see the product in a real picture taken by the customer. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you not to skip this step.
Step 5: Check AliExpress Delivery Times
While most products on AliExpress are shipped from China, you may find items that can be shipped from local distributors within your country, although this is relatively rare.
Therefore, once you found the product you want to buy, navigate to the product page, and click in the “Ship to” section. Here, you can choose your shipping method and check on delivery times.👇
![is aliexpress legit](https://prod-dropshipping-s3.s3.fr-par.scw.cloud/2023/05/ship.png)
As you can see, each of the methods differs in shipping times and costs.
In general, shipping times can range from as short as 2 weeks to as long as 2 months. The actual timeframe depends on your location and the seller’s efficiency in processing and dispatching the products.
Plus, regarding buyer protection, the delivery guarantee extends until the last day of the estimated delivery time published.
Step 6: Check AliExpress Payment Methods
So, if you place the products you want to buy in your shopping cart when you’re ready to proceed with your purchase, simply click the “Checkout” button.
![checkout on aliexpress](https://prod-dropshipping-s3.s3.fr-par.scw.cloud/2023/05/checkouttt.png)
Or, once you find the product you want, you can simply click on “Buy Now”, and skip the shopping cart checkout.
![](https://prod-dropshipping-s3.s3.fr-par.scw.cloud/2023/05/buynoww.png)
Either way, you will have to provide your billing and shipping information, and you will be navigated to the same page.👇
![shipping information](https://prod-dropshipping-s3.s3.fr-par.scw.cloud/2023/05/pAYMENT-METHODS.jpg)
There are three primary payment methods available on AliExpress:
- credit card
- PayPal
- iDeal
For instance, I prefer and do use a credit card. It offers rewards points and provides the option to dispute payment if there are delays with AliExpress buyer protection.
![payment information](https://prod-dropshipping-s3.s3.fr-par.scw.cloud/2023/05/cardddd.png)
Whether you choose PayPal or a credit card as your payment method, you’re adequately protected.
Step 7: Check Your AliExpress Order Right Away
Next, once you’ve checked everything from above about the product you want, you can click on the red button “Buy Now”, on the product’s page.👇
![buy now](https://prod-dropshipping-s3.s3.fr-par.scw.cloud/2023/05/buyyy.png)
Next, click on “Pay Now”, and shopping is done!👇
![pay now](https://prod-dropshipping-s3.s3.fr-par.scw.cloud/2023/05/payyy.png)
Given the extended shipping duration from China, it’s easy to forget about your AliExpress order by the time it arrives. However, it’s imperative to promptly inspect the products upon receipt.
Therefore, it’s crucial to thoroughly examine the goods for any quality issues and take immediate action if you receive subpar items. Failing to do so may require resorting to filing a dispute with PayPal or your credit card company.
How To Avoid Getting Scammed On AliExpress? [6 Pro Tips]
1. Check the Seller’s Feedback Before Buying
Did you find a great product at an incredibly low price? What do you do next? Click “ Buy Now”. Wrong! So, instead of asking if Is AliExpress legit, you better check if the seller is legit.
The first thing you want to do is, click on the seller’s name. And, once you do, you will be redirected to their store. So, do yourself a favor, and click on Feedback.
![is aliexpress legit](https://prod-dropshipping-s3.s3.fr-par.scw.cloud/2023/05/feed.png)
Here you can check on the seller’s reputation, like see comments and ratings from customers. When it comes to seller reputation, feedback, and reviews serve as valuable indicators of their trustworthiness.
If a seller has a history of defrauding buyers, you’re likely to find evidence of their misdeeds within the feedback section.
Therefore, pay close attention to any mentions of undelivered items or substandard goods. Such red flags should raise caution and prompt you to reconsider your engagement with the seller.
Additionally, pay attention to stores that have generic names like “shop2344523478” and were created within the past six months.
These impersonal and recently established stores may carry a higher risk of fraudulent activity. By being aware of these warning signs, you can protect yourself from potential scams and make more informed decisions while navigating AliExpress.
Also, AliExpress itself has a free extension for reviewing sellers. So, you might want to try UpAssistant. This tool gives a more accurate and complete rating that you can rely on when making purchasing decisions. Thus, you can ensure that the supplier is AliExpress legit.
![is aliexpress legit](https://prod-dropshipping-s3.s3.fr-par.scw.cloud/2023/05/apapap.png)
2. Do Not Buy Branded Goods
Most countries provide special protection to established brands. While you might not be concerned about the authenticity of a product, if you happen to purchase counterfeit goods and if your package undergoes inspection, those items will be confiscated. 👇
![is aliexpress legit](https://prod-dropshipping-s3.s3.fr-par.scw.cloud/2023/05/samsung.png)
What’s more, if you’ve bought many such goods and it appears that you intend to sell them, you may even face legal issues. Plus, most of the cases that speak out about whether AliExpress is legit dealt with such situations.
However, remember that this is not the case with Chinese brands. Thus, most of them even have official AliExpress stores, which are an exception to this rule.
Hence, if you want to buy branded clothing, the Dropshipping supplier directory has information about numerous luxury suppliers, where you can find information about their business, products, and prices.
![dscom supplier drectory](https://images.surferseo.art/83605071-186f-4997-8039-f205c6c3f5cb.png)
3. Do Not Give Your Personal Info To AliExpress Sellers
Keep in mind that there are sellers who seek your personal information.
Thus, some may employ a more subtle tactic by redirecting you to an external website and urging you to log in using your AliExpress credentials. In fact, their reasoning typically revolves around the supposed need to process your transaction, such as finalizing your payment or tracking your order.
However, it is crucial to be very careful and refrain from disclosing any personal or financial details under such circumstances. These requests are almost certainly fraudulent attempts at identity theft.
4. Be Careful About Fraudulent Products And Sellers
Unfortunately, this happens. And it is one of the main reasons people question whether is AliExpress legit.
It’s no secret that China has had a reputation for being a hub of fake products, and AliExpress, being a Chinese-based platform, is not immune to this issue.
👉 Check out the 11 Best China Dropshipping Suppliers [General & Niche Dropshippers].
While AliExpress does offer attractive deals, it’s crucial to approach certain products with caution, as not all of them may adhere to legal standards.
One aspect to consider is the exceptionally low prices of certain items. It’s important to recognize that an extremely cheap item may indicate potential concerns. For example, check this out. Is it normal to have $3 price for a smartwatch?
![aliexpress cheap products](https://images.surferseo.art/726f7d9a-5382-458d-97c2-bb19d6f63f7a.png)
I guess not. And, the seller’s rating says a lot about this too. That’s why I recommend you use AliExpres Chrome extensions and check on third-party sellers’ ratings.
![is aliexpress legit](https://images.surferseo.art/c5d4a104-068e-46bc-8276-51c59b0db0d7.png)
There are instances where such products may be counterfeit or even products that have fallen off the production line, potentially rejected due to stringent brand quality assessments.
Plus, there are lots of customer reviews claiming that they didn’t get the product they ordered. For example, I ordered a blue dress once, and instead, I got a red one.
5. Do Not Pay Directly to An AliExpress Seller For Your Orders
Last but not least, I advise you not to pay outside AliExpress, and here’s why!
AliExpress provides a robust buyer protection program that safeguards your purchases. So, when you pay through the platform, you gain access to dispute resolution tools and the potential for a refund if the transaction doesn’t go as expected.
Paying outside of AliExpress eliminates these protections, leaving you vulnerable to potential scams or fraudulent sellers.
Furthermore, it’s important to consider the implications for AliExpress itself. Paying a seller directly denies the platform of its rightful sales commission, potentially enabling the seller to cheat AliExpress out of their deserved compensation.
6. Pay Attention To Fake Discounts
AliExpress is full of deals, but some sellers use deceptive discount tactics to lure in customers. A typical scam involves advertising massive discounts, like showing an item that’s supposedly 70% off.
For instance, you might see a smartwatch listed with an original price of $100, now “slashed” to $30. However, when you investigate further, you’ll find that the actual market price of the watch was never $100—it’s always been around $30 or even lower.
This tactic makes buyers feel like they’re getting an unbeatable deal when, in reality, there’s no discount at all.
The seller benefits from increased sales driven by the perceived urgency of a fake bargain.
Unfortunately, since the listing price matches the supposed “discounted” price, it’s technically accurate, leaving the buyer with little recourse through buyer protection.
Why Do People Think AliExpress is a Scam?
First things first, customers trust customers. That’s why they question whether is AliExpress legit. So, they read lots of comments and reviews. And, if you start digging into comments about AliExpress, here’s what you will find most time. 👇
![is aliexpress legit](https://prod-dropshipping-s3.s3.fr-par.scw.cloud/2023/05/ali-scam.png)
And, here arises the question- Is AliExpress legit for real?
To sum it up, here are reasons why people may think about is AliExpress legit or is a scam:
- Counterfeit Products—Many customers have received a wrong or fake product, which is one reason why people don’t believe in AliExpress’s quality.
- Shipping and Delivery Times – As I already mentioned, shipping times are longer than those of other online marketplaces. Thus, most of the time, customers wait 20-60 days. However, there are some cases of receiving goods in 2 weeks, but there are cases of receiving goods in 90 days, or maybe never as well.
- Communication and Language Barriers—Since most of the sellers are Chinese, it can happen that they are not familiar with any other language. But as I have been an AliExpress buyer for years, this has never happened to me. Hence, from personal experience, all sellers were highly professional and responded to all my requests.
- Negative Experiences and Scam Reports – AliExpress has encountered instances where buyers have had negative experiences or encountered fraudulent sellers. While these reports may contribute to the perception of AliExpress as a scam, it’s important to maintain perspective. So, do your research before you judge.
How I Tested AliExpress Legitimacy? Sharing My Experience
To determine if AliExpress is legit and safe for international buyers, I decided to test it by purchasing a couple of different products from various categories on this popular online marketplace. Here’s what I ordered:
- Wireless Earbuds: With wireless earbuds being all the rage in online shopping, I wanted to see if I could find a budget-friendly option on AliExpress that still delivered decent sound quality and comfort.
- Smartwatch: With so many Chinese sellers offering smartwatches at a fraction of the price of major brands, I decided to see if AliExpress could offer a functional, affordable alternative.
1. Wireless Earbuds
![wireless earbuds](https://images.surferseo.art/02dba45d-9c91-4374-b2fd-6461fe83e21f.png)
I’ve bought wireless earbuds online before, so I have a good idea of what to expect in terms of quality.
The pair I purchased from AliExpress came at a bargain price—under $20—which seemed too good to be true.
When they arrived, I was initially impressed by the packaging, which was similar to what you might see from branded goods on other online marketplaces like Amazon or eBay.
However, once I started using them, the cracks began to show. The sound quality was decent but lacked the depth and clarity you’d find in higher-end models. The real issue, though, was the connectivity.
The earbuds would often disconnect randomly, and there was a noticeable lag between audio and video when watching videos. The battery life was also far from the advertised 5 hours, barely making it to 3 hours on a single charge.
The Scam
In this case, the scam was not immediately obvious. It wasn’t until I dug into the seller’s reviews that I realized many other buyers had the same complaints about connectivity issues and poor battery life.
The product was marketed as a premium alternative at a lower price, but the reality was a subpar experience disguised with fancy packaging and misleading claims. If I had checked the negative reviews more thoroughly, I might have avoided this purchase.
![is aliexpress legit](https://images.surferseo.art/07ba33df-11a8-4be8-882d-6ffb58ec3f98.png)
This is a common issue with small businesses selling on AliExpress, where some sellers use positive reviews to bury the bad ones.
What do I recommend?
If you’re looking for a cheap pair of wireless earbuds and don’t mind some hiccups, these might do the trick. But don’t expect premium performance.
Always check the seller’s reviews and be aware of too-good-to-be-true prices when shopping online. As I already mentioned, there are valuable AliExpress Chrome extensions like UpAssistant that can really help you get this info in seconds.
![is aliexpress legit](https://images.surferseo.art/ab8546fe-3ef2-4bb6-a014-8df8e1a8ac97.png)
2. Smartwatch
![aliexpress safe](https://images.surferseo.art/45b5dc25-028e-4e73-ae74-caaf25d788d9.png)
The smartwatch I ordered promised a range of features like heart rate monitoring, step tracking, and even message notifications—all for under $30.
When it arrived, it looked quite similar to more expensive branded goods, with a sleek design and comfortable strap. I paid using my Alipay account, ensuring my payment details were secure.
But when I started using it, I quickly realized why it was so cheap. The heart rate monitor was wildly inaccurate, often displaying numbers that were way off.
The step counter was equally unreliable, counting steps even when I was sitting still. The battery life was a significant letdown, as it struggled to last a full day, even with minimal usage.
So, is AliExpress legit after this? That was exactly what I thought.
The Scam
The real deception here lies in the exaggerated product descriptions and doctored product images. The seller advertised features that either didn’t work properly or didn’t exist at all.
![buyer beware of scams](https://images.surferseo.art/230c300a-a599-4209-ab62-c8fe038534c8.png)
This is a common trick on AliExpress, where many sellers inflate the capabilities of their products to lure in buyers looking for a good deal.
Again, had I read the negative reviews more closely, I would have seen warnings from other buyers who had been duped by the same false claims.
What do I recommend?
While it might look the part, this smartwatch is more style than substance. It’s best suited as a basic timepiece rather than a reliable fitness tracker. Also, check on if there is money back guarantee.
When shopping online, especially on platforms like AliExpress, it’s essential to review the seller’s history and previous buyers’ experiences before purchasing.
Why Is AliExpress So Cheap?
There might be many reasons for your low prices on AliExpress, so let’s see why.
➡ Direct Sourcing
AliExpress connects buyers directly with sellers, eliminating the need for intermediaries or middlemen.
This direct sourcing model allows sellers to offer products at lower prices since they can bypass additional costs associated with traditional distribution channels.
Plus, you might buy directly from the manufacturer, which means you get cheaper prices and good products at the same time.
👉 Read about Minden Sourcing Review: Product Sourcing Services From China.
➡ Reduced Overhead Costs
Many sellers on AliExpress have online stores or small businesses with lower overhead costs compared to brick-and-mortar retailers.
So, they don’t have to manage physical storefronts, pay high rents, or maintain large inventories. These cost savings are often passed on to the buyers through lower prices.
➡ Bulk Purchases
Some sellers on AliExpress procure products in bulk quantities, which enables them to negotiate better deals with manufacturers or suppliers.
By leveraging economies of scale, they can secure lower-priced products, allowing for competitive pricing on the platform.
➡ Currency Manipulation
One reason why you can find such good deals on AliExpress is due to currency manipulation, particularly by China.
China has often been accused of devaluing its currency, the yuan, to boost its competitiveness in the global export market. By keeping the yuan’s value artificially low, Chinese products become cheaper when bought online in other countries.
This strategy allows sellers on AliExpress to offer products at prices that are often much lower than those on platforms like Amazon or eBay.
A weaker currency means small businesses and sellers in China can purchase raw materials and production inputs at lower costs.
These savings are then passed on to international buyers, resulting in lower prices on AliExpress.
However, unlike Amazon or eBay, where buyer protection is more robust, it’s essential to review the order details carefully to avoid scams.
Alibaba Vs AliExpress
How Alibaba Works
![alibaba](https://prod-dropshipping-s3.s3.fr-par.scw.cloud/2023/05/alibaba.png)
Alibaba is the largest online commerce company. It is a wholesale marketplace for buyers looking to purchase large quantities of products at the lowest price.
So, the ordering process on Alibaba differs from AliExpress. Instead of placing orders directly through the website, you need to communicate your requirements to the supplier and negotiate a price
Furthermore, unlike platforms like AliExpress, Alibaba is specifically designed for bulk purchases rather than single-unit quantities. Most customers on Alibaba engage in direct bulk orders with factories, aligning with its primary focus.
One of the key advantages of working with factories on Alibaba is the ability to customize and personalize products for private label selling. This way, eCommerce and dropshipping businesses create exclusive offerings. Thus, this helps them stand out from the crowd.
Also, when procuring goods from a factory on Alibaba, it’s essential to acknowledge the minimum order quantity (MOQ) requirement. Thus, this includes an upfront payment for a bulk quantity of the desired goods.
👉 Check out Alibaba Dropshipping 101: All You Need to Know to Start Dropshipping in 2024.
While the initial investment in inventory may often amount to thousands of dollars, the unit price is typically significantly lower compared to prices found on AliExpress.
How AliExpress Works?
![how does aliexpress work](https://images.surferseo.art/f96e9117-af71-4a5b-bb16-50014953f0eb.png)
Shopping on AliExpress is pretty easy. You would spend the most time looking for what to buy since there are millions of products. Rest is a one-click job.
Therefore, first, you need to make an account on AliExpress. Next, you can search their catalog, add products to your Wishlist or shopping Cart, or Buy them instantly.
However, it’s worth noting that while the prices on AliExpress are generally lower compared to global standards, they tend to be higher than if you were to purchase larger quantities from a supplier sourced through Alibaba.
In such cases, bulk buying from Alibaba offers potential cost savings. However, there is no private labeling there.
When it comes to assessing product quality before making a purchase, AliExpress doesn’t provide the option of requesting free samples. Most people question whether AliExpress is legit because it does not offer this option.
Another crucial point to consider is that the majority of goods bought from AliExpress are shipped directly from China. As a result, it’s important to anticipate longer delivery times, ranging from weeks to potentially months, depending on your location.
Plus, if you are an enthusiast who wants to open an online store and start dropshipping, AliExpress offers AliExpress Dropshipping services.
In fact, I personally dropship with AliExpress. So, I will share my secret.
After diving into Dropshipping Copilot, I found it to be an indispensable tool for any dropshipper.
![dropshipping copilot](https://prod-dropshipping-s3.s3.fr-par.scw.cloud/2024/07/dropshipping-co-polot-2-fc02400e-395.png)
This AI-enhanced platform delivers sharp data insights, efficient supplier connections, and smart product recommendations to elevate your business. As an official AliExpress partner and powered by ChatGPT-4, it handles dropshipping seamlessly across the US, EU, and Brazil.
With features like effortless background and watermark removal, optimized product titles, and up-to-the-minute inventory updates, Dropshipping Copilot simplifies operations and boosts profitability.
💡 LEARN: Aliexpress Dropshipping Review: Is AliExpress Good For Dropshipping?
Alibaba vs AliExpress Summary
To wrap it all up, Alibaba and AliExpress are two different platforms owned by the Alibaba Group that serve different purposes in international trade.
➡ Alibaba is mainly for businesses and focuses on wholesale transactions. Hence, it connects businesses with Chinese suppliers, manufacturers, and factories.
Therefore, if you own a business and need products in large quantities or want to customize them with your own branding, Alibaba is a valuable resource. You can directly connect with suppliers, negotiate bulk orders, and create unique packaging for your brand.
➡ On the other hand, AliExpress is for individuals, small businesses, dropshippers, and entrepreneurs. It’s a place to buy products in smaller quantities for personal use, dropshipping, or retail purposes.
What’s more, AliExpress offers a wide range of products from Chinese merchants, and you can order directly on the platform. While customization options may be limited, AliExpress provides affordable prices, lower minimum purchase requirements, and often features competitive retail prices.
👉 Read about Dropshipping from AliExpress to eBay: Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners.
Is AliExpress Legit- FAQs
1. Are AliExpress items cheap?
Not necessarily. AliExpress has everything from high-end to budget. You may find some low-quality items, but many sellers have great products. It’s all about reading reviews, checking ratings and maybe even reaching out to the seller with questions before you buy.
2. How long does AliExpress take to ship?
Shipping times on AliExpress can vary greatly depending on the seller, shipping method you choose, and where you are located. Standard shipping generally takes 2-6 weeks. If you need it faster, some sellers offer expedited shipping options, but they often cost more.
3. Is AliExpress cheaper than Amazon?
AliExpress is generally cheaper than Amazon, especially for products made in China. But with Amazon, you often get faster shipping and easier returns, so it’s a trade-off between cost and convenience.
4. Is AliExpress cheaper than Alibaba?
AliExpress is cheaper for individual purchases, while Alibaba is for bulk buying and might be cheaper per unit if you’re buying in bulk. If you’re a casual shopper AliExpress will likely be cheaper for you.
5. Is it safe to buy from China?
Yes, it’s generally safe to buy from China, especially through a platform like AliExpress that has buyer protection. Just make sure to check seller ratings, read reviews and understand the return and refund policy to protect yourself.
6. Why is the shipping fee so high on AliExpress?
Shipping fees on AliExpress can vary a lot depending on the seller, shipping method and destination. Sometimes the high shipping fee is for faster delivery or shipping to more remote areas. Always check the shipping options before you checkout.
7. What’s the difference between SHEIN and AliExpress?
SHEIN is more like an online fashion retailer, focusing on trendy clothing and accessories, while AliExpress is a marketplace with a wider range of products, from electronics to home goods. If you’re looking for fashion, SHEIN might have more tailored options, but AliExpress has more variety overall.
8. Why was AliExpress banned in India?
AliExpress was banned in India as part of a government crackdown on apps linked to China, citing data security and privacy concerns. This was part of a broader move by the Indian government to reduce the country’s dependence on Chinese technology and services.
9. What if I get scammed on AliExpress?
If you feel you’ve been scammed on AliExpress, first contact the seller to resolve the issue. If that doesn’t work, you can file a dispute on AliExpress. The platform has buyer protection policies that often result in a refund if the issue isn’t resolved.
11. How to spot a fake store on AliExpress?
Spotting a fake store on AliExpress requires a bit of research. Look for stores with high ratings and lots of reviews. Be wary of new stores with little to no feedback or those with prices that seem too good to be true. Also check the product images and descriptions—sometimes low effort in these areas can be a red flag.
12. How do you report a fake product on AliExpress?
If you find a fake product on AliExpress, you can report it on the product page. There’s usually an option to mark the item as counterfeit. AliExpress takes these reports seriously and will investigate the claim and may remove the product or take action against the seller.
13. Is AliExpress tracking legit?
Yes, AliExpress tracking is real, but the frequency and accuracy of updates can vary depending on the shipping method and carrier used. For some methods, tracking updates may be less frequent or delayed, but generally, they give you an idea of where your package is and when to expect it.
Conclusion
Now, Is AliExpress legit? Let’s wrap it all up!
AliExpress is a legitimate and safe platform for buying and selling products online.
With millions of active buyers and a high volume of daily visits, it has established itself as a reputable online marketplace.
Plus, when it comes to safety, AliExpress takes buyer protection seriously. They have implemented measures such as a buyer protection system.
In this article, we provided you with valuable insights about Is AliExpress Legit, how it works, how to shop securely & more! So, collect your info and shop!