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21 Reasons Why AliExpress Is So Cheap (Explained)

AliExpress is widely known for offering incredibly low prices on a wide variety of products. From electronics to clothing to home goods, you can find almost anything you need at unbeatable prices.

But have you ever wondered why is AliExpress is so cheap?

In this article, I will explore the key factors that contribute to the affordability of products on this popular online marketplace. Let’s dive in!

1. Buying Directly From Manufacturers (NO Middlemen)

One of the biggest reasons AliExpress is so cheap is because it connects buyers directly with manufacturers, eliminating costly wholesalers and retailers.

For example, a Chinese manufacturer might sell a $2 piece of jewelry on AliExpress, while a traditional store would charge $12–$15 due to distributor markups and retail overhead costs.

This direct-to-consumer (DTC) approach keeps prices low and is a key advantage for dropshippers.

Luckily, there are lots of trustworthy Chinese dropshipping suppliers for AliExpress.

One that I recommend you check on is Sunsky. They have everything from smartphones to toys, decorations, clothing, and tons more.

It’s among the best general Chinese dropshipping suppliers you can find.

2. Low or Free Shipping Costs

AliExpress is known for cheap shipping, but is it still as affordable in 2025?

In previous years, Chinese shipping companies received heavy subsidies, making international shipping much cheaper.

However, in 2025, the Chinese government has significantly reduced these subsidies, especially for China Post and Hong Kong Post. As a result:

• AliExpress Standard Shipping now relies more on private couriers like Cainiao, YunExpress, and 4PX, which handle over 70% of shipments instead of government postal services.
• Shipping rates have increased by 10–25% for low-cost products under $10, with many $1–$2 shipping fees now rising to $2–$5.

That said, AliExpress Standard Shipping has improved in some regions, now delivering in 10–20 days to the U.S. and 12–22 days to Europe. But for free shipping options, expect longer wait times of 3–6 weeks.

Despite these changes, AliExpress still beats Amazon on shipping costs. Amazon prioritizes fast but expensive delivery, while AliExpress keeps prices low by offering budget-friendly shipping at the cost of speed.

For example, when I buy from AliExpress, I always use the “Free Shipping” filter, since I want to skip the shipping costs. And, of course, AliExpress narrows down my search. But, guess what? I can still find my desired product, and I also get dozens of other choices.

What’s more, in comparison to other e-commerce giants like Amazon, AliExpress has a distinct advantage in terms of shipping costs and time.

While Amazon mainly operates as a retail platform, sourcing products from various suppliers worldwide, AliExpress predominantly focuses on the Chinese market.

 Also, read about How Chinese Sellers are Manipulating Amazon.

So, this concentration allows AliExpress to take advantage of the previously mentioned subsidies and streamlined supply chain, resulting in generally lower shipping costs and faster delivery times.

However, keep in mind that AliExpress shipping times can be really long. So, I suggest you learn how to reduce AliExpress Shipping times before starting out.

: Learn about AliExpress Premium Shipping: The Key to Get Your Orders on Time.

3. Products Can Be Low Quality and Counterfeit

Unfortunately, it’s important to remember that not all that glitter is gold. While AliExpress offers unbeatable prices, it also attracts its fair share of scammers selling low-quality and counterfeit products.

One way to ensure that you’re not falling victim to these scammers is by carefully reading product descriptions and reviews. This will give you a better understanding of the quality of the product and help you make an informed decision.

To begin, simply click on the seller’s name. From there, you will be directed to their store. To ensure a smooth experience, I highly recommend that you click on the Feedback option.

By doing so, you can easily assess the seller’s reputation by reviewing comments and ratings provided by previous customers.

Feedback and reviews are invaluable indicators of a seller’s reliability. In the event that a seller has a history of fraudulent activity, you are likely to find evidence of such misconduct within the feedback section.

Furthermore, AliExpress offers a Chrome extension called UpAssistant that allows you to thoroughly evaluate sellers.

This tool provides a more precise and comprehensive rating, offering you greater confidence when making purchasing decisions.

Lastly, it’s wise to avoid expensive or branded items on AliExpress, as these are often the main targets for counterfeiters.

Most countries have measures in place to protect well-known brands. However, although you may not be concerned about the authenticity of a product, if you happen to receive counterfeit items and your package is inspected, those items will be confiscated.

4. A Platform With Lower Operational Costs

China has lower labor costs than Western countries, which means:

• Cheaper production costs for clothing, electronics, and home goods.
• Lower wages for factory workers, which contributes to more affordable pricing.
• Mass production further reduces costs, as Chinese factories operate at a massive scale.

These lower operational costs allow AliExpress to offer competitive prices in the online shopping market. Still wondering why is AliExpress so cheap? Let’s see!

So, this lack of physical storefronts allows AliExpress to save on costs such as rent, utilities, and store maintenance.

Additionally, AliExpress does not need to maintain extensive inventories, as it facilitates direct communication between buyers and sellers. So, there’s no need for large warehouses to store products.

Furthermore, because AliExpress is an online marketplace, it does not require as many staff members as physical stores.

While traditional retailers need employees to staff cash registers, organize and restock shelves, and provide customer service in person, AliExpress relies on a smaller team to maintain and develop the platform.

For example, you can find kitchenware on AliExpress compared to $10 in traditional retail is a direct result of these low operational costs.

Let’s see an example. Check out the prices for kitchen gadgets on AliExpress. You can find prices as low as $0.99.

Now, let’s see the prices from Lowe’s for example. Prices are much higher, right?

5. Most Of The Suppliers Offer Bulk Discounts

One of the reasons why is AliExpress so cheap is that most of the suppliers on the platform offer bulk discounts.

These bulk discounts are a significant advantage for online shopping, allowing consumers to purchase products at even lower prices.

So, if you as a dropshipper, want to purchase products in large quantities, you can take advantage of even lower prices.  Also, these bulk discounts are often clearly displayed on the product page, making it easy for you to see the potential savings.

Many listings include discounts for buying 5, 10, or 50+ units, making it cheaper than buying single items.

If you're a dropshipper, forming long-term relationships with suppliers can also lead to additional discounts.

For example, check this out. This price is for 60 pieces, and you have discounts listed right below the price.

Furthermore, if the discount is not already listed, you can often negotiate directly with the supplier to get an even better price.

Also, if you are certain about dropshipping with AliExpress, consider that forming long-term business relationships with AliExpress suppliers can lead to more favorable terms and discounts.

6. Manipulation Of The Currencies

One significant factor that contributes to why is AliExpress so cheap is the manipulation of currencies, particularly by China. Currency manipulation refers to the deliberate intervention by a country’s central bank to influence the value of its currency.

This currency manipulation strategy significantly impacts the cost of online shopping, making products on AliExpress more affordable for international buyers.

China has been known to manipulate its currency, the yuan, to gain a competitive advantage in the export market.

By keeping its currency artificially low, China can make its products cheaper when sold in foreign markets.

This strategy allows Chinese manufacturers and sellers on AliExpress to offer products at incredibly low prices compared to their competitors.

So, with a weakened currency, Chinese suppliers can source raw materials and production inputs at lower costs. They can then pass on these savings to international buyers, resulting in cheaper products on AliExpress.

For example, a pair of shoes priced at $15 on AliExpress could be significantly more expensive if not for favorable currency exchange rates.

7. Hidden Product Defects Or Fake Promises

One of the risks of purchasing products on AliExpress is the potential for hidden defects or fake promises. Buyer protection is essential in online shopping to safeguard against hidden defects and fake promises.

Hence, these defects can range from breakable buttons on clothing to poor stitching on bags or accessories.

However, such things can even happen if you buy the product from a physical store. On the other hand, AliExpress has a buyer protection program and a return and refund policy.

For instance, the COVID-19 pandemic has led AliExpress to prolong the duration of the “Buyer Protection Time” to a maximum of 15 days.

In simpler words, this implies that you may have to wait for a substantial 15 days before becoming eligible for a refund in case your order is not delivered.

Furthermore, if there are any complications such as non-receipt or receipt of a defective item, you have the ability to initiate a dispute within a designated time period. AliExpress facilitates the resolution of these disputes, striving to achieve an equitable outcome for both the purchaser and the vendor.

However, I also recommend you carefully read product descriptions and reviews before making a purchase to avoid falling victim to counterfeit or low-quality products.

Also, to minimize the risk of encountering hidden defects or fake promises, it is essential to thoroughly research the seller’s reputation and carefully inspect product photos and descriptions.

8. Economies of Scale

One of the reasons why is AliExpress so cheap and is able to offer such affordable prices is because it benefits from economies of scale. So, let’s explain this briefly.

By operating on a large scale and selling millions of products, AliExpress is able to spread its fixed costs over a greater number of units. This allows them to reduce their per-unit costs and offer competitive prices to their customers. These economies of scale allow AliExpress to offer lower prices in the online shopping market.

Furthermore, AliExpress has bulk purchasing power, which gives them an advantage when negotiating deals with manufacturers and suppliers. Since AliExpress buys products in large quantities, they are able to secure better prices and discounts. Thus, these savings are then passed on to the customers in the form of lower product prices.

So, these factors allow them to negotiate better deals and reduce costs, ultimately resulting in affordable prices for customers.

For instance, phone cases on AliExpress, which are sold for as little as $0.50, are a perfect example of how mass production brings down production costs and results in more affordable prices for customers.

9. AliExpress Is For The General Customers

AliExpress is a platform that caters to a wide customer base, including common and ordinary customers. AliExpress's wide range of affordable products makes it a popular choice in the online shopping market.

Hence, unlike other online marketplaces, AliExpress does not focus on selling branded or customized products.

Instead, it offers a vast range of affordable products that are accessible to general customers. Plus, they have millions of products from various niches. So, they have products for everyone.

This allows you from all walks of life to find products that fit your budget and needs.

So, whether you are a student on a tight budget or a working professional looking for a good deal, AliExpress provides an opportunity to shop directly from manufacturers, resulting in more affordable prices.

10. Reduced Labor Expenses

Aliexpress sellers benefit from low cost labor in manufacturing hubs like China. In 2025, the average monthly salary in China is ¥22,053 CNY, which is approximately $3,049 USD, while the U.S. average is $4,457 per month or $53,490 per year.

This means the U.S. salary is higher by about $1,408 per month or $18,492 per year compared to China.

Labor costs in China are much lower than in Western countries, which results in lower prices for AliExpress products. These reduced labor expenses allow AliExpress to offer lower prices in the online shopping market.

This contributes to the platform’s reputation for incredibly low prices on a wide range of items, from electronics to apparel.

For example, t-shirt sold on online marketplaces like AliExpress may be priced at $3 due to lower labor costs, while a similar item in a physical store might be much higher.

11. Looser Regulatory Standards

Chinese suppliers operate under less stringent regulations compared to Western counterparts.

This helps reduce overhead costs and enables lower shipping costs. These looser regulatory standards contribute to the lower prices seen in online shopping on AliExpress.

However, products sourced under these conditions may sometimes lead to lower product quality. Dropshippers should carefully vet suppliers to ensure that product quality meets customer expectations.

For instance, certain electronics might be cheaper on AliExpress because they don’t adhere to the same regulations as those sold by traditional retailers like Anhoch.

For example, you can find smartwatches on AliExpress as low as $15.

However, on Anhoch prices are higher.

12. Imitative Products and Intellectual Property Issues

Many AliExpress Sellers deal in copycat products, often offering items that mimic popular brands.

These products come with cheap prices, but there’s a risk involved, especially for international sellers.

Aliexpress does offer customers some protection against this through their buyer protection program, but caution is still advised. Buyer protection is crucial in online shopping to safeguard against imitative products and intellectual property issues.

For instance, a $20 pair of designer sunglasses might have a knockoff version available for $5 on AliExpress, but these low quality products may not meet customer expectations.

Therefore, I highly advise you to check on customer reviews and comments. They share images, and real feedback about their satisfaction.

Plus, I personally use AliHunter AliExpress Chrome extension to check on seller’s rating.

Avoid buying fake branded items (Nike, Apple, Gucci, etc.), as they may be illegal in your country.

Pro Tip: If a name-brand item is significantly cheaper than retail, it’s likely fake.

13. More Affordable Materials and Components

Many products on AliExpress are made with cheaper materials and components. This enables Chinese sellers to keep product prices low, but can sometimes lead to poor quality.

These more affordable materials and components allow AliExpress to offer lower prices in the online shopping market.

While this works well for budget items, higher prices are often seen for better-quality versions. Dropshippers should focus on items where quality isn’t the primary concern.

14. Intense Seller Competition

The AliExpress business model is highly competitive, with many AliExpress sellers offering similar products.

This high competition drives lower prices across the platform, which benefits buyers. Dropshippers can use this to their advantage by finding the best combination of price and seller ratings.

In fact, as there are lots of sellers for, let's say, sunglasses, this makes the prices decrease. So, these items may be sold by multiple AliExpress sellers, priced between $2 and $5. Thus, that how AliExpress is so cheap.

15. Discounted Postal Rates

Chinese suppliers benefit from government-subsidized postal rates, allowing for expedited shipping and other shipping methods at incredibly low prices.

Global shipping is made affordable through programs like ePacket, which helps keep the shipping cost low or even free for many products. These discounted postal rates make online shopping on AliExpress more affordable for consumers.

For instance, product priced at $3 on AliExpress often includes free shipping via international shipping methods such as ePacket, making it highly attractive for online shoppers.

16. Pricing Influenced by Cultural Factors

In China, aggressive pricing strategies are common, with many sellers competing to offer the most affordable prices. AliExpress prices are often structured to capture market share rather than focus on profit margins.

This cultural aspect drives costs down, making AliExpress a popular online marketplace for budget-conscious buyers. These cultural factors drive down costs, making online shopping on AliExpress more affordable.

So, that’s how fashion accessories sold on online marketplaces like AliExpress are typically priced under $5, aligning with the cultural emphasis on offering unbeatable prices.

17. Welcome Deals or Clearing Out Inventory

Many sellers on AliExpress offer welcome deals or discounts to clear out remaining stock, resulting in incredibly low prices for buyers. Thus, if you’ve never ordered on AliExpress before, you can take advantage of first-time buyer discounts.

So, that is another reason why is AliExpress so cheap.

These welcome deals and inventory clearances make online shopping on AliExpress even more attractive to consumers.

This allows sellers to move inventory quickly while offering cost savings to international buyers. AliExpress suppliers use these deals to maintain high sales volumes and reduce costs.

You might find phone accessories on AliExpress selling for as low as $0.99 as sellers look to clear inventory and attract new customers with better prices.

18. More Competition = Lower Prices

AliExpress is highly competitive, with thousands of sellers offering similar products. This results in price wars, forcing sellers to offer:

• Lower prices than competitors
• Discounts, flash sales, and coupons
• Free or subsidized shipping

As a buyer, you can take advantage of these low-cost strategies to find amazing deals.

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19. Lower Business Costs Compared to Western Retailers

AliExpress operates as an online-only marketplace, meaning:

• No expensive retail store rent
• No need for large warehouses
• Fewer employees needed to run the platform

This allows sellers to offer lower prices compared to traditional retailers like Walmart, Best Buy, or Target.

20. Hidden Product Defects or Misleading Listings

While AliExpress has some amazing deals, be aware that low-quality products and misleading descriptions exist.

How to avoid scams:

• Read reviews before buying.
• Check seller ratings (above 95% is ideal).
• Use AliExpress Buyer Protection to get a refund if necessary.

21. No Strict Product Regulations

AliExpress sellers operate under less strict product regulations than Western retailers. This means:

• Lower compliance costs for suppliers
• Cheaper materials can be used (sometimes at the expense of quality)
• Less regulation for electronics, cosmetics, and clothing

For instance, a $15 smartwatch on AliExpress may not meet the same safety or quality standards as a $100 smartwatch from Best Buy.

Is It Safe to Buy on AliExpress?

Indeed, YES! When it comes to ensuring the safety of online buyers, AliExpress recognizes its significance. Therefore, AliExpress takes various measures to safeguard your interests.

Buyer protection is a crucial aspect of online shopping, ensuring that consumers can shop with confidence on platforms like AliExpress.

• First and foremost, AliExpress implements a buyer protection program, which serves as a safety net for your purchases. This system ensures that your payment is securely held by AliExpress until you confirm the receipt of the product and are completely satisfied with your purchase.
• Also, when it comes to having any issues, such as non-delivery or receiving a damaged item, you have the option to open a dispute within a specified timeframe.
• Additionally, AliExpress strongly encourages buyers to provide honest and detailed feedback regarding their shopping experience. This feedback system plays a vital role in fostering trust and transparency within the AliExpress community.

What’s more, by the end of 2024, the showed incredible growth reaching 8.18 million global users. Also, they had over 20 million daily visitors.

Furthermore, according to the latest data, AliExpress is ranked #6 in the eCommerce & Shopping > Marketplace category and #43 globally.

Now, let’s continue with our journey on why is AliExpress so cheap.

Does AliExpress Sell Fake Stuff?

AliExpress has policies against fake items, but enforcement can be inconsistent.

Buyer protection is essential in online shopping to safeguard against counterfeit products.

Of course, if you ask me are the product high-quality? I would answer, again, no. But, you get what you pay for – incredibly low prices. So, what’s more to expect? Hence, as a customer, you should check on the product’s level of quality instead.

Also, the platform never claims that it sells branded products. And of course, you can’t sell Nike, or Prada at low prices, and original, right?

What’s more, while showcasing its electronics, it emphasizes its sleek and innovative design without making any false claims about its association with Apple, or Samsung.

Instead, they may mention compatibility by stating “For Apple” or “Works with Apple,” but it refrains from asserting that its products are Apple-branded.

Moreover, what you can do is 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.

However, keep in mind that brands like Nike, Apple, and Gucci are commonly replicated, so exercise caution when encountering them.

What Items Can I Buy on AliExpress?

Short answer- almost everything you need and want! It’s a vast online marketplace where you can find a wide range of products to suit your needs. From fashion to electronics, toys to beauty products, AliExpress has it all. AliExpress's vast selection of products makes it a popular choice in the online shopping market.

In the realm of fashion, both men and women can find trendy clothing, shoes, and accessories to update their wardrobes. Whether you’re looking for casual wear, formal attire, or workout gear, AliExpress offers a plethora of options to choose from.

Not only that, AliExpress is also a paradise for toy lovers. You can find a variety of toys for children of all ages, from educational toys and puzzles to interactive gadgets and remote-controlled vehicles.

For tech-savvy individuals, AliExpress provides a wide selection of electronics. Whether you’re in need of a new smartphone, tablet, or laptop, or if you’re looking for accessories such as headphones, chargers, or smart home devices, AliExpress has it all.

It’s also worth noting that AliExpress is not just limited to fashion and electronics.

You can find hair and beauty products such as makeup, skincare, and haircare items. Additionally, there is a selection of jewelry, furniture, and even automobiles and motorcycles for sale.

However, as I said “almost” everything, I thought about that there are certain items that are not available on AliExpress. Products such as weaponry, software, ebooks, and digital media are not permitted on the platform.

Who Can Use AliExpress?

The answer is anyone, anywhere. AliExpress is a global platform that provides accessibility to users from all major regions. So, no matter where you are in the world, you can take advantage of the wide variety of products and services offered on AliExpress.

One of the key features that makes AliExpress such a popular choice is its support for multiple languages. The platform is available in a range of languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Russian, Italian, Portuguese, and many more.

This means that users from different countries and backgrounds can easily navigate the website and have a seamless shopping experience.

Does Cheap Prices On AliExpress Mean That The Product Is of Poor Quality?

Does this mean that the product is of poor quality?

Not necessarily. While it is true that AliExpress offers products at incredibly low prices, it does not automatically mean that the quality is compromised.

Buyer protection is crucial in online shopping to ensure that consumers receive high-quality products.

Hence, it is important to remember that AliExpress is an online marketplace with thousands of sellers, including both reputable and dishonest ones. While some sellers may offer counterfeit and low-quality products, many others offer high-quality items at affordable prices.

So, my advice on this is to check on customer reviews and consider product ratings. By doing so, you can make informed purchasing decisions and avoid falling victim to counterfeit products.

For example, I use AliExpress Chrome Extensions like Alihunter. This tool allows me to quickly and easily find the best products on AliExpress by providing valuable insights and data that would otherwise take hours of research to compile.

So, once installed, simply browse AliExpress as you normally would, and the extension will automatically display useful data on each product page. You can easily see how many orders a product has received, its current price, and even its seller rating and feedback score.

Also, as a dropshipper, you can always order product samples and check on the product’s quality. Or, if the seller does not send any product samples, you can always act as a customer and order the product by yourself.

How Long Does AliExpress Take to Deliver?

The typical delivery timeframe for regular AliExpress packages ranges from 15 to 45 days.

Most AliExpress users use the AliExpress standard shipping as the most affordable option. So, as of 2025, this service has a faster delivery for major regions:

• USA: 10-20 days (previously 15-35 days).
• Tracking accuracy has improved with real-time updates for most orders.
• ePacket is being phased out for some regions, and many sellers now use AliExpress Standard Shipping as the preferred budget-friendly option.
• Europe: 12-22 days (previously 20-40 days).
• Asia: 7-15 days (improved logistics hubs in Singapore & Hong Kong).

Furthermore, the shipping times of an AliExpress package are influenced by various elements, like the shipping methods, location, etc.

For instance, AliExpress offers a variety of shipping options, and that is what makes AliExpress so cheap, like:

• AliExpress Standard Shipping – You can expect your packages to be delivered within a delivery window of 15 to 45 working days.
• AliExpress Premium Shipping – You can receive your items in just 7 to 15 working days or even 3-7 days. Hence, this is ideal for customers who are looking for a more expedited delivery option.
• SunYou Economic Air Mail – On average, it takes around 7-15 business days for packages to reach their destination. This means that you can expect your AliExpress products to be in your hands in record time.
• DHL & UPS – With DHL, shipping times are around 3-7 business days. On the other hand, UPS offers expedited shipping within 2-5 business days.
• FedEx – It offers one of the shortest delivery times among AliExpress shipping methods, with packages typically arriving within 7-15 days.
• EMS – With EMS, you can expect your package to arrive at its destination in just 7-15 days. Plus, there are cases when packages arrive within 3 to 7 business days.

Also, one dropshipping supplier offers multiple shipping options, so you can choose what suits you the most.

For example, this supplier offers 5 shipping methods, and all of them come with different shipping costs and times. But, as long as I can see, the lower the shipping time, the higher the cost is.

Are AliExpress Reviews Real?

Of course, when you wonder why is Aliexpress so cheap, you also question whether their positive reviews are real.

Genuine reviews are crucial in online shopping to help consumers make informed purchasing decisions. The reviews found on AliExpress consist of a combination of real and fake reviews. Hence, some reviews are contributed by honest customers who have purchased and used the product, while others may be fabricated reviews written by sellers or individuals who have been compensated to write positive reviews.

However, AliExpress takes various measures to combat counterfeit reviews, including utilizing algorithms to identify suspicious review activity and conducting manual reviews to verify their authenticity.

Plus, it always encourages real customers to leave a review. Thus, customers have a call-to-action button right after they confirm that the order is received.

However, despite these efforts, it is possible for some counterfeit reviews to go undetected.

To determine the authenticity of a review, it is crucial to look for detailed and specific feedback regarding the product, as well as the inclusion of photos or videos showcasing the product in use. Thus, reviews that appear excessively positive or lacking in specific details may indicate that they are counterfeit.

Therefore, pay attention to the details provided in the feedback. Thus, genuine reviews often include specific details about the product, such as its features, performance, or overall quality. Also, look for reviews that also include photos or videos.

This visual evidence can give you a better idea of the actual product and increase the credibility of the review.

Read about Dropshipping Scams & How To Avoid Them As a Beginner.

Diverse Product Selection

One of the standout features of AliExpress is its diverse product selection, offering a wide range of options to cater to various tastes and preferences. AliExpress's diverse product selection makes it a popular choice in the online shopping market. And, this is also a reason why is AliExpress so cheap.

So, whether you are looking for fashion items, electronics, home goods, or beauty products, AliExpress has it all. With millions of products available, the platform ensures that there is something for everyone.

From trendy and mainstream items to niche and unique products, AliExpress provides an extensive range of choices. So, whether you’re looking for the latest fashion trends or searching for that special item, AliExpress’s diverse product selection has you covered.

Global Shipping

When it comes to shopping internationally or why is Aliexpress so cheap, I must say that the platform stands out with its global shipping capabilities and the answer to its prices lies here. With a vast network of sellers and strategically located warehouses worldwide, AliExpress offers customers a range of advantages.

Global shipping capabilities make online shopping on AliExpress convenient for customers worldwide.

For instance, as I mentioned the shipping methods above, I recommend you consider this one – if you prefer fast shipping, I advise you to try AliExpress Premium Shipping and EMS. These methods generally offer faster shipping times and better tracking options.

Buyer Protection Guarantee

Another key advantage of AliExpress is its comprehensive Buyer Protection Guarantee. This guarantee ensures that customers are protected throughout their shopping experience, from the moment they place an order to the time they receive their products.

Buyer protection is a crucial aspect of online shopping, ensuring that consumers can shop with confidence on platforms like AliExpress.

Thus, if a customer encounters any issues with their purchase, such as receiving a damaged or defective item, they can open a dispute through AliExpress. This initiates a process where the buyer and seller can communicate and attempt to resolve the problem.

If the dispute is found in the customer’s favor, they are eligible for a refund or replacement. AliExpress prioritizes customer satisfaction and works diligently to ensure that buyers receive the products they paid for and deserve.

User Reviews and Ratings

User reviews and ratings on AliExpress play a crucial role in creating transparency and accountability among sellers.

When making a purchase, I always make sure to check the feedback and rating of a seller to ensure a positive buying experience.

In fact, the feedback and rating system provides valuable insights into the quality of products and the reliability of the seller.

For example, when I was considering purchasing hair accessories, I browsed various product pages featuring items from different suppliers. And, guess what? If I hadn’t taken the time to do that and simply chosen the first one I came across, I would have made a major mistake.

Fortunately, thanks to customer reviews of the products, I was able to assess the quality of the item and verify the delivery times. As a result, I was able to make a more informed decision.

How To Dropship From AliExpress?

So, since I answered the question of why is Aliexpress so cheap, next, I will show you how to dropship from AliExpress.

AliExpress's vast selection of products and competitive prices make it an attractive option for online shopping and dropshipping.

Tip: Also learn about Dropshipping from AliExpress to eBay: Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners.

Step 1- Create An Account On AliExpress

To get started, the first step is to create an account on AliExpress. It’s quick and easy – simply provide your basic information and you’re good to go.

Creating an account on AliExpress is the first step to accessing its vast online shopping marketplace.

Step 2- Find Reliable Dropshipping Suppliers

Once you have your account set up, the next requirement is to find reliable suppliers on the platform.

AliExpress boasts thousands of sellers offering a wide range of products at competitive prices. So, take your time to research and read reviews to ensure you’re working with trustworthy suppliers.

Hence, this might be the bridge to why is AliExpress so cheap.

For example, thanks to AliExpress Chrome Extensions, your job here can be simplified.

UpAssistant takes a comprehensive approach to evaluating seller ratings. Plus, it considers not only customer feedback but also takes into account other important factors like the seller’s term on AliExpress and their communication skills with buyers.

As a result, this tool provides a more precise and comprehensive rating that you can rely on when making purchasing decisions.

For instance, let’s conduct some research on dropshipping fitness products, like yoga mats.

Once you have installed the Up Assistant, you will notice a numerical rating displayed on each product thumbnail, indicating the seller’s rating.

Furthermore, if you wish to delve deeper, simply click on the product to access a detailed report on the product page.

Step 3- Set Up Your Dropshipping Store

After selecting the products you want to sell, it’s time to set up your online store. Setting up a dropshipping store allows you to take advantage of the vast online shopping market on AliExpress.

Hence, there are various platforms available that make this process simple and user-friendly. However, in my opinion, stands out as the optimal option for dropshippers.

As previously mentioned, the platform boasts a user-friendly interface and provides a diverse selection of visually captivating themes, both paid and free, for your dropshipping store. Additionally, it offers an impressive range of customizable functionalities.

Also, their drag-and-drop editor enables effortless creation and modification of your store.

Furthermore, Shopify seamlessly integrates with various dropshipping applications. Consequently, you can ensure that your business will achieve complete automation in its supply chain procedures.

Learn [How To Set Up Your First Store On Shopify [No.1 Beginners Guide].](LINK 3)

Step 4- Market Your Dropshipping Store 

Now comes the exciting part – marketing and promoting your store. So, you can use social media platforms, email marketing, and other digital marketing strategies to reach your target audience.

Effective marketing strategies are essential to attract online shopping customers to your dropshipping store.

To increase traffic to your online store, there are various digital marketing techniques you can utilize.

Firstly, it is recommended to incorporate search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing, and paid advertising.

Additionally, you can enhance sales by implementing marketing strategies such as cross-selling and up-selling, providing promotional codes, referral programs, and more.

For instance, AliExpress employs its own method of using coupons as a dropshipping promotional tactic. As a result, when customers input a coupon code during the checkout process, they are able to benefit from reduced prices on a diverse selection of items, encompassing clothing, electronics, household goods, and additional categories.

These accumulated savings can be substantial, particularly for frequent AliExpress shoppers. Moreover, AliExpress coupons can be strategically utilized to optimize cost savings. To illustrate, customers have the option to combine multiple coupons to secure even more substantial discounts on their purchases.

Furthermore, I recommend you include in your dropshipping marketing strategy. By utilizing videos, you can visually showcase your dropshipping products and demonstrate their usage, features, benefits, and more to customers.

Step 5 – Place The Order On AliExpress

Lastly, when you receive an order from a customer, you can easily place the order on AliExpress and input their shipping address. The supplier will take care of packaging and shipping the product directly to your customer. Placing orders on AliExpress is a straightforward process, making it convenient for online shopping and dropshipping.

So, if you add the items you want to purchase to your shopping cart when you’re ready to proceed with your order, simply select the “Checkout” button.

Alternatively, if you find the product you want, you can simply click on “Buy Now” and bypass the shopping cart checkout process.

In either case, you will need to provide your billing and shipping information, and you will be directed to this page.

Also, there are three main payment methods available on AliExpress:

• Credit card
• PayPal
• iDeal

Also, AliExpress has expanded its payment methods to accommodate diverse customer preferences. As of 2025, available options include PayPal, bank cards, Google Pay, Pay Later, Klarna, Afterpay, and wire transfers.

For example, personally, I prefer and use a credit card. It offers rewards points and also allows me to dispute payment if there are any delays with AliExpress buyer protection.

Regardless of whether you choose PayPal or a credit card as your payment method, you can be confident that you are adequately protected.

Next, once you have reviewed all the necessary information about the product you want, you can click on the red “Buy Now” button on the product’s page.

Finally, click on “Pay Now” and your shopping is complete!

So, once you buy the product, the difference between your customer purchase and your AliExpress purchase is your profit.

AliExpress vs Temu vs DHGate Comparison

Feature	AliExpress	Temu	DHGate
Year Established	2010	2022	2004
Product Listings	Over 100 million products	Over 10 million products	Over 30 million products
Monthly Visitors	Over 600 million	Rapidly growing user base	Over 17 million
Pricing	Competitive prices set by individual sellers	Ultra-low prices due to direct partnerships with manufacturers	Competitive pricing, especially for bulk orders
Shipping Times	10-20 (US) or 12-22(EU) days (Standard), 7-15 days (Premium Shipping)	7-15 days (Free standard shipping), 3-7 days (Express shipping)	5-14 days (Air freight), 30-40 days (Sea freight), 3-5 days (Express shipping)
Buyer Protection	Comprehensive buyer protection with refunds for undelivered or incorrect items	Strict refund policy with easy returns	Escrow system holding funds until buyer confirms receipt
Bulk Discounts	Available, but dependent on individual sellers	Not widely available, geared toward individual buyers	Significant discounts available for bulk purchases
Payment Methods	Credit cards, PayPal (select regions), Klarna, AliPay	Credit cards, PayPal, Klarna	Credit cards, PayPal, cryptocurrencies (select sellers)
Best For	Individual consumers and dropshippers seeking a wide product range	Budget-conscious buyers looking for ultra-low prices	Businesses and resellers seeking bulk purchases at discounted rates

Final Thoughts: Is AliExpress Still Worth It in 2025?

Yes, AliExpress remains one of the cheapest online marketplaces in 2025 due to direct manufacturing, low labor costs, and intense seller competition.

However, product quality varies, and shipping times can be longer than Amazon or Temu.

Tips for Smart Shopping on AliExpress:

• Check seller ratings & reviews before buying.
• Use AliExpress Buyer Protection for refunds.
• Avoid counterfeit or name-brand products.

Want to start a dropshipping business with AliExpress? Check out our step-by-step guide to dropshipping from AliExpress to eBay and find the best sellers in 2025!