How to Communicate with an AliExpress Supplier?
Is AliExpress safe? Is AliExpress legit? Is AliExpress reliable? There are the most common query of thousands of customers who have ever think of buying from AliExpress. Definitely, AliExpress is safe and legit.
Since AliExpress is an online marketplace and just like any other market, you would always find dishonest sellers who always look to bilk money from the customers by offering cheap stuff. But, AliExpress is still a safe and legit website you can trust.
So here is a detailed guide on how to buy from AliExpress safely without ripped off. We will cover every point in detail for you to understand how to stay safe on AliExpress. So without further ado, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
What is AliExpress?
AliExpress is a online marketplace owned by Alibaba Group, known as one of the biggest eCommerce companies worldwide. AliExpress is a market where different independent sellers/small businesses/factories can sell their products directly to individual customers worldwide.
It’s interesting to know that mainland Chinese are not allowed to purchase from AliExpress; instead, the Native ones need to shop from a separate marketplace.
Advantages of buying on AliExpress
- Inexpensive products
- Free shipping on most products
- Safe payment method
- Effective buyer protection
Disadvantages
- Products with free shipping may take longer to reach the buyer
- Not all sellers accept PayPal
- Some sellers may take a few days to send your order to the carrier.
- counterfeit products
Why is AliExpress So Cheap?
If you browse certain products on AliExpress, you may immediately notice that many prices are indeed low. Why is it like this? There are two different possibilities, both of which can be found on the website.
First of all, you may buy products directly from the Chinese manufacturer, which reduces the cost to you. China’s production costs are much lower than other countries. Inadequate enforcement of intellectual property laws may also be the cause of this situation.
The second possibility that a product is very cheap is that it is counterfeit or fraudulent. As we all know, China is a hotbed of counterfeit products, and AliExpress is no exception. AliExpress offers some very good deals together, but not all products are legal.
Why Do AliExpress Products Have Such A Bad Reputation?
Undoubtedly, AliExpress is one of the biggest online market places where you can find affordable stuff at cheap rates. Due to this, AliExpress carries a bad reputation for selling worthless junk.
The reason is, unrealistic expectations!
Yes, you read it right!
When you purchase something from a U.S based retail shop, you get the quality, because they follow a good quality control process, and so whatever you get is of top-quality.
But as compared to this, AliExpress is a retail market where factory manufacturers sell their products, and so there is a very little quality process, and that’s why sometimes to get crap.
There’s no known brand there and so mostly come from different business communities, so quality standards vary. Sometimes the condition could be even worse, and you might get a fake product in your box mail.
AliExpress vs Alibaba
What is AliExpress vs Alibaba?
Many people think that Alibaba and AliExpress are the same, but they are two different parts of the same business. They offer services differently.
Alibaba is good when it comes to selling private label products; you could find various sellers on this platform to make customized packaging for your products.
However, if you are thinking of drop-shipping, it’s better to go with AliExpress as here you could find cheap products. This platform usually attracts newbies in eCommerce, but I would be honest, AliExpress Drop-shipping is not good, because it takes longer shipping time.
With this in mind, it is clear that Alibaba is suitable for merchants who want to buy wholesale goods but have a lower unit price. It is difficult to choose which platform between the two surpasses the other. The fact is, it all depends on the buyer’s needs.
The following table makes a detailed comparison of Alibaba vs AliExpress:
Difference Between AliExpress vs. Alibaba |
||
| Characteristics | AliExpress | Alibaba |
Mode of Business |
Caters for both business to business and business to consumer setting | Caters for the business to business |
MOQ |
There is no minimum to order quantity | Have a minimum order quantity whereby there is a set of requirements on the quantity a buyer can make |
Pricing |
Product prices are listed with no room for negotiation | Product prices are not fixed |
Risk of quality |
Customers get what the supplier offers, hence higher quality risk | Buyer product knowledge is provided hence reducing quality concerns |
Custom design |
Does not custom make products | Provides a platform whereby suppliers offer custom-made products and can even private label products per request |
Product availability |
The process is not time-consuming since the products are already manufactured | It takes time for the products to reach the customer |
Mode of shipping |
Goods are in most instances shipped by air freight | The sellers and buyers get to decide the mode of shipping to be used |
Profit model |
Demands a certain percentage of commission on the sales made | Charges a certain amount of membership fee for the suppliers |
The User Group |
AliExpress mainly focuses on wholesale and retail, and suppliers can also have companies or individuals, buyers are mainly aimed at foreign small traders or final consumers. | Alibaba suppliers or sellers are mostly trading companies or factories with export business, and most of the buyers are foreign buyers; |
Member Fee |
AliExpress users can register for free, and the commission rate is mainly charged. | The profit model of Alibaba is mainly charging users a membership fee. |
The Payment Method |
On AliExpress, you can use Alipay to do online transactions. | The payment method of Alibaba generally involves relatively large amounts. Users can choose TT or LC offline transactions. |
Is AliExpress Safe?
AliExpress itself is a legitimate e-commerce platform that has been in operation since 2010. However, it’s important to remember that AliExpress is a marketplace, not a store. This means that you’re buying from individual sellers, not from AliExpress itself. As a result, the quality and reliability of the products you buy can vary greatly.
Potential Risks of Buying from AliExpress
- Counterfeit products: There is a risk of receiving counterfeit products, especially when buying brand-name items.
- Poor quality: The quality of products can vary greatly depending on the seller. You may receive items that are poorly made or that don’t work as expected.
- Shipping delays and lost packages: Shipping from China can take several weeks, and there is always a risk of packages being delayed or lost in transit.
- Customer service issues: If you have a problem with your order, it can be difficult to get help from AliExpress customer service.
- Hidden import taxes when buying on AliExpress: If you’re not familiar with your country’s import regulations, you might be surprised by extra fees upon receiving your order. Most countries, including the European Union with its 20% VAT, charge import taxes based on the item’s value.
How to Stay Safe When Buying from AliExpress?
Do your research:
Before you buy anything, read reviews of the seller and the product. Check the seller’s rating and make sure they have a good history of positive feedback.
Pay attention to the product description:
Read the product description carefully to make sure you understand what you’re buying. Pay attention to details like materials, size charts, and functionality.
Use AliExpress Escrow:
AliExpress Escrow is a payment protection service that holds your payment until you confirm that you’re satisfied with your order. This can help protect you from fraud.
Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true:
If a price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be cautious of sellers who offer significantly lower prices than other sellers for the same product.
Consider buying from a different platform:
If you’re concerned about the risks of buying from AliExpress, you may want to consider buying from a different platform, such as Amazon or eBay. These platforms offer more buyer protection and have a better reputation for quality products.
AliExpress’ Alternatives
We have collected some of the top AliExpress alternatives that provide users with quality products at lower prices. Top AliExpress alternatives to to earn huge Profits:
Here’s a list of 20 China wholesale websites for AliExpress alternatives, categorized based on their target audience and approach:
Large Marketplaces:
- Alibaba.com: A massive platform with a vast selection of suppliers across various industries. Ideal for experienced importers due to the need for careful supplier vetting and negotiation.
- Global Sources: Offers verified suppliers with a focus on Asian products. Good option for businesses seeking reliable suppliers, but might have a smaller selection compared to Alibaba.
Smaller B2B Platforms:
- 1688.com (Chinese platform): A subsidiary of Alibaba focused on the Chinese domestic market. Offers competitive prices but requires some knowledge of Mandarin and navigating a Chinese interface.
- DHgate: Caters to smaller orders and faster turnaround times compared to Alibaba. Might have a more limited selection for specific industries.
Industry-Specific Platforms:
- Made-in-China.com: A directory connecting buyers with Chinese manufacturers across various industries.
- Chinavasion: Specializes in electronics and gadgets.
- FashionTIY: Focuses on clothing and fashion accessories.
- HKTVMall: Offers a variety of consumer goods from Hong Kong and mainland China.
Trade Show Facilitators:
- HKTDC (Hong Kong Trade Development Council): Connects businesses with potential suppliers through trade shows and online resources.
- Canton Fair: China’s largest import and export trade fair, held twice a year in Guangzhou.
Other Options:
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- DIYTrade: A China product directory and B2B trading platform.
- Trade Key: A global B2B marketplace.
- Trade Easy: Offers trade leads and sourcing solutions.
- YiwuGo.com: Specializes in small commodities from Yiwu, a major wholesale market in China.
- [SHEIN]: Focuses on women’s clothing at wholesale prices.
- TomTop: Offers electronics, gadgets, and other consumer goods.
- Gearbest.com: Similar to TomTop, with a wide range of electronics and consumer products.
- Yaaku: Specializes in Japanese and Korean fashion products.
- Supplyia: Provides resources and information on sourcing products from China.
- JD.com: A major Chinese B2C e-commerce platform, also offering wholesale opportunities for some products.
How to Communicate with an AliExpress Supplier?
When communicating with an AliExpress supplier, it’s important to be clear, polite, and professional to ensure smooth transactions and build a good relationship. Below are the steps for effective communication with an AliExpress supplier:
1. Use the AliExpress Messaging System
You can contact a supplier by clicking the “Contact Now” button on their store page or product listing. This opens the messaging system.
Clear Subject: Make sure your message has a clear subject line to give the supplier an idea of your inquiry (e.g., “Inquiry about bulk order for “).
2. Start with a Friendly Greeting
Start with a polite greeting such as “Hello” or “Dear [Supplier’s Name].” Introduce yourself briefly, especially if you’re considering placing a large order or working with them regularly.
3. Be Specific with Your Inquiry
Product Details: Ask for specific information about the product, such as variations in colors, sizes, or customizations.
Pricing: If you’re interested in bulk purchasing, ask for quotes based on your order quantity and inquire about discounts for bulk orders.
Shipping: Clarify shipping options, delivery times, and costs. If you have a particular shipping method in mind, mention that.
MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity): If you’re planning to order in bulk, ask about the MOQ.
Payment Terms: Ask about available payment methods (e.g., Alipay, credit card) and whether there are any specific payment terms.
Sample Message:
“Hi, I’m interested in purchasing in bulk. Could you please provide the price for 1000 units? Also, what are the shipping options and costs to [your location]? Thank you!”
4. Discuss Lead Time and Customization
If the order requires customization, ask about production time. If you need samples before placing a large order, ask about the cost and shipping time for samples.
5. Clarify Return and Refund Policy
Inquire about the supplier’s return and refund policies, especially if you’re placing a large order. You can also ask about warranties or product guarantees if applicable.
6. Be Concise but Clear
Keep your messages concise but ensure they are clear and direct. Avoid long paragraphs, and break your questions into bullet points or numbered lists to make it easier for the supplier to respond.
7. Check for Response Time
Suppliers usually respond quickly during business hours, but allow some time (up to 24 hours) for them to get back to you. If they don’t reply within a few days, send a polite follow-up message.
8. Use Google Translate if Needed
If the supplier doesn’t speak your language, you can use Google Translate or a similar tool to communicate, or ask if they speak English.
9. Negotiate (If Needed)
If you’re ordering in bulk, you can try to negotiate for a better price, free shipping, or other favorable terms. Be polite in your negotiation—don’t demand, but ask if there’s any flexibility in the price or terms.
10. Request Order Confirmation
Once you’re happy with the terms, request a confirmation before proceeding with the order. This ensures both parties are aligned on details like price, quantity, shipping method, and delivery time.
11. Final Checks Before Payment
Make sure to confirm everything one more time before proceeding with payment, including total cost, shipping details, and expected delivery date.
Example Final Confirmation Message:
“Thank you for your responses. I would like to confirm the following details before proceeding with the order: 1000 units of , price per unit [price], shipping method [shipping method], and delivery time [timeframe]. Please let me know if everything looks good on your end. Looking forward to your confirmation.”
By following these steps, you’ll establish a good communication channel with your AliExpress supplier, ensuring a smooth and successful transaction.
AliExpress Agent:
What is AliExpress Agent?
An AliExpress agent acts as a middleman between you and the sellers on the AliExpress platform. They can help you navigate the buying process and potentially save you time and money, but there are also some drawbacks to consider.
Here’s a breakdown of the potential benefits and drawbacks of using an AliExpress agent:
Why Do You Need AliExpress Agent?
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Finding Reliable Suppliers: Agents can help you find reputable sellers on AliExpress with a history of good customer service and quality products. This can be especially helpful if you’re not familiar with the platform or don’t speak Mandarin.
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Negotiation and Communication: Agents can handle communication and potentially negotiate better prices with sellers on your behalf. This can be particularly useful if you’re unfamiliar with Chinese business practices.
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Order Management: Some agents can handle order placement, payment processing, and communication with sellers throughout the process. This can simplify your buying experience.
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Quality Control (Optional): For larger orders, some agents offer quality control inspections before products are shipped from China, potentially reducing the risk of receiving defective items.
Overall, AliExpress can be a great way to find deals on a wide variety of products. However, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks involved and to take steps to protect yourself. By following the tips above, you can minimize your risk of getting scammed or receiving poor-quality products.
If you need a AliExpress agent, please contact with us here.
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Well…as long as purchase something cheap and simple – it is OK. I bought HUAWEI MatePad Paper 10.3 inch Ink Screen, $570.00 . Paid express DHL, needed to send 2 email send to the seller to finally ship it out . So , they shipped USED item, not sealed box, protected with password, with set Chinese language. Locked device, totally worthless. Seller denied get it back. Case opened with Alixepress – DENIED, they protect scam seller, not buyer. Case opened with with paypal – AliPay finally agreed to refund if…I ship it back at my cost. Paid $130 for the UPS out of my pocket. Still waiting for refund, not sure if ever get my money back. So, this is the way how AliExpress works – ZERO protection for buyers. So, keep in mind that once buying electronics, some sellers are just scammers and you may just lost your money.
thank you for sharing the useful information.
Aliexpress very bad platform. I buy phone and I didn’t get it. In this situation nobody helps me, just loose my money. Don’t risk with this bad shopping