Are you looking for an online marketplace to purchase a wide selection of items at reasonable prices? Aliexpress is quickly becoming one of the most popular e-commerce destinations, but is it legit?
Aliexpress is 100% legit. Because it is operated by the Alibaba Group, one of the biggest online and retail businesses in the world, there is no doubt about its legitimacy. It has implemented a series of rules and regulations to ensure that businesses are conducted in a legal manner, and it closely monitors its users to weed out sellers or buyers involved in any dubious activities.
Despite some restrictions, Aliexpress is generally safe, and most of the products available on the site are legitimate.
However, there is always a risk of scams and frauds, which is true of any business transaction, especially those conducted online. To minimize this risk, buyers should do their homework and be aware of what they are purchasing from sellers on Aliexpress.
In case of any problems with your order, Aliexpress has a secure buyer protection system. If you don’t get your order or receive damaged goods, you can contact Aliexpress customer support for help, and you can get a refund as well.
Therefore, it is safe to conclude that Aliexpress is a legit platform for buyers and sellers to trade across the border.
What is Aliexpress?
I first heard about Aliexpress when I was looking into drop-shipping. In case you’re unfamiliar with the term, drop-shipping is a way to purchase products from manufacturers and resell them, without having to keep any inventory.
You still have to deal with all element of the online shop such as setting up a website and providing customer service, but product storage and shipping is outsourced to suppliers on Aliexpress.
AliExpress is an eCommerce platform operated by the Alibaba Group, a major global online retailer.
It provides customers with access to a wide range of products from apparel, accessories, computers & office supplies, electronics and much more from independent sellers and small businesses from China and other countries.
It works like this, you set up a website (many recommend Shopify for this), and you’re in charge of marketing the products on your site. When someone makes a purchase from you, you place the order with your supplier, and they ship it directly to your customer.
It can be a little overwhelming at first; there is a huge amount of products to pick from. Generally the site is well-layout and simple to navigate, making it easy for customers like myself to find exactly what they need.
AliExpress is known for its competitive prices, since the lower labour costs in China allow for greater affordability. This, combined with its extensive selection, makes AliExpress a popular choice for buying products.
Even though there have been some reports of bad seller experiences or poor quality products in the past, overall Aliexpress is still considered legit by many customers.
With its wide range of products and reliable customer service system (including refunds), it’s no wonder why so many people trust this platform with their purchases.
What to consider when buying on AliExpress
When buying on AliExpress, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. By being aware of these potential issues, you can ensure that you have a smooth and successful shopping experience. These include:
1. Legitimacy and trustworthiness
As a major eCommerce platform, AliExpress provides buyers with a wide range of products, many of which are made in China at a low price. As such, customers must be confident that the products and services they are buying are genuine and reliable. This is why AliExpress has put in place various buyer protection policies to protect buyers from scams, fraud, and other malicious activities.
These policies also ensure that sellers are lawfully registered and up to date with their regulations. This ensures that buyers will not be receiving counterfeit or defective items. Additionally, if buyers are not satisfied with the product they receive, they can contact customer service and get a refund in most cases.
Trustworthiness is also essential when it comes to AliExpress. By trusting the website, buyers can be sure that their personal information, such as bank account details, will be kept securely. AliExpress also monitors its users to ensure that they are following the rules, and if any misconduct is reported, they will take appropriate action.
Overall, having trust and legitimacy in AliExpress gives customers the peace of mind that they are purchasing products from a reputable and secure platform.
2. Price and value
When comparing the price and value of an item bought on AliExpress, there are several factors to consider. First, the seller must be checked to ensure the quality of the product being purchased.
Secondly, buyers should read the product description carefully to make sure that the item is exactly what they want and that the price advertised matches the product’s actual cost.
Additionally, it is important to research the market rate for the item to make sure that the price is indeed competitive.
Furthermore, buyers should take advantage of Alitools which will show them the current market price of the product to help them avoid making poor purchasing decisions.
Finally, it is important to watch out for sellers offering prices too good to be true, as this could be a symptom of fraud.
3. Shipping and delivery
When shopping on AliExpress, customers can choose from a variety of shipping and delivery options, including CaiNao Global Economy, AliExpress Standard Shipping, AliExpress Premium Shipping, China Post, DHL, FedEx and more.
Generally, shipments from China can take anywhere from 10-45 days depending on the shipping speed. For faster delivery, customers have to pay a higher cost.
AliExpress Standard Shipping is quite reliable, however there can be occasional delays. In terms of delivery, most products are shipped from China, but there are some items that may be shipped from a local store or warehouse in the buyer’s country.
Easyship provides an alternate shipping option, offering over 250 budget-friendly services, including some that ship to China.
With Easyship, customers can enjoy streamlined experience with the suite of other shipping tools to help make their shipping experience more efficient.
Keep in mind you’ll be importing good and therefore you may have additional local taxes to pay on delivery. These additional costs can turn the product from a bargin into an expensive purchase.
4. Customer service
When evaluating the customer service of an AliExpress seller, there are a few factors that should be taken into consideration.
Firstly, buyers should determine how quickly the seller responds to inquiries or messages. Do they respond promptly, or do they take a long time to respond?
Secondly, buyers should assess the quality of the customer service provided. Are they polite and helpful? Do they provide useful advice?
Thirdly, buyers should consider whether the seller has any return or refund policies. Is the seller willing to take responsibility and issue a refund if the product arrives damaged or is not as described?
Finally, buyers should investigate the seller’s payment system. Does the seller offer secure payment methods? Is the payment system user-friendly and easy to understand?
I set up a drop-shipping store that sold photographic backdrops. It was all going very well until a customer emailed to complain they’d been sent the wrong size. The seller wasn’t especially bothered by the mistake or the impact it had on my new business.
Be aware that how your suppliers behave will have a direct impact on your business.
5. Returns and exchanges
When buying from AliExpress, you can feel secure in knowing that you are protected by their buyer protection policies.
These policies allow for refunds if your order does not arrive on time, if the items are significantly different than advertised, or if the item is “Guaranteed Genuine” but turns out to be counterfeit.
AliExpress also offers refunds for damaged items, late arrivals, or if the product never arrives.
To request a refund, you will need to sign in to your My AliExpress account and select “Transaction/Order” on the item you’d like a refund for.
From there, you can click “Open Dispute” and fill out the information on your item and grievance. Refunds are typically issued within 15 days after the completion of the claim process.
The length of the buyer protection period, which can be up to 90 days, is listed on every product page under the Buy Now button.
Note that sellers do not take kindly to this process being started if you’ve not contacted them first to try and resolve the issue.
6. Security and protection
AliExpress has a buyer protection system to keep customers safe in three key aspects: protecting their individual privacy, offering a refund if they don’t receive their package, or if the item is not as described. This ensures that customers don’t have to worry about AliExpress’s overall environment.
They also use a typical e-commerce model, which allows customers to track their orders and get a refund if something arrives damaged or late.
The website is also very secure in terms of data protection, as AliExpress is backed by Alibaba Group’s security service. The security service uses advanced AI technology to protect your data.
Finally, customers should also use caution when choosing items to buy on the platform. While there are some great deals on AliExpress, there are also some counterfeit or subpar products that customers need to be wary of.
7. Review and feedback
The reviews and feedback for AliExpress are generally quite positive, but it is important to look closely at both the products and the sellers before you make a purchase.
Customers should always check the product rating to make sure it has not received too much negative feedback and read the individual product reviews.
It is also important to look at the seller’s reviews to make sure they have a good rating and positive customer feedback.
Furthermore, customers should compare prices between different sellers to make sure they are getting a good deal and confirm authenticity of the product by looking at the seller’s offerings and seller’s guarantees.
I’d also recommend communicating directly with the seller to ask any questions and make sure all of your needs are met before placing an order.
8. Brand and manufacturer
When evaluating the value of a product’s brand and manufacturer when buying on AliExpress, two key considerations are price and quality.
In terms of price, branded products are often more expensive than non-branded products because of the cost associated with the brand.
Many branded products are also manufactured in China and exported worldwide, but some factories will also sell “spare parts” on AliExpress.
In terms of quality, imitations are non-branded products made with the same mold or pattern and they can sometimes be as good as the official brands.
9. Product listing and listing tricks
When buying on AliExpress, there are certain product listing and listing tricks to be aware of. One common trick is listing prices that are well below MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price, the price the manufacturer recommends that a product should be sold at).
For example, vendors may create product listings that describe a real product, but the price advertised is for an optional accessory, leading buyers to think they are getting a good deal.
Another trick is advertising items at prices far lower than their market value. For example, vendors may display multiple T-shirt sizes for each design they sell, but the listed price is for a cheaper add-on.
Lastly, dishonest merchants may sell counterfeit products. It is important to do your research and read the product descriptions thoroughly before making a purchase. Make sure to double-check your order to ensure you are getting the right product at the right price.
10. Payment and billing
When purchasing from AliExpress, customers have the option of using a variety of payment and billing options.
These options include Debit card, Credit card, AliPay, and Paypal on some products.
To provide additional protection, AliExpress also offers a buyer protection program, with a buyer protection period of 75 days.
For added security, credit or debit card payments can be made directly through AliExpress or through AliPay.
AliPay is a safe payment method, and neither AliExpress nor the vendors can view your card information.
11. Discounts and promotions
AliExpress offers discounts and promotions to its customers in order to provide them with the best shopping experience. Here are the primary types of discounts and promotions available on AliExpress:
- Price Discounts: Price discounts are offered on AliExpress where customers can purchase items at a discounted price. These may be related to seasonal sales, clearance items, or special promotions.
- Coupons: Coupons are available on AliExpress and can be used to save money on specific items or brands. The coupons are usually updated regularly and can be used to get a certain percentage off the total amount of the order.
- Free Shipping: AliExpress offers free shipping on select items. The free shipping promotion also includes discounted shipping fees for certain select countries.
- Flash Deals: AliExpress offers flash deals, which are short-term deals that are updated regularly. These deals usually provide customers with a limited time offer on a specific product.
- Loyalty Points: Loyalty points are awarded to customers who purchase items on AliExpress. These points can be exchanged for discounts or benefits.
FAQ
What is the refund process on AliExpress?
The refund process on AliExpress is relatively straightforward. Here are the steps you need to take to get your money back:
- Sign in to your My AliExpress account
- Select “Transaction/Order” on the item that you’d like a refund for
- Click “Open Dispute” and fill out the info on your item and grievance there
- If you are not satisfied with the goods you have obtained, you should open a dispute and complete the dispute form. You must provide a clear video or photographs of the issue and discuss potential remedies with the seller, such as partial or full refunds.
- If you don’t receive any responses from the seller after 15 days, then the dispute will step into the claim stage. AliExpress will involve in the dispute directly.
- If the seller is responsible for the issue, you are eligible for a full refund from AliExpress.
- Wait for the refund process to be completed. This may take up to 15 days after the claim has been processed.
- Check your bank account to see if the refund has been processed.
Are there any scams associated with buying from AliExpress?
Yes, there are scams associated with buying from AliExpress. Common scams include fake tracking number scams, cheaper shipping scams, and dispute closure scams.
Fake tracking number scams occur when the seller provides the buyer with a tracking number belonging to a different package. Cheaper shipping scams occur when the buyer pays for expedited shipping, but the seller ships the package using standard, less expensive shipping to save money. Dispute closure scams occur when the buyer has an issue with a purchase and opens a dispute with the seller, but the seller contacts the buyer and pressures them to close the dispute in exchange for a refund or replacement product. To avoid scams, buyers should ask for a free sample, check product integrity, and open a dispute if there is a problem with the seller.
Are there any counterfeit products on AliExpress?
Yes, there are counterfeit products on AliExpress. These items are often sold by third-party sellers and have extremely low prices, making them attractive to buyers.
How do I check if a seller is legit on AliExpress?
If you’re looking to check if a seller is legit on AliExpress, there are a few steps you can take. First, make sure the seller offers a payment method that provides buyer protection, such as PayPal. You can also read reviews left by other buyers to get an idea of their experience with the seller. Additionally, you can contact AliExpress customer service to ask them if they have any information on the seller in question.
To further examine a seller’s past, you should go to the seller’s page on AliExpress and click on the Feedback tab. Here you can see their previous performance and consider factors such as responsiveness of the seller, image of the products, number of products in the store, location of sellers, and their product descriptions. Make sure to check for guarantees offered by the sellers such as delivering products on time, return policy, and guaranteed originals.
Another factor to consider is the history of the store. Check when the seller first opened their doors to determine their credibility. If the seller has been operating for less than a year, it is wise to be cautious. Lastly, you can contact the seller before shopping to inquire about the quality, guarantee, and return policy.
By following these steps, you can ensure that the seller is trustworthy and you will be getting a quality product for the price.
What is AliExpress buyer protection?
AliExpress buyer protection is a money-back guarantee program that ensures a safe and secure shopping experience for its customers. It offers shoppers protection in three major aspects: protecting their individual privacy, providing a refund if they do not receive the package, and providing a refund if the items are not as described in the product listing. The buyer protection period is up to 90 days (beginning when the order ships) and can be extended to 15 days after order receipt. This program allows buyers to receive a full refund if they are unhappy with their purchase or if it does not arrive within the expected time frame.
What is the logistics information update for AliExpress?
The logistics information update for AliExpress includes:
- Cross-border economic logistics, which is essentially China’s express plus the postal system in each country, but the postal service can not keep logistics information updated as quickly as commercial express.
- Cross-border logistics involves the cooperation of delivery providers between China and other countries, which is hard to realize seamless connection and affects the logistics information update.
- Free shipping option may not have reliable tracking information.
- With AliExpress Standard Shipping, delivered by Airmail and then transferred to your local mail service for the “last mile” to get to your door, tracking information may not be updated in real-time.
- Upgrading to premium shipping options like DHL, FedEx, or UPS, the tracking information is not always updated in real-time.
- Goods may be scanned into customs and sit for weeks or more before moving to the next step, which affects the tracking information update.
- Without real-time updates, regardless of the shipping service used, buyers can’t be sure where their AliExpress products are at any given time.
Are there any security precautions to take when using AliExpress?
Yes, there are several security precautions to take when using AliExpress. First and foremost, it is important to set a strong password for your AliExpress account and enable two-factor authentication for added security.
Additionally, when making purchases, make sure the product has buyer protection and money-back guarantee badges, and look for sellers that accept Paypal.
Finally, you should read reviews and carefully research the products you plan to buy to ensure that they are not counterfeit or subpar.
Does AliExpress offer a money-back guarantee?
Yes, AliExpress does offer a money-back guarantee. The AliExpress Buyer Protection Program provides shoppers with a money-back guarantee and ensures that buyers can receive a full refund if they are unhappy with their purchase or if it does not arrive within the expected time frame.
The program offers up to 90 days of buyer protection and can be extended to 15 days after the order receipt. If you allow the buyer protection period time to expire, you may not be able to get a refund.
If you receive an item that’s not as expected, you can ask the seller about a complete refund or replacement.
If the seller does not communicate or resolve the issue, you can contact AliExpress to escalate the Buyer Protection Redemption case to get your refund within 15 days.
Are there any taxes or import duties when buying from AliExpress?
Yes, there are taxes and import duties when buying from AliExpress. Depending on the country you are located in, the taxes and duties can vary.
The European Union imposes a 20% value-add tax on all commodities.
In the United States, if the order value doesn’t exceed $800, then there won’t be any taxes or duties.
However, if the order value exceeds $800, then you will be liable for 25% import tax. Additionally, when ordering, you may need to pay customs duties, VAT, and other taxes in the local country zone.
