How to Buy from AliExpress? Guide 2025

AliExpress has massive collections of products. Its huge database of suppliers attracts millions of buyers. Also, we count it among the top Alibaba alternatives. As a result, the platform might seem daunting to a first-timer. 

But shopping at AliExpress is straightforward once you know how the platform works. Here, we walk you through creating an account and placing orders. Keep reading to discover all you need to know to start making orders on AliExpress.

What Is AliExpress?

AliExpress is a global online retailing site initiated by Alibaba Group in 2010. Unlike Alibaba, which focuses on bulk B2B transactions, AliExpress targets individual shoppers and small purchasers with direct-to-consumer offerings from Chinese sellers.

Think of it as China’s Amazon or eBay, but with a difference: AliExpress doesn’t sell anything. It merely directs buyers to third-party sellers.

The platform offers everything from clothes and electronics to home goods and specialty gadgets—usually at highly competitive prices.

Its popularity has spread rapidly in nations like Europe, Latin America, and Russia, and today it is one of the world’s largest online marketplaces after Amazon.

One of AliExpress’s strengths is its support for multiple languages such as English, Spanish, Russian, French, etc., so it can be accessed globally by individual consumers.

AliExpress vs. Alibaba – What’s the difference?

AliExpress is targeted at low-volume buyers and consumers. Alibaba is an on-wholesale platform for high-volume B2B procurement, usually involving MOQs (minimum order quotas), contracts, and direct factory engagement.

Who Should Use AliExpress?

AliExpress first concentrated on B2B consumers, but the intricacy of serving foreign bulk consumers introduced a strategic change.

Presently, the website caters predominantly to consumers and traders purchasing small lots, either for use or resale at small scales.

If you’re a dropshipper, small eCommerce operator, or just looking for an affordable gadget or accessory, AliExpress might be a great option. That said, it’s not meant for bulk procurement. The platform often limits orders to under 100 units of a single item.

For businesses buying wholesale or tailored products from China, it is wise to engage a China sourcing agent like Owlsourcing and work directly with them, to negotiate from the factory through shipping details to quality inspection.

Is AliExpress Reliable?

Yes—and no. AliExpress is an actual site, but the consumer experience may be very different based on the vendor. The company doesn’t inspect merchandise or guarantee delivery dates because it’s purely a third-party platform.

Although most sellers are honest, some will ship an incorrect item, delay orders, or even misrepresent items. That’s why researching sellers, reading reviews, and avoiding deals that are too good to be true is so crucial.

As a bonus, AliExpress also has a Buyer Protection program that will refund your purchase if the item never arrives or looks dramatically different from how it was described. But you must go through their dispute procedure correctly and in a timely manner.

Is AliExpress safer than eBay?

AliExpress has official buyer protections that, if employed properly, may be more reliable than what you’ll encounter on eBay. There are risks on both sites, however.

What shouldn’t I buy?

Don’t buy food, consumables, or anything temperature-sensitive. Shipping and handling aren’t designed for edibles.

A Step-by-Step Process on Creating an AliExpress Account

You may already have a great product idea in mind. You tried to get it in bulk from nearby wholesalers. Disappointed?

The product has no issues. The wholesaler is also reliable. However, the high price is stopping you from starting a new business.

Source: Giphy

Don’t worry! You can source similar products from an authentic Chinese platform – AliExpress. Things will be easy if you already know how to buy from China.

You need an AliExpress account to place orders. Fortunately, AliExpress makes getting started a seamless experience. The platform has a friendly interface, which enables easy browsing. Here is how to register on AliExpress:

Step 1: Go to the AliExpress website or download the app

AliExpress offers its services mobile-first. Hence, users can download its app or visit the website. Both platforms offer the same features. 

The app provides a mobile-friendly interface for easy shopping. You can get AliExpress from the App Store or the Google Play Store.

At the top right corner, you will spot “Account.” Click on it to reveal the register button.

Step 2: Register with any method you prefer

Users can register on AliExpress using their email, phone number, or social media. Pick whichever option you prefer to start. Email and phone number sign-ups are straightforward. Likewise, social media sign-up is suitable for quicker access. 

AliExpress offers these methods to ensure you choose the one that best serves you. You will have to enter your country’s location.

Step 3: Verification

Verification is one way AliExpress ensures users’ safety on the platform. After signing up, the platform sends a code to your email. It will confirm that you are the actual person registering for the account.

To complete the process, input the code into the space provided. Once you verify, your account is ready for use. This measure ensures that a stranger doesn’t open an account with your identity. 

Security is paramount, and AliExpress treats it as such. You can explore other ways the platform protects you and your data. The site has a dedicated page; you can always ask for customer support.

Step 4: Set up your AliExpress account

Now that you have an account, set up your profile. Include your name, delivery location, and contact details. 

We recommend customizing your preferences for a tailored shopping experience. This way, you are telling AliExpress what you want, and in return, it offers a smooth road to getting there.

Congratulations, you are now a registered AliExpress buyer. 

Finding and Selecting Products on AliExpress

So, how do you find and select products on AliExpress? Similar to registering on AliExpress, sourcing is a walk in the park.

1) Use the search bar and filters to narrow down options

AliExpress is a massive platform with tons of products and suppliers. Browsing through each catalog will take you days to find what you want. The handy search bar is your primary tool for finding products. 

Enter keywords to see relevant results. Use filters to get options by price, rating, or brand. The site will offer a streamlined list of options you can browse for desired products. It is an excellent way to find a manufacturer in China.

2) Browse by category and recommendation sections

If you prefer browsing, explore categories and recommendation sections. Categories help you find specific product types. Recommendations offer popular or trending items you might like. 

To see the category section, hover to the top left side of the homepage. Once you expand the categories, several available options will pop up. 

If you want suits and blazers, choose to reveal the subcategories. From here, you can start browsing till you find what fits you.

3) Understand product listings

Product listings provide essential information. Review pictures to see the product’s appearance. Read the description for details on features and specifications. You can also check for variations in size, color, or model. 

You also want to focus on ratings. The ratings show how pleased previous customers were with their purchases. Steer clear of low ratings and stick with higher ones. Good reviews are stamps of the seller’s authenticity. 

Choosing suppliers with high ratings reduces your chances of encountering scammers. Thus, consider using experienced global sourcing agents like OwlSourcing. An agent can find reliable and authentic AliExpress suppliers for your products.

4) Add the Product to the Cart

Once you find the item that matches your taste, tap it. The interface expands, and you will see more information about the product, such as:

• Price
• Desired quantity
• Color
• Size
• Models

Select what you want. For example, fill out the details if you want to buy a tiny red dress. Once you are satisfied with your choice, click on the shipping details below. Here, you can pick whichever shipping service option you prefer. 

The window also includes the estimated day of arrival, courier services, and cost. After selecting all you want, click the Add to Cart button to proceed. To save the purchase for later, you can tap the heart icon. It adds the product to your wishlist.

5) Proceed to Checkout

After you tap the Add to Cart option, a message pops up. The message includes “view shopping cart” and “continue shopping.” If you want to continue shopping, press the latter. If not, tap the former.

As soon as you tap the former, your shopping cart opens. You will see a checkbox next to the item you added to the cart. If you want to place an order, check the box. 

A summary page will open. There is a checkout option on it. If you are okay with the purchase, click on checkout.

6) Place Your Order

Now, it is time to place your order. After the checkout, you must handle the shipping address and payment method. You only have to follow a few on-screen instructions. 

There is no hassle here. Once you enter your desired payment option and shipping address, tap on place order. That’s a wrap. You have finally made your first purchase on AliExpress!

Tips to Evaluate Sellers on AliExpress

Amidst sourcing, reputable sellers are a must for an excellent shopping experience. You must know how to verify a Chinese supplier’s legitimacy. Here are tips for evaluating sellers’ authenticity when sourcing items on AliExpress:

1) Check seller ratings and reviews

Evaluating sellers is crucial for a safe purchase. Check seller ratings and reviews for insights. Look at the number of orders and feedback scores. 

High ratings and many orders indicate a trustworthy seller. Avoid the alternative regardless of how attractive the deal might be.

2) Look for recent reviews with pictures

Recent reviews with pictures provide a clear product view. They show recent buyers’ experiences and product conditions. Pictures also help verify the product’s quality. 

When browsing through, watch out for these kinds of reviews. The customer’s camera often highlights things that might have eluded them. A few times, the seller’s snapshots don’t resemble their products.

3) Identify reliable sellers with established stores

Reliable sellers usually have established stores on AliExpress. Check the store’s history, including the time in operation. Established stores often offer better customer service and product quality.

Common AliExpress Scams and How to Avoid Them

Even seasoned buyers get caught. These are four scams to watch out for—and how to protect yourself:

1. PayPal Refund Scam
A seller asks you to settle your AliExpress dispute in exchange for a PayPal refund. Once you do so and the buyer protection period has passed, they reverse the payment through PayPal, and there is nothing you can do to counterattack.

✅ Avoid it: Never conclude a conflict prematurely. All communication has to remain within AliExpress.

2. Fake Tracking Numbers
Some sellers provide tracking numbers stating that the product has been delivered—but it really ended up elsewhere. Without an absolute delivery history, it’s challenging to verify non-receipt.

✅ Avoid it: Purchase from top-rated sellers and double-check the tracking source/destination information in advance.

3. Reorder Scam ($0.01 Trick)
A seller does not send your first order and asks you to order a new one for $0.01 to “resend” it. When your original buyer protection has expired, they ship low-quality items—or nothing—and you can only retrieve the $0.01.

✅ Avoid it: Never order again. Always file a dispute on the original order.

4. Shipping Downgrade
You pay extra for express shipping, but the seller uses a cheaper method and pockets the difference.

✅ Avoid it: Upon delivery, compare the actual shipping method used. If it doesn’t match your selection, open a dispute and request a partial refund.

Paying Safely on AliExpress

Payment is crucial to every e-commerce platform. More so, there is a need for reliable payment options. You will know its importance if you have read our post – What is the Best Way to Pay Chinese Suppliers?

AliExpress’s platform outdoes itself by offering reliable and flexible payment methods.

1) Accepted payment options

AliExpress accepts several reputable payment options, including credit and debit cards. Choose any method that suits your needs. They are all safe, so you don’t need to worry.

2) AliPay for secure transactions

If you want to ensure the security of your funds, opt for AliPay. It is a secure payment option on AliExpress. It protects your financial information and provides safe transactions.

3) AliExpress Discount Codes and Coupons

Finding coupons and promo codes can save money. Look for seasonal sales, seller promotions, and special events. Apply codes during checkout for additional savings. Use discounts and coupons to save up on large or small packages alike.

Tips to Track Your Order on AliExpress

After you place your order, the next step is waiting. But if you want to be more invested in your order’s journey, you can track it. Here is how you can track all your AliExpress orders:

1) Use the order tracking function with tracking numbers

After purchasing, use the order tracking function. Enter the tracking number to see your order’s status. It helps you stay informed on the progress of the delivery. Plus, it is easy and fast. However, the tracking options are often limited.

2) Third-party tracking websites for broader visibility

For more tracking options, use third-party tracking websites. These sites offer broader visibility and detailed tracking information. They help monitor your order across multiple carriers. You can check the different tracking websites that are available online.

What Is AliExpress Dropshipping?

AliExpress dropshipping is one of the simplest ways to start an online business without keeping inventory. You sell items in your store (Shopify, Amazon, BigCommerce, or another platform), and when you receive an order from a buyer, a supplier from AliExpress ships it directly to them.

It’s a low-risk, international-in-scope model, but success depends on your capability to oversee product quality, supplier relationships, and customer expectations.

Let’s walk through how it works, the pros and cons, and how to set up a system that’s workable—and profitable.

How the AliExpress Dropshipping Model Works

You don’t touch the product whatsoever in this model. You purchase it from an AliExpress supplier when you get an order and input your customer’s shipping information. The product is packaged and shipped by the seller.

What’s simple on paper involves real tasks:

You’re the merchant of record. That means your name (rather than the supplier’s) must appear on all invoices and packaging material, especially if you’re selling on Amazon or other platforms.

You’re in charge of customer service. Whether it’s a missing order, wrong item, or damaged product, your business is on the hook.

Most AliExpress suppliers are aware of what dropshipping is and can do white-label packaging or blank invoices, but you need to set that up beforehand.

Best Platforms to Sell AliExpress Dropshipping Products

Where you sell has a direct impact on how you operate. Here’s how the most popular channels compare:

• Amazon: Traffic is unmatched, but policies are strict. You must appear as the sole seller and handle all customer-facing operations. Dropshipping is allowed, but tightly regulated.
• Shopify: The go-to choice for building your brand. You own the site, data, and experience. Shopify also allows integration with apps like DSers and Oberlo for AliExpress automation.
• BigCommerce: Best for scaling up. If you’ve got a lot of SKUs or need the functionality, BigCommerce is in the running along with third-party dropshipping software.
• Other Marketplaces: Sell on eBay or Etsy, if it suits your niche. Utilize Facebook Marketplace or TikTok Shop as a test bed to validate initial interest.

How to Start Dropshipping on AliExpress

Step 1: Select Your Products

Winning products tend to have three traits: proven demand, good margins, and sensible shipping times.

Use tools like:

• AliExpress filters (sort by order count and rating)
• Google Trends (search interest)
• Amazon/Shopify bestseller lists
• Pinterest, Reddit, and niche forums (for future trends)

Pro tip: Avoid saturation by targeting trending upward, not already viral, products.

2. Vet Suppliers and Order Samples

Never make judgments based on product listings alone. Before committing:

• Verify seller ratings, response time, and buyer reviews
• Order a sample to test quality and shipping time
• Avoid sellers who also sell on Amazon (they’ll undercut you)

Use this phase to build your supplier shortlist and steer clear of surprises later on.

3. Build a Supplier Relationship

Need to scale without pain? Work with suppliers who can:

• Offer ePacket or other fast shipping
• Ship orders in 24–48 hours
• Offer unbranded packaging or custom inserts

If your volumes are growing, negotiate for more favorable prices. A few cents saved on each item can add a lot to profits.

4. Create Listings That Sell

Your product pages need to do more than list specs. Focus on:

• High-quality images (ideally custom)
• Benefit-focused copy
• SEO-optimized titles and meta descriptions

Selling on Amazon? You might have shared listings with others. But on Shopify, you control your own branding and make it work.

5. Actively Manage Orders and Customer Service

Even though your supplier ships orders, you’re still accountable for the process.

Automate tools to sync orders with AliExpress but monitor issues closely. Delays, wrong products, and returns all reflect on your brand.

Benefits of Dropshipping With AliExpress

• No inventory risk: Only pay after you’ve sold a product.
• Global supplier network: Thousands of products in nearly any category.
• No membership fees: AliExpress has no monthly subscription fee.
• Buyer protection: Built-in dispute resolution for defective or missing products.
• Wide pricing leeway: Room to test price strategies and bundles.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them when Sourcing with AliExpress

Counterfeit Products
Avoid listings that counterfeit major brands without permission. IP violation will get your store suspended from Amazon or payment gateways.

Long Shipping Times
Always check shipping times before listing a product. Use suppliers near major logistics hubs in China and favor ePacket or 4PX.

Poor Customization
Need branded packaging? Not all AliExpress sellers provide it. If so, consider working with a sourcing agent or upgrading to platforms like CJ Dropshipping or Zendrop.

How to Evaluate a Product’s Potential on AliExpress

List a product only after it meets these criteria:

• Order Volume and Ratings: High sales and 4.5+ star ratings mean the product already performs well in the market.
• Shipping Time & Cost: Fast, affordable shipping improves customer satisfaction and conversion rates.
• Customer Reviews: Look for user photos and videos demonstrating the received product.
• Seller History: Prefer sellers with years of experience, high responsiveness, and consistent positive feedback.
• Request Samples: Nothing is better than first-hand inspection. Even better, hire a professional sourcing agent to inspect quality before listing.
• Compare Prices Between Sellers: Use image search to find duplicates, and always compare total cost (product + shipping). Lower COGS = higher ad budget and profits.

Sourcing Smarter: When AliExpress Isn’t Enough

AliExpress is ideal for beginners or product testing. But as you scale, you’ll want:

• Lower unit costs
• Faster shipping
• Custom packaging
• More control over quality

That’s where direct factory sourcing or working with a China sourcing agent like Owlsourcing comes into play. You eliminate the middlemen, reduce the cost of goods, and build a more sustainable supply chain for your brand.

Best AliExpress Product Niches to Start With

• Toys & Games – Low price point, viral potential, great for Q4
• Home & Kitchen – High perceived value, low shipping cost
• Beauty & Personal Care – Lightweight, repeat purchase potential
• Pet Accessories – Huge fanbase, emotional appeal
• Tech Accessories – Quick-selling, ideal for bundling

Is AliExpress Dropshipping Still Worth It?

For brand testers or novice entrepreneurs, AliExpress remains a decent gateway to eCommerce. The key is leveraging it as a stepping stone, not as a sustainable business model.

Validate products. Learn the market. Develop your systems. Then, when the time comes to scale, work directly with suppliers who can offer faster shipping, better branding, and continued support.

Need assistance with finding winning products or managing fulfillment in China? Reach out to Owlsourcing for procurement services tailored to your growth goals.

Read More:

• Top Chinese Wholesale Websites to Buy from China
• How to Buy From Alibaba?
• How To Buy Wholesale from Yiwu Market: A Complete Guide for You!
• The Best Methods to Ship Your Product Directly from China

Final Thoughts!

As you can see, buying from AliExpress is straightforward. Each step is essential, from creating an account to tracking your order. 

Enjoy a wide range of products and great deals on AliExpress. However, you must use the search feature and stick with only high-review sellers.

Note that not all sellers on the AliExpress platform are equally trustworthy. You must use a reliable China sourcing service to play it safe. OwlSourcing specializes in this type of service. We can find authentic suppliers on AliExpress.