What is AliExpress Dropshipping?

AliExpress dropshipping isn’t for the faint of heart. You could risk getting scammed if you don’t know what you’re doing. But not all of their suppliers are bad. There are indeed ways you can make good money. You have good customers and wrong customers, too. But if you’re on a tight budget or simply want to dip your toes into dropshipping, AliExpress can be a great platform to gain experience. Many entrepreneurs have experienced fantastic success with AliExpress dropshipping.

What did they have in common? They knew what they were doing. If you are entirely new to AliExpress dropshipping, this guide is for you. 

‍

We’ll tell you how to find the best trending dropshipping products, how to chat and connect with suppliers, and ways to make those sales. You will also learn about the benefits of AliExpress dropshipping and why we recommend it. By the end of our guide, you’ll have all the tools and knowledge needed to get started. So, let’s begin! 

What is Dropshipping on AliExpress About?

AliExpress dropshipping allows sellers to list products from AliExpress suppliers on their eCommerce stores without holding physical inventory. When a customer places an order, the supplier ships the product directly to the buyer, eliminating the need for warehousing and upfront investments.

Here’s what makes AliExpress unique:

• A massive product catalog, from gadgets to fashion items.
• Affordable pricing with options for bulk discounts.
• Direct access to suppliers for customized branding and communication.

AliExpress is perfect for new entrepreneurs experimenting with various niches while minimizing risks. Suppliers also benefit by gaining access to global markets through dropshipping businesses.

How Does AliExpress Dropshipping Work?

AliExpress dropshipping operates as a bridge between sellers and suppliers. 

Here’s how it works from both perspectives:

Seller’s Point of View

1. Product Selection: Sellers browse AliExpress to select trending and profitable products.
2. Store Integration: Platforms like Shopify integrate seamlessly with AliExpress through apps like Spocket.
3. Order Fulfillment: Once a customer orders, sellers forward the details to the supplier.
4. Shipping: The supplier ships the product directly to the customer, reducing logistics concerns.

Supplier’s Point of View

1. Visibility: Suppliers list their products on AliExpress for global exposure.
2. Sales Collaboration: Suppliers partner with dropshipping sellers to expand reach without extra marketing costs.
3. Fulfillment: Suppliers handle the inventory and shipping, ensuring buyers receive their products on time.

Benefits of AliExpress Dropshipping for Global Entrepreneurs

AliExpress dropshipping has transformed countless entrepreneurs into success stories, making it a worldwide go-to platform for aspiring business owners. Sarah Johnson, a stay-at-home mom, earned $50,000 in her first six months of dropshipping customized phone cases and pet accessories using AliExpress. Her journey highlights how accessible and lucrative this model can be for global entrepreneurs. Many more entrepreneurs are enjoying similar successes. 

Let’s find out what benefits you can reap with AliExpress dropshipping.

1. Huge Supplier Network

AliExpress connects sellers with over 100,000 suppliers offering more than 1 million unique products. Entrepreneurs can source items like stylish gold dog collars priced at $5/piece and sell them for $15. After accounting for shipping and AliExpress’s cut of $2, sellers enjoy an $8 profit margin per piece. This diverse supplier network ensures flexibility and competitive pricing for various niches.

2. Global Reach and Fast Shipping 

AliExpress supports global shipping, with suppliers offering affordable options like ePacket and AliExpress Standard Shipping, which deliver to key markets like the US, UK, and Australia in as little as 7-15 days. This enables entrepreneurs to cater to international customers without additional shipping logistics. For example, many suppliers provide multi-country shipping for $1-$3, making global dropshipping affordable and efficient.

3. Smooth Compliance 

AliExpress suppliers are well-versed in export regulations and product compliance standards, reducing the burden on sellers. Sellers can source CE-certified toys for European markets or FDA-approved skincare products for the US. This ensures smooth operations and builds customer trust by adhering to local regulations.

4. Zero Inventory Risk

One of the standout benefits is the ability to sell products without holding inventory. Entrepreneurs can list trending items like portable blenders or ergonomic office chairs, and suppliers handle storage and shipping. This eliminates the risk of unsold stock and frees up capital for marketing efforts.

5. Great Product Niches

AliExpress offers products in almost every category imaginable, from tech gadgets to handcrafted jewelry. You can stock unique items like LED light-up sneakers for $20 and sell them for $40. This vast catalog allows sellers to target niche markets and create personalized shopping experiences for their customers.

6. Dropshipping Integrations

AliExpress integrates seamlessly with platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce using tools like Spocket. These apps enable sellers to import products, set prices, and automate order fulfillment. For example, a seller could launch a Shopify store focused on eco-friendly home goods and manage everything from product listings to shipping with just a few clicks.

7. Custom Branding Options

Many AliExpress suppliers offer private labeling and custom packaging, enabling sellers to build a unique brand. Entrepreneurs can add their logos to products like reusable water bottles or premium gift boxes, enhancing brand recognition and fostering customer loyalty.

8. New Product Testing

AliExpress allows sellers to test new products without purchasing large quantities. For example, a seller could experiment with ten units of a self-cleaning dog brush priced at $8 each and gauge customer interest before committing to bulk orders. This approach minimizes financial risk while identifying profitable products.

9. Real-Time Feedback from Suppliers

AliExpress suppliers often provide real-time inventory updates and insights into product demand. This helps sellers make informed decisions, such as stocking up on trending items like Christmas-themed decorations or summer fashion during peak seasons. This data-driven approach enhances profitability.

10. Scalability for Long-Term Growth

With suppliers handling logistics, sellers can focus on scaling their operations by adding new products, expanding into different markets, or increasing ad spend. A successful store selling athleisure wear could quickly diversify into accessories like gym bags and water bottles without operational headaches.

How to Start Dropshipping with AliExpress?

Starting a dropshipping business with AliExpress is straightforward and cost-effective. Here's a step-by-step walkthrough to guide you through the process:

1. Pick a Profitable Niche

Before diving in, research and decide on a niche that aligns with your interests and is highly demanded. Tools like Google Trends and niche research platforms can help you identify trends. For example, popular niches include eco-friendly home products, pet supplies, and fitness gear. Narrowing down your focus enables you to cater to a specific audience and reduces competition.

2. Set Up Your Online Store

Create an online store using platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, or Wix. These platforms allow easy integration with AliExpress via dropshipping tools like DSers or Oberlo. Choose a clean, professional design that resonates with your niche and ensures a smooth shopping experience for your customers.

3. Find Dropshipping Suppliers on AliExpress

Use AliExpress to browse for dropshipping suppliers offering products in your niche. Look for sellers with:

• High ratings (above 95% positive feedback).
• Consistently good reviews for their products.
• Competitive pricing and affordable shipping options.

For example, if you’re selling wireless earbuds, find suppliers with detailed product descriptions, high-quality images, and ePacket shipping options.

4. Import Products to Your Store

Using integration tools like Spocket. Import products from AliExpress directly to your store. These tools allow you to:

• Customize product titles and descriptions.
• Set your retail prices and profit margins.
• Organize products into categories for better navigation.

You can list a portable blender for $20, mark it up to $40, and offer free shipping to attract customers.

5. Optimize Product Listings

Write compelling product descriptions that highlight features and benefits. Use high-quality images from your suppliers and add customer reviews for social proof. Include relevant keywords to ensure your listings are optimized for search engines.

6. Launch Marketing Campaigns

Drive traffic to your store using targeted marketing strategies. Some options include:

• Social Media Ads: Run Facebook or Instagram ads targeting your niche audience.
• Influencer Collaborations: Partner with influencers who align with your brand.
• Email Marketing: Build an email list and send newsletters with promotions and updates.

For instance, promote your products through an Instagram ad showing a pet owner using a collapsible dog water bottle during a hike.

7. Fulfill Orders via AliExpress

When a customer places an order, log in to AliExpress and purchase the product from your chosen supplier. Enter the customer’s shipping details during checkout, and the supplier will ship the product directly to your customer.

8. Check Your Store KPIs

Use analytics tools to track your store’s performance. Monitor metrics like:

• Website traffic.
• Conversion rates.
• Best-selling products.

Adjust your strategies based on the data. For example, if a specific product is performing well, consider investing more in ads for that item.

9. Provide Excellent Customer Service

Ensure timely responses to customer inquiries, handle complaints professionally, and provide tracking information for their orders. Good customer service builds trust and encourages repeat purchases.

10. Grow Your Business

To increase earnings, consider:

• More Marketing: Use social media advertising, influencer partnerships, and search engine optimization to drive traffic.
• Diversify Your Products: Regularly update your product offerings based on market trends and customer feedback.
• Customer Service: Provide exceptional support to encourage repeat business and positive reviews. Automating repetitive tasks using tools like Zapier or Mailchimp.

How Much Can You Make with AliExpress Dropshipping?

AliExpress dropshipping offers entrepreneurs the potential to build profitable online businesses, with earnings varying based on product selection, marketing strategies, and operational efficiency. Here's an overview of what you can expect:

Average Earnings

Earnings in dropshipping can vary widely. Some reports suggest that established dropshipping businesses earn between $2,000 and $10,000 per month, with the possibility of scaling up to $50,000 or more as the business grows.

Profit Margins

Typical profit margins in dropshipping range from 15% to 20%.

However, margins can be higher for unique or high-demand products. For example:

• Product Cost: $10
• Selling Price: $30
• Shipping and Fees: $5
• Profit per Sale: $15

This scenario results in a 50% profit margin, demonstrating the importance of strategic pricing and product selection.

Case Studies

Several entrepreneurs have achieved significant success with AliExpress dropshipping:

• Alex's Story: Starting from scratch, Alex built a dropshipping store that generated $6,000 in revenue within four months by focusing on popular imitation jewelry and accessories.
• Reddit User's Experience: With an initial investment of $165, this entrepreneur earned $25,000 in sales by identifying a niche market and using Facebook ads.

How to Choose the Right AliExpress Dropshipping Suppliers?

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Pick a Profitable Niche

• Research Market Trends: Use tools like Google Trends or niche-specific search engines to identify high-demand dropshipping products.
• Understand Your Audience: Choose products that align with the preferences and needs of your target customers. For example, eco-friendly kitchen gadgets or unique pet accessories often perform well.

Evaluate Product Quality

• Star Ratings and Reviews: Focus on products with at least a 4.5-star rating and read reviews for insights into customer satisfaction.
• Order Samples: Look for products with a high order count to indicate popularity and reliability. You can order samples from suppliers to test them.

Avoid Counterfeits and Knockoffs

• Verify Authenticity: Check for branded product authenticity. Avoid items with vague or suspicious descriptions to avoid legal issues.

Example of Good vs. Bad Products

• Good Product: Gold-plated dog collars with a 4.7-star rating, sold for $5 each. Resell for $15, making an $8 profit after AliExpress fees.
• Wrong Product: Generic electronic gadgets with a 3.0-star rating and numerous complaints about malfunctions.

Prioritize Profit Margins

• Choose products with a 30% profit margin, ensuring your store remains competitive and profitable.

Check Supplier Ratings and Reviews

• Feedback Score: Select suppliers with a minimum of 95% positive feedback.
• Years in Business: Reliable suppliers often have at least 2 years of consistent operations on AliExpress.
• Ask their customers: You can contact them directly via any testimonials on their platform. Get in touch. This will help you know if those reviews are fake or legit.

How to Grow Your AliExpress Dropshipping Business?

Most dropshipping suppliers on AliExpress communicate via WeChat or WhatsApp. Many suppliers allow you to place your logo on products or include branded inserts, such as custom invoices and thank-you cards, in shipping packages. You can also partner with dropshipping suppliers to create exclusive deals for bulk orders.

Here are some more recommendations:

• Optimize your AliExpress store for keywords related to your niche.
• If you sell fitness gear, write guides around that product. An example is a short ebook on “The Best Home Workout Gadgets of 2024.”

• Build an email list using pop-up forms on your website. Send targeted campaigns to re-engage previous buyers or inform them about new arrivals and discounts.

• Partner with micro or macro influencers in your niche on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube. If you sell kitchen gadgets, collaborate with food bloggers to showcase your products.

• You can create pinboards on Pinterest and showcase customer testimonials on your Instagram pages. TikTok is a great place to promote your products via reels and shorts.

• Run pay-per-click (PPC) campaigns targeting high-conversion keywords, such as “affordable pet accessories” or “trendy women’s jewelry.” Retarget visitors who leave your site without purchasing.

Is AliExpress Dropshipping Safe and Reliable?

AliExpress offers a Buyer Protection program, which ensures that you can claim a refund if products are not delivered or do not match their description. All your transactions are processed through secure payment gateways, including credit cards and PayPal. While AliExpress is safe to use, not all suppliers on the dropshipping platform are equally reliable. It’s crucial to vet them.

Some products may not match the descriptions provided. Testing products in advance can mitigate this risk. International shipping can lead to delays, especially during peak seasons like Black Friday or Christmas. Some suppliers may have limited English proficiency, thus creating communication barriers. You can use AI translation tools to help with this.

Best Products to Dropship on AliExpress

Every dropshipping platform has its risks and benefits. Although you can dropship cautiously, it doesn’t mean any opportunities.  Here are some great products to dropship on AliExpress:

• Home Décor and Organization Products: LED lights, storage bins, and minimalist wall art.
• Pet Accessories: Stylish dog collars, grooming kits, glowing LED pet collars, and cat toys. 
• Fitness and Wellness Equipment: Resistance bands, yoga mats, and intelligent fitness watches
• Tech Accessories: Bluetooth earphones, phone cases, and laptop 
• Fashion and Jewelry: Layered necklaces, boho-inspired bracelets, and boutique sunglasses
• Kitchen Gadgets: Vegetable choppers, oil sprayers, and compact spice racks.

Payment Methods Accepted by AliExpress

AliExpress accepts different payment methods. Here’s an overview of them:

Credit Cards

Credit cards are one of the best ways to pay on AliExpress. A great benefit is the ability to file a dispute with your credit card provider and request a chargeback if the product received is defective or if refunds are not processed. 

Other Payment Options

For users who prefer alternatives to credit cards, AliExpress offers various payment methods tailored to different regions:

• Wire Transfer: Ideal for more significant transactions.
• WebMoney and Yandex.Money: Popular options in Eastern Europe.
• Western Union: Suitable for international cash transfers.
• QIWI and DOKU: Preferred in countries like Russia and Indonesia.
• Mercado Pago and Boleto: Widely used in Latin America.
• Bancontact, TEF, and iDeal: Common in European countries.
• Giropay and Sofort Banking: Convenient for German-based users.
• Carte Bancaire (Carte Blue): Used in France.
• Przelewy24: A trusted payment gateway in Poland.
• SMS Payments in Russia: Supported by providers like MTC, MegaFon, Beeline, and TELE2.
• Cash Payments: Available through Euroset, Svyaznoy, and Russian Post.
• AliExpress Pocket: A prepaid wallet system for easier transactions.

How to Verify Before You Pay

When signing up with a new credit card, AliExpress may take 2-5 days to verify your details. Orders cannot be processed during this period, so plan for when you're launching a store or managing bulk orders.

By offering diverse payment options and secure transaction methods, AliExpress ensures convenience and trust for its global user base, making it a preferred platform for dropshippers and customers worldwide.

Conclusion

No inventory headaches. There is no shipping chaos. Low upfront costs. AliExpress dropshipping removes the barriers to starting an online business. You don’t need a warehouse, a massive budget, or prior experience. Whether working from a cozy one-bedroom apartment or your childhood bedroom at your parent's house, you can start today.

It takes only a few minutes to set up your Shopify store, pick the right products, and leverage the power of AliExpress’s supplier network.

And here’s the kicker: with over 1 million unique products and a global customer base, the opportunities are limitless. Dropshipping isn’t just a business model—it’s a gateway to financial freedom.

So, what’s stopping you? Dive in, set up your store, and take the first step toward building something that’s truly your own. Speed up your success with Spocket!