AliExpress Dropshipping: How to Start Your Store

Dropshipping with AliExpress is an accessible way to start a business. With no inventory or shipping to manage, dropshippers can focus on building a store and selecting popular products to sell.

While starting a dropshipping business is a one way to get into ecommerce, finding reliable suppliers can be tough. That's why entrepreneurs choose to dropship through AliExpress, using automation tools like DSers to simplify order processing.

What is AliExpress?

AliExpress is a marketplace with over 110 million products across more than 5,000 categories. It was founded in 2010 and is owned by China-based Alibaba.

This marketplace structure can create low prices for trending products, but final costs depend on shipping, duties, taxes, and returns. Products range from clothing and jewelry to electronics and home décor.

AliExpress's infrastructure is designed to connect sellers with dropshipping suppliers.

Does AliExpress allow dropshipping?

Yes, AliExpress allows dropshipping. AliExpress does not require a supplier subscription to browse and order products.

You can start dropshipping for free on AliExpress with a dropshipping app like DSers, which imports products from the marketplace into your store in a few clicks.

AliExpress dropshipping apps work similarly:

1. Browse AliExpress for items to sell.
2. Select a product using a dropshipping app.
   
3. Use the app to import the product to your store.
4. Edit the listing, including the sale price.
5. When you receive an order, the dropshipping app notifies the AliExpress seller.
6. The AliExpress seller ships the product to the customer.

How much does it cost to dropship on AliExpress?

AliExpress does not charge a monthly supplier-access fee to place orders, but your store platform, apps, payment processing, shipping, duties, and marketing can add costs.

Shopify currently starts with a free three-day trial. After the trial, most plans start at $1 per month for the first three months before standard pricing applies.

Some dropshipping apps have free plans. Others charge monthly fees or usage-based fees. DSers has a free plan available in the Shopify App Store, with paid plans for higher usage and added features.

What to consider when dropshipping with AliExpress

Consider these benefits and drawbacks when using AliExpress to dropship products.

Dropshipper-oriented marketplace

Some AliExpress sellers are familiar with dropshipping orders. That can help with basic order handling, but it does not remove the need to vet suppliers.

Some listings include product photos, descriptions, and product details. Rewrite product copy before publishing it in your store. Confirm you can use supplier images, or use your own product photography.

Dropship from AliExpress to other marketplaces

You can dropship on Amazon and other marketplaces using AliExpress by connecting both platforms to a Shopify store. Here's how:

1. Use Shopify to create an online store.
2. Add a dropshipping app to your store that sources inventory from AliExpress.
3. Import AliExpress products to your store.
4. Add the Marketplace Connect app to your store.
5. Use the app to create and manage listings on Amazon and other marketplaces.

Shopify will automatically update marketplace listings to match your inventory.

Check each marketplace’s dropshipping policy before listing AliExpress-sourced products.

Amazon requires you to be the seller of record. It also prohibits packing slips, invoices, packaging, or other information that identifies another seller or third-party supplier.

eBay allows dropshipping when orders are fulfilled from a wholesale supplier. It does not allow sellers to list an item on eBay and then buy it from another retailer or marketplace that ships to the customer.

Competition from other retailers

When you dropship products from AliExpress, you may compete with other retailers selling the same products. Customers may also be able to buy some items directly from AliExpress.

Aim to provide a better customer experience than competitors. To address these challenges, consider Shopify Collective—Shopify's built-in supplier network that connects you with established Shopify brands offering higher-quality products.

Shopify Collective provides better profit margins (typically 20% to 50%), faster shipping from domestic suppliers, and access to respected brands—reducing competition concerns while maintaining the benefits of selling without holding inventory.

Good marketing alone is a competitive advantage. Marketing is how you help customers find, evaluate, and buy your products. It's also the umbrella of activities you complete to build your brand, such as creating content that's helpful and entertaining.

Tariffs

Many AliExpress sellers are based outside the US. If you sell to US customers, duties and import taxes should be part of your pricing and checkout planning.

Shopify has tools to help you navigate tariffs, with options to incorporate the cost of tariffs at checkout and help customers know what to expect.

Tariff rules depend on the product, country of origin, destination, and HS code. Seller location is not the same as country of origin, so check product details before estimating duties.

Setting up your AliExpress dropshipping store with Shopify

Take these steps to create your AliExpress dropshipping store:

1. Choose the right AliExpress dropshipping products to sell
2. Select a reliable supplier
3. Build your Shopify dropshipping store
4. Add AliExpress products to your Shopify store

1. Choose the right AliExpress dropshipping products to sell

The first part of setting up your store is selecting a dropshipping niche, or the selection of products you're going to sell.

If you don’t know where to start, review AliExpress product categories and choose a category you understand or can research well.

Once you have a niche in mind, start choosing products to resell in your store.

To help, here are five criteria to consider when choosing a product from AliExpress to dropship:

• No brands, fakes, or knockoffs. Skip products with existing branding unless you are authorized to resell them.
• ePacket delivery with free shipping. Focus on dropshipping products that offer free ePacket shipping. ePacket delivery is not only the most economical but also one of the quickest options to ship lightweight goods to the United States.
• Over 300 orders. Use the filter options to sort products by the highest number of orders.
• More than a 4.5-star rating. A product rating above 4.5 stars can indicate positive buyer feedback. Read the reviews before relying on the score.
• Low wholesale price with a high margin potential. Use product cost as one input in your profit margin model. Your retail price needs to cover product cost, shipping, duties, taxes, payment fees, returns, support, and marketing.

2. Select a reliable supplier

Create a plan for selecting reputable suppliers that goes beyond picking the wholesaler with the lowest prices.

Here are some signals that suggest a more reliable AliExpress supplier.

Check the supplier's stats

Next to a seller's name, AliExpress shows a percentage representing their feedback rating. Try to work with suppliers who achieve at least a 95% satisfaction level.

Click the seller's name to get a detailed breakdown of feedback. You'll also see how long a supplier has been active on AliExpress. Look for established suppliers with years of experience and good shipping reputations.

Lots of great product photos

Do your due diligence to ensure product photos are from the manufacturer and not from another retailer. A Google image search will show if the product photos are original.

Communicative and helpful

Ask a supplier questions before placing an order. A reliable seller should be able to answer questions about shipping, packaging, returns, and product details.

If a supplier does not respond before you order, avoid relying on them for customer orders.

Make a test order

Do a test order before committing to a supplier. This will help you assess the customer experience, including shipping times and product quality.

3. Build your Shopify dropshipping store

Set up your store using Shopify's intuitive store builder. If you don't have a Shopify account, you can sign up for a free trial.

Start with the core store setup. You can refine branding, design, and apps after the product catalog is in place.

4. Add AliExpress products to your Shopify store

Once you’ve set up your Shopify store and have a product category and supplier in mind, it’s time to add products.

Write your own product descriptions

The product descriptions for many products on AliExpress were not written by copywriters or intended to explain a product's benefits to customers. Write product copy that explains the product clearly and matches your store’s tone.

To make the process easier, use Shopify's built-in AI tools to generate product descriptions that speak to your target audience.

Let customers know about delivery times

Include delivery estimates on product pages or in your shipping policy. Base those estimates on the supplier, destination, and shipping method shown on the listing.

Since many AliExpress orders ship cross-border, delivery windows can vary. Make shipping expectations clear before customers buy.

Use an order tracking app

With longer shipping times, customers may ask where their order is. Use an order tracking app to keep customers updated on the status of their purchase.

Send tracking information once the supplier provides it.

Offer free shipping

If you find AliExpress sellers that offer free or low-cost shipping, decide whether to include shipping in the product price or show it separately at checkout.

Free shipping can make pricing easier to understand, but it still needs to fit your margin.

Price products appropriately

Consider pricing your products at approximately twice their wholesale cost. A 50% margin will make running the business worthwhile, as well as cover necessary expenses like marketing and support.

How to dropship with AliExpress

Dropshipping with AliExpress works similarly to other dropshipping processes.

When you receive an order, purchase the item on AliExpress and provide the supplier with your customer’s name and shipping address. The seller then ships the product to the customer.

Order items manually or automate the process with a tool.

Manual ordering

If you want to purchase items manually, keep a spreadsheet with a list of products on your site, the amount you're selling them for, the amount they cost on AliExpress, and a link to the AliExpress listing.

That makes it easier to find the supplier, check the current price, and review stock before placing the order.

Automated ordering

Alternatively, you can use a dropshipping app to purchase orders on AliExpress. Automation can reduce manual order entry as your order volume grows.

Once you add products, the app does the rest. It will buy the product from AliExpress for you and insert your customer's details.

DSers is a popular option that enhances the AliExpress experience with supplier comparison tools and automated order processing. Here's how it looks:

DSers will also let you know when a supplier on AliExpress has changed their price or run out of stock, and suggest other dropshipping suppliers.

Ordering tips

Let the seller know that you're dropshipping

When ordering on AliExpress, leave a message for the seller. Ask them not to include invoices, promotions, or supplier-branded inserts in the package.

Use a simple note, such as “This item is for dropshipping. Please do not include invoices, promotions, or branded inserts.”

Monitor delivery progress

After customers receive their orders, give them time to contact you if there are any product or delivery issues. If an issue arises, contact the supplier via AliExpress so they can address it.

If the same issue repeats, remove the product or switch suppliers.

Refunds and returns

Many AliExpress suppliers don't offer returns, so you may need to develop your own returns and refunds policy.

When there's an issue with an order a customer placed in your store, it's often because the order never arrived. In these cases, you'll need to bring up the issue with your supplier. Contact the supplier, and if a resolution isn't possible, use AliExpress Buyer Protection.

If your customer is simply not happy with the product, it's usually a matter of expectations—what they received wasn't what they expected. Most dropshippers will accept refunds in cases of dissatisfaction, as a way of building trust with customers.

If a product is damaged, ask your customer to take photos and send them to the AliExpress seller.

What are some of the best AliExpress dropshipping products?

Here are the best dropshipping products to sell for profit:

1. T-shirts
2. Yoga socks
3. Sweatsuits
4. Sandals
5. Water shoes
6. Quick-dry running shorts
7. LED face masks
8. Face rollers
9. Makeup remover facial wipes
10. Cruelty-free mascara
11. Pimple patches
12. Sunscreen
13. Insulated mugs
14. Air fryers
15. Electric kettles
16. Portable blenders
17. Coffee pods
18. Latte mixers
19. Organic baby clothing
20. Teething toys
21. Hypoallergenic baby diaper wipes
22. Water-based wipes
23. Diapers
24. Stroller fans
25. Linen bed sheets
26. Microfiber bedsheets
27. Pillows
28. Blackout curtains
29. Non-slip hangers
30. Printer paper
31. Note pads
32. Heavy-duty packaging tape
33. Ink cartridges
34. File folders
35. Ring lights
36. USB-C power adapters
37. Screen protectors
38. Outdoor smart plugs
39. Video doorbells
40. Motion sensors

Alternative dropshipping suppliers to consider

While AliExpress offers extensive product selection, exploring alternative suppliers can help address common challenges like long shipping times and intense competition.

Shopify Collective: Shopify's curated supplier network

Shopify Collective is Shopify's own built-in supplier network, letting you source products from thousands of verified Shopify brands and sell them without holding inventory.

Unlike third-party marketplaces, Shopify Collective connects you directly with Shopify-powered brands—no intermediaries—with faster domestic shipping and real-time inventory sync. It's free to install for eligible US store owners.

Domestic supplier networks

Consider these dropshipping apps that connect you with suppliers closer to your customers:

• DropCommerce: Access US and Canadian suppliers with 2-7 day shipping within North America.
• Syncee: Connect with global brands, ideal for international expansion with local shipping options.
• AI Dropship: Source from US and EU suppliers with delivery in under seven days for many locations.

These alternatives offer faster shipping times and may help differentiate your business from competitors using overseas suppliers.

Growing your AliExpress dropshipping business

Once you've made your first few sales, it's time to think about growing your online business.

Build supplier relationships

Eventually, you'll begin to identify the quality suppliers in your niche. Among the most repeated dropshipping tips is to build relationships with these reliable suppliers. This will help you get better prices and priority order processing.

Most of the suppliers on AliExpress use WeChat or WhatsApp to communicate. If you see yourself frequently ordering from the same seller, it's a good idea to set up a meeting to establish a business relationship.

Once you've demonstrated you can bring in recurring sales, some sellers will allow you to place your logo on products or include custom invoices and branded inserts into shipping packages.

Market your business

Marketing any online business is challenging. Fortunately, there are many different marketing strategies to test and apply to your dropshipping store.

Top tactics include:

• SEO
• Email marketing
• Influencer marketing
• Social media marketing
• Referral programs
• Google Ads

Start your AliExpress dropshipping business

The best part about AliExpress dropshipping is that it allows store owners to quickly test and validate product ideas. If you're unsure if you're capable of selling a certain product, add it to your store and test it. And if it doesn't work out, remove the item and start testing something else.

Because you're not carrying or managing inventory and there's no upfront cost, there's little risk to setting up a dropshipping business. Whether you choose AliExpress or explore domestic supplier networks like Shopify Collective, you can use a Shopify free trial to build your dropshipping store today.