Hey there, have you ever shopped on Aliexpress before? I know I have, and let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer for me. I love that I can find unique and stylish clothing that you just can’t find in local stores. But, like with any online shopping platform, there are a few things you need to keep in mind before hitting that “buy” button.

With over 300 purchases under my belt, I’ve learned some valuable lessons that I want to share in this guide to help you make informed and confident purchases on Aliexpress.

Is Aliexpress scam?

One of the most common misconceptions about Aliexpress is that it’s a scam website. But let me set the record straight: Aliexpress is not a scam. It’s simply a marketplace where individual sellers offer their goods to buyers worldwide. Think of it like the Chinese version of Amazon. By being cautious and taking the necessary precautions, you can trust that Aliexpress can be a reliable and trustworthy platform for online shopping.

Why I switched from buying on Etsy and other niche shops to Aliexpress

I used to love buying from Etsy and other niche shops online, but I quickly realized that many of these shops were simply reselling items they sourced directly from Aliexpress. These shops often charged much higher prices than what you could find on Aliexpress, and I didn’t feel comfortable paying more for the same exact product.

For example, an item that costs $20 on Aliexpress might be sold for $40-50 by a dropshipper. I mean, come on, that’s just ridiculous. And these are just a few examples, but I promise you, there are many more extreme price differences out there.

But don’t worry, just because you’re buying on Aliexpress, it doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice quality. Sure, the quality can vary from seller to seller, but if you’re diligent with your research and read reviews, you’ll be able to find great products at a fraction of the price.

Is Aliexpress secure to buy from?

AliExpress has a robust buyer protection policy in place to ensure a safe and secure shopping experience so don’t worry when you are buying from the platform.

The company offers two important guarantees for their customers. If you don’t receive your order or if the item is not as described, you can apply for a full refund or a partial refund. So, you have the peace of mind that your purchase is protected. I have personally disputed sellers before and I didn’t encounter any problems. However, don’t expect the same level of customer support with Amazon. Disputes can take a long time and you need to be really careful with the deadlines. 

How to resolve disputes with Aliexpress

Disputing an order on AliExpress can be a bit tricky and time-sensitive. Here are some tips to navigate this process:

1. Keep an eye on the order completion date. AliExpress calculates a transit timeframe for every order placed and marks it as complete after a certain period (usually 60 days). If you haven’t received your products yet, you can ask the seller to extend the 60-day protection.

2. Open a dispute within the 15-day buyer protection period. If you have a problem with your order, you can open a dispute on the 11th day after the seller has sent it out, and within 15 days of the order’s completion.

3. Negotiate with the seller. If the buyer protection period has ended, you can still try to contact the seller and reach an agreement. Many reputable sellers will compromise and favor the customer, but it’s not a given.

4. Be mindful of what you’re buying. Keep in mind that if a product breaks after the 15 days have passed, there may not be much you can do. This is why it’s best to avoid buying electronics or items that can easily break on AliExpress.

How to choose a reputable seller on Aliexpress

With over 80,000 sellers, you can find pretty much anything you’re looking for on Aliexpress. However, it’s important to keep in mind that not all sellers are created equal. While most are reliable and helpful, there are also a lot of shady sellers and a small percentage that are outright scammers.

To avoid disputes and ensure a smooth shopping experience, it’s best to select good and reliable sellers from the start. Here are some tips to help you do that:

1. Order by number of orders, not by price. When you do a search for a product, select a store from the top sellers. Going for the lowest price instead increases the chances of something going wrong.

2. Be wary of prices that are too good to be true. The seller might ship a different item, a refurbished item, or not ship at all.

3. Check the store’s rating. A good store should have a rating of at least 93%. 

4. Check the store’s history. The store should be open for at least one year, two years is even better. Scammers tend to open stores for a short time and disappear when negative feedback starts to appear.

5. Check the store’s feedback history. This shows the feedback from all buyers, even for products that were taken down

Can you really trust Aliexpress?

Aliexpress can be a great marketplace for finding unique and affordable products from all over the world. However, it’s important to be aware of the buying process and the timelines involved, as well as being diligent in choosing a reputable seller. By following the tips mentioned in this post, you can greatly reduce the chances of any issues arising and have a positive shopping experience on Aliexpress.