AliExpress is a popular online marketplace that offers a vast range of products at competitive prices. While shopping on AliExpress can be a convenient and cost-effective way to buy products, many people have concerns about the safety of the platform. In this article, we’ll discuss AliExpress safety and how you can protect yourself while shopping on this platform.

Let’s start!

What Is Aliexpress?

AliExpress is an online retail platform owned by the Alibaba Group, one of the largest e-commerce companies in the world. It connects buyers from around the globe to sellers who offer a wide range of products at competitive prices. From clothing and electronics to home decor and beauty products, AliExpress has something for everyone. With millions of products available at your fingertips, you can find almost anything you need on AliExpress. Whether you’re looking for affordable fashion or unique home decor items, AliExpress has got you covered. It’s a reliable and convenient platform for finding affordable and unique products from all over the world.

Is AliExpress Legit?

Despite the buzz about online shopping, many people still need to figure out what to expect. I have heard a lot of store owners asking different questions.

Is AliExpress legit or a scam? What is its credibility? How long will it take to get the order from this platform? These are some examples of people probing questions.

I’ll talk about the legitimacy of AliExpress in this section.

Since the birth of AliExpress, there have been various questions about its legitimacy. More so, how safe it is to deal with the suppliers on Aliexpress. So far, there have been opinions and counter-opinions.

People who already have an AliExpress account think that there is nothing to worry about when it comes to buying goods from this platform. It may be because they believe in the AliExpress buyer protection program.

In contrast, some people working in the eCommerce business believe it is as good as flushing your money down the drain. Which opinion would you trust?

Yes, AliExpress is safe and legit. There are fewer traces of scams in the years it has existed. Neither are there any possible chances that it will turn out to be one. Although it is unclear, further reading will help you understand it better.

AliExpress is a legit website where you can do your online product sourcing without hassle. You don’t also need to think about not getting your items. When it comes to legitimacy, I’ll rate it 10/10.

A “full refund” policy is one of the backings of AliExpress’s legitimacy. This refund policy runs until the period of product protection elapses. Buyers can, at least, request a partial refund if the buyer protection period is over.

In short, a full or partial refund gives consumers the right to obtain a refund under the AliExpress buyer protection program. It depends on the circumstances surrounding the buying date and the refund duration.

Under every product on AliExpress, the duration of protection shows below the “Buy Now” button.

Is It Safe and Reliable to Buy from AliExpress?

Two things that consumers always look out for are safety and reliability. AliExpress isn’t an exception. That’s why many store owners often ask, “Is AliExpress reliable?” “Is AliExpress safe?” “Is it scam-free?” “Does this platform has attractive products that sell well in the domestic market?

Remember, AliExpress is safe. Anyone can buy from AliExpress safely. It has always been among the safest and most reliable shopping platforms.

Besides, its management provides various product safety programs to back this up. These programs protect your rights as a consumer. Consumers can ask for a full refund if they get a different package or poor-quality merchandise from what they ordered.

They can file a complaint or open a dispute if there is a delay in shipping and arrival. Or there are damages affecting the product quality.

To be able to get a refund, you’ll have to open a dispute and wait for 15 days to complete the process. However, don’t open a dispute without talking with the supplier.

So, how do you know the safety and reliability of a seller on AliExpress? You can know it by looking out for the following:

1. Seller Feedback

You’ll see feedback from various international customers if you click on the buttons of different AliExpress sellers. With this feedback, you’ll know if the AliExpress seller is reliable and if it is safe to buy from him.

Furthermore, you can also look out for feedback ratings from international buyers. After calculating the sum, AliExpress converts it to points. So, sellers with 4 to 5-star ratings are likely more reliable and safe to shop with on AliExpress.

Also, a reliable seller should have been able to sell out at least 100 products in one year.

2. Product Feedback

Consumers will always want to give a review of any product that they buy, good or bad. Product feedback is as crucial as seller reviews. To be safe while sourcing goods from Aliexpress, check the feedback on the products you plan to buy.

It’ll also help you know about the product’s quality and what other consumers think. It would help you know whether to buy or not.

3. Buyer Protection and Refund

As I said above, AliExpress offers a buyer protection program to help secure your rights.

Aliexpress is an excellent eCommerce platform when it comes to buyer protection and refund. And, over time, this has been one of their baits at getting more consumers to troop to their website. Because it assures your safety as a buyer and you get well-rounded protection.

What’s more, there’s an estimated duration for delivery on AliExpress. And, by the end of that time, you’ll get a full refund if you don’t receive your goods.

Why Are the Products on AliExpress Relatively Cheap?

Prospective wholesale buyers also ask questions such as, why are products cheap on AliExpress? As much as people love products with reasonable prices, there’s always a bit of uncertainty before buying them.

Below are reasons why the products on AliExpress are so cheap.

 1) You Buy Products Directly.

One reason the product you buy on AliExpress is cheap is that you purchase straight from the producer. You get the products at a more affordable rate when you buy from a seller directly.

That’s because resellers often add an extra amount to the final bill. Besides, they often don’t offer a delivery guarantee. Thus, you get to purchase single-unit quantities, but the product price increases. AliExpress saves you from this turmoil by allowing you to buy from direct suppliers.

2) The Product Can Be a Replica.

Not to talk down suppliers, but we can all agree that some Chinese manufacturers are good at creating product replicas or counterfeit products.

As you know, low prices often reflect poor-quality products. So, don’t fall into the trap of competitive prices or low prices if you want to guarantee genuine products on AliExpress.

And because these products are counterfeit with no quality control, they tend to be cheaper than the original. So, if the products you are going for on AliExpress are super cheap, you are more likely to buy fake goods.

3) Product Listing Tactics.

Have you ever clicked on a product with a $3 price tag on display only to realize that the actual price is much more when calculating your final bill? That’s a listing trick, or say, one of AliExpress’s scams.

Unscrupulous sellers often draw the attention of buyers to the products with this listing trick.

4) Gaining Constant Business.

Another reason why the products on AliExpress are cheap is that they act as bait with which they can gain the patronage of resellers.

Starting an online store has become a lucrative business model, and many people are going into it. They recognized the need to acquire more store owners and have them source goods from their platforms. This way, it is a win-win for all the parties involved.

Now you understand why the products on AliExpress are relatively cheap.

How Long Does AliExpress Take for Shipping?

In terms of shipping, AliExpress shipping is available worldwide. Now, the duration of the shipping depends on different factors. It includes the product type, destination country, shipping method, etc.

Many individual customers worldwide prefer AliExpress standard shipping from different shipping options. But I recommend using premium shipping options for wholesalers.

That’s because the shipping time of premium shipping is way better than economy shipping.

However, economy shipping options are suitable to drop shipping business owners. They can go for premium shipping or any other AliExpress shipping method.

An estimation of the delivery duration ranges from 25 to 60 days after all the factors meet. Likewise, the duration can be 15-20 days with the AliExpress saver shipping option.

As you know, the customs clearance process is somewhat harsh in other countries. It can affect the timeline of the given delivery window. Furthermore, it also depends on the shipping method used by the supplier.

Almost all AliExpress shipping methods have the required shipping information mentioned below them.

The good news is that AliExpress is improving in terms of logistics. And their delivery is becoming faster. So, you don’t have to wait for days, weeks, or months before receiving your products.

What Are the Pros & Cons of Buying from Aliexpress?

There will always be a disadvantage to everything that has advantages. Here I’d be talking about the pros and cons of shopping from AliExpress.

AliExpress Pros

1) Start-up costs are low.

The first pro is enabling potential business owners to start an online business at almost no cost. That has made it easier for a lot of people to own businesses.

They must wait for their customers to buy their products before remitting their commission. Pretty simple!

2) More Flexibility.

Another advantage is that investors and sellers don’t have to adhere to a strict schedule. Nor go to a store to complete transactions. So, you can carry out your transaction on AliExpress from the confines of your home.

This flexibility also helps sellers on AliExpress. It helps sellers grow their portfolios and serve their consumers better.

3) Negligible overheads.

Aside from making it easier for start-ups, they also ensure minimal to zero overheads. This way, you won’t encounter issues when making your sales.

As a seller, you can avoid paying for a business space by partnering with AliExpress. You may need a mobile phone, PC, and a strong network connection. Voila! You are all set and good to start using AliExpress.

 4) Versatility

Finally, the last pro on our list that has been of crucial importance is the versatility aspect of AliExpress.

AliExpress sellers sell almost all products, and it is impossible not to find whatever you want. It has also helped this platform gain and keep buyers.

AliExpress Cons

1) Vast Competition.

Buying goods online is not a new thing in today’s world. And Aliexpress is not the first company to ever provide consumers with this service.

So, the competition among online resellers is very high. Your competitor can buy the same product at less price on other platforms, like ChinaBrands, DHgate, etc.

2) Less control.

Mainstream shopping websites have little control over the people they deal with daily. It is also the case for AliExpress buyers.

As a result, you have almost no control over the people you are likely to interact with in business.

3) Uncertain and adverse shipping times.

Due to the distance required for delivery, shipping time can be lengthy for other countries. And, in most cases, unfavorable to the receiver or consumer.

Ensure you know how to use AliExpress tracking info to track the progress. You can also contact the AliExpress seller to get the required shipping information.

4) Lengthy returns and refund processes

Although AliExpress has a full refund policy that allows a refund under buyer protection, the process is quite tricky and time-consuming. So, it can be frustrating, too.

AliExpress vs. Alibaba: What Is the Difference?

A) Alibaba Work Mechanism

Both Aliexpress and Alibaba belong to the Alibaba Group. However, they may not be the same in their e-commerce operations.

Alibaba supplies quality products in bulk. If you plan to buy as a drop shipper or final consumer, you cannot buy products from them. Furthermore, you cannot order a few or single items from Alibaba. What they do is wholesale supply.

Its trade assurance program acts as an escrow system. So, people buying goods from Alibaba can use this program as a safe payment method.

B) AliExpress Work Mechanism

It also falls under the subsidiaries of Alibaba Group. On AliExpress, both store owners and final consumers can buy goods from producers and distributors.

AliExpress operates almost like eBay. You can buy your goods from the manufacturer “as they are.” More so, the items on AliExpress are cheaper than those on Alibaba.

There are different AliExpress payment methods. But things can become easier if you have an Alipay account.

C) Alibaba vs. AliExpress – The Main Difference!

Generally, if you want customized products, you can get them on Alibaba. You may need to order products in large quantities. Most Alibaba suppliers assure you of quality control, timely confirm delivery with premium shipping, and even help with customs clearance. They often have an overseas warehouse.

Likewise, you can get ready-made products on AliExpress. You don’t need to worry about MOQ or anything else.

AliExpress is the best option for store owners who want to buy goods in bulk. This platform lets you browse different products from different suppliers. You can also opt for some AliExpress Alternatives if you need to.

However, make sure you hire a sourcing agent to make things easier. A reputed sourcing agent like Moer Sourcing can help you find the right supplier.

Also Check:

• Top 10 Alibaba Alternatives
• How to Buy from Alibaba Safely? (Without Getting Scammed)

Final Thoughts!

So, is AliExpress safe? In short, AliExpress is a safe and legit website for sourcing goods. Wholesale buyers can buy from AliExpress safely. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t look for feedback and reviews of the seller and the product.

AliExpress is a place to buy quality products if you are a local distributor or online store owner.

More so, as a wholesale buyer, you should cut down on your big expectations from any online marketplace. That’s because it is where disappointments usually stem from in online shopping.

Sellers with bad reputations are everywhere. Be it the AliExpress platform or any other eCommerce platform!

Nevertheless, you can save yourself from getting counterfeit or defective products. Getting the right sourcing agent is a way! So, get in touch with Moer Sourcing today. Tell us what kind of products you are searching for on AliExpress. Our team will find the right suppliers for you.