Yes, Aliexpress is a legitimate business. It is a Chinese online retail service owned by the Alibaba Group. It has been in operation since 2010 and has become one of the world’s largest online retailers. It offers a wide variety of products ranging from electronics and clothing to jewelry and home décor.
Aliexpress was launched in 2010. It is an online marketplace based in China. This means that the company itself (AliExpress) does not have products for sale; rather it is simply a platform where independent Sellers go to connect to Buyers.
AliEXpress is owned by Alibaba – the multinational conglomerate that is the world’s fourth internet Company in terms of revenue.
Aliexpress started off as a B2B (Business to Business) marketplace; but as it grew, it expanded and included B2C (Business to Consumer), C2C (Consumer To Consumer), and other services. Thus, you’ll find that the Sellers in the platform include both businesses and individuals.
However, AliExpress only accepts sellers located in China, and select locations (like Singapore). Thus, except you live in China, you cannot list products for sale on AliExpress. However, it is aimed at the international market.
Thus, you’ll be able to buy from AliExpress from virtually every part of the world. As such AliExpress is available in a number of international languages, which include English, French, Spanish, Dutch, German, Italian, Polish, Russian, and Portuguese.
AliExpress operate like a customer-focused online marketplace. It receives payment for purchases and later makes it available to the Seller after removing their commission. It does this after the Buyer has confirmed receiving the item and that it is satisfactory, or after the Buyer protection period has expired.
AliExpress is an online marketplace that sells products by Sellers mainly in China to the world. The big question in this AliExpress review is whether it is worthwhile to buy in AliExpress.
For example, does it have the product range to be the go-to destination for whatever you want? What about the quality of items; will items bought in AliExpress be found to be authentic and high-quality products? Also, do these items come at low and reasonable prices?
Also, does AliExpress offer top service that we’ll expect of the ideal online shopping destination (such as easy ordering, fast delivery, easy returns, effective customer service, etc)? In the first place, is AliExpress legit, or just another scam platform?
Yes, AliExpress is legit. It is not a scam because it has been online for so long and it is one of the most reputable websites online. It is the same ownership as the popular Alibaba. Read on to know why we said it is legitimate.
This AliExpress review will examine AliExpress in order to provide the information that will help you answer these questions and more.
AliExpress review at a glance
- Website: aliexpress.com
- Owned by the Alibaba Group; and launched in 2010
- Online marketplace allows Chinese Sellers to reach customers all over the world with their products
- Holds a wide range of products (virtually everything, from clothing to household items and more)
- Ships products worldwide (with free shipping or relatively low charges)
- Has a Buyer Protection that guarantees to receive your order, and the item matching its description
- 24/ 7 Customer Support is available via Chat
Is AliExpress legit?
The big question is whether AliEXpress is legit. With so many cyber fraudsters, this is one question that need be asked if one does not want to be ripped off.
The short answer to whether AliExpress is legit is: Yes, it is. The longer answer is that AliEXpress is backed by a 100% legal company, it has industry-wide recognition, and it has a rich history full of many happy buyers.
The first check of a legit e-commerce platform is legality. This is because platforms that are 100% legal are less likely to be scams. Thankfully, AliEXpress tick the legality box. AliEXpress is a subsidiary of Alibaba which is a multinational conglomerate holding company that is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Suffice it to say that a scam e-commerce platform cannot spin-off from such a conglomerate.
Another check of a legit eCommerce platform is visibility and industry-wide recognition. This is because the scam stores operate largely in the shadows. Thankfully, AliExpress ticks the visibility box.
Given the robustness of its parent (Alibaba), AliExpress came onto the scenes with a force, and has since gone on to be a favourite eCommerce website in many countries of the world; even drawing comparisons with the likes of eBay and Amazon. Suffice it to say that a scam platform cannot earn such recognition.
Another check of a legit eCommerce platform is the test of time. This is because, with time scam activities are exposed; and with such exposure, the scam platforms wilt and die off. However, starting in 2010, in its 9+ years, AliExpress has gone the opposite way to continually grow.
However, the ultimate check of a legit eCommerce platform is fitness for purpose. This will mean that when buyers place orders, they get delivered real and functional products. Thankfully, AliExpress ticks this box. The platform has strong policies that protect buyers (ensuring that orders are delivered and that the products match their description). Obviously, these policies are largely successful, as there is a long list of happy and satisfied customers.
Is AliExpress Safe?
Yes, AliExpress is safe. To use AliExpress (as a buyer), you’ll be submitting personal information (such as contact details) and payment instrument detail (such as credit card data). If this data falls into the wrong hands, you may be defrauded or worse.
Thus, the ideal eCommerce platform should be safe in safeguarding the sensitive information that users share with it.
In this regard, AliExpress says that it employs commercially reasonable security methods to ensure the protection of users’ data. One such security measure used by AliExpress is SSL (Secure Sockets Layer). This is the industry’s standard for ensuring a protected link between a buyer’s device and a seller’ web server.
SSL also encrypts data using high-level protocols; so unauthorized persons cannot read it. With the use of SSL among other measures, it is safe to say that AliExpress is safe in ensuring the protection of buyers’ sensitive data.
AliExpress Complaints
It is simply not possible for an online platform to be complaints-free. This is especially so for an online marketplace. As has been shown, AliExpress is itself a legit and safe marketplace. However, since it admits independent Sellers, the legitimacy of these Sellers is another thing entirely.
However, looking at the independent customers’ review platforms for what customers have to say. We found that Sellers in AliExpress are largely legit, who not only ship real and authentic items but are concerned about the kind of reviews that their customers leave about them.
However, being a marketplace, you won’t find all the sellers to be saints. In fact, there are a few bad eggs.
Thus, on some of the online review platforms, you’ll find people complaining that they were scammed in AliExpress. AliExpress itself has sections that discuss fraud cases and how to avoid fraud.
So like every marketplace, you should be discerning enough to tell the difference between a scam and a legit Seller. One way is the pricing. As we’ll find, AliExpress offers relatively low prices, but when prices are too good to be true, it probably is. Also, there are Seller’s feedbacks on each product page that you can check.
The Sellers have no authority over these, so you’ll know what customers that have dealt with particular sellers have to say. Often something that rings true when Buyers complain about being scammed in AliExpress is that they (the buyers) did not escalate to AliExpress before their buyer protection runs out.
Using AliExpress
To use AliExpress, to even view products on the site, you’ll have to register by nominating an email address and a password. You’ll need a correct email address, as you’ll be sent a verification message. When you get to the website, you’ll find it to be user-friendly. You can find products by going through the product categories.
However, with so many products, it may be overwhelming. Alternatively, there is a “Search” button, which you can use to fast-track your search; simply type a keyword into the Search button, and it will bring out products related to your search enquiry.
Clicking on a product will take you to its description page; where you’ll find every detail to help your buy decision. The description page also gives you more images (including close-ups) as well as the item’s shipping information.
One important feature of AliExpress is that for each product, you can view how many units have been sold. This can serve as a good metric for gauging the popularity of the product. Even better, for each product, you can view ratings and reviews left by other customers. These tell you exactly how previous buyers feel about the particular product.
If you like what you see, you can simply click “Add to Cart” if you like to buy other items. Or you can buy the item by clicking the “Buy Now” button. You’ll then be taken to a page where you can: add your shipping information, check the order details to confirm your order and select your payment method to make payment.
You can check a box, so your payment detail is saved so that in subsequent purchases you won’t have to re-enter them. To complete the order, you can then hit “confirm and pay”. That said; placing an order in AliExpress is fairly easy.
Products
Product Range
Shoppers gravitate towards stores that offer a wide product range. It’s more convenient than visiting many multiple stores, and there could be cost savings from bulk order purchases and from shipping one order instead of paying to ship multiple orders from multiple stores.
In this regard, AliExpress more than ticks the box. You’ll find virtually anything in the online marketplace. When shopping in AliExpress, you’ll find over 100 million products, arranged under the following product categories (and product sections).
Women’s Clothing:
Women’s Clothing – Dresses, Blouses & Shirts, Hoodies & Sweatshirts, Sweaters, Jackets & Coats, Bottoms, Rompers, Tops & Tees, Jumpsuits, Bodysuits, Suits & Sets
Men’s Clothing:
Men’s Clothing – Hoodies & Sweatshirts, Tops & Tees, Jackets & Coats, Pants, Shirts, Jeans, Sweaters, Suits & Blazers, Casual Shorts, Men’s Sets, Board Shorts
Phones & Accessories:
Phones & Accessories – Cellphones, iPhones, Feature Phones, Refurbished Phones, Mobile Phone Accessories, Mobile Phone Parts, Phone Bags & Cases, Communication Equipments, Walkie Talkie, Walkie Talkie Parts & Accessories
Computers:
Computer – Office Electronics, Computer Components, Computer Peripherals, Internal Storage, External Storage, Networking, Laptops, Gaming Laptops, Laptop Parts, Laptop Accessories, Tablets, Tablet Accessories, Tablet Parts, Mini PC, Desktops, Demo Board & Accessories, Computer Cables & Connectors, Servers, Industrial Computer & Accessories, Computer Cleaners, and Office Software.
Others Products:
- Office Supplies – Notebooks & Writing Pads, Pens, Pencils & Writing Supplies, Labels, Indexes & Stamps, Stationery Stickers, Tapes, Adhesives & Fasteners, Filing Products, Painting Supplies, Mail & Shipping Supplies, Books, School & Educational Supplies, Office Binding Supplies, Desk Accessories & Organizer, Calendars, Planners & Cards, Cutting Supplies, Presentation Boards, and Paper)
- Security and Protection – Video Surveillance, Security Alarm, Access Control, Workplace Safety Supplies, Door Intercom, Self Defense Supplies, Smart Card System, Building Automation, Fire Protection, Emergency Kits, Roadway Safety, Safes, Lightning Protection, Transmission & Cables, Security Inspection Device, IoT Devices, and Public Broadcasting
- Consumer Electronics – Camera & Photo, Portable Audio & Video, Home Audio & Video, Smart Electronics, Accessories & Parts, Electronic Cigarettes, Video Games, Earphones & Headphones, Wearable Devices, VR/AR Devices, Sports & Action Video Cameras, 360° Video Cameras & Accessories, Home Electronic Accessories, Speakers, Robot, HIFI Devices, Live Equipment, and Power Source
- Jewelry & Watches – Jewelry (Fine Jewelry, Necklaces & Pendants, Earrings, Rings, Bracelets & Bangles, Jewelry Sets & More, Beads & Jewelry Making, Wedding & Engagement Jewelry); Watches (Men’s Watches, Women’s Watches, Lover’s Watches, Children’s Watches, Pocket & Fob Watches, Watch Accessories, and Women’s Bracelet Watches)
- Home & Garden, Appliance – Kitchen, Dining & Bar, Home Décor, Home Textile, Arts, Crafts & Sewing, Festive & Party Supplies, Home Storage & Organization, Bathroom Products, Household Cleaning, Pet Products, Garden Supplies, Household Merchandises
- Appliance – Kitchen Appliances, Household Appliances, Personal Care Appliances, Major Appliances, Commercial Appliances, Home Appliance Parts
- Bags – Women’s Bags (Stylish Backpacks, Totes, Shoulder Bags, Evening Bags, Clutches, etc), Men’s Bags (Crossbody Bags, Briefcases, etc), Backpacks, Wallets, Kids & Baby’s Bags, Luggage & Travel Bags, Functional Bags, Coin Purses & Holders, Bag Parts & Accessories
- Shoes – Women’s Shoes, Women’s Boots, Men’s Shoes, Men’s Casual Shoes, Women’s Pumps, Women’s Flats, Women’s Vulcanize Shoes, Men’s Boots, Men’s Vulcanize Shoes, Shoe Accessories
- Toys, Kids & Baby – Toys (Dolls & Stuffed Toys, Remote Control Toys, Classic Toys, Learning & Education, Outdoor Fun & Sports, Action & Toy Figures, Model Building, Diecasts & Toy Vehicles, Baby & Toddler Toys, Electronic Toys, Puzzles & Games, Novelty & Gag Toys, Stress Relief Toy, Building & Construction Toys, Kid’s Party, Hobby & Collectibles, High Tech Toys, Arts & Crafts, DIY toys, Stuffed Animals & Plush, Popular Toys, Pretend Play, and Pools & Water Fun); Kids & Baby (Girls’ Baby Clothing, Boys’ Baby Clothing, Girls’ Clothing, Boys’ Clothing, Baby Shoes, Children’s Shoes, Baby Care, Activity & Gear, Safety Equipment, Baby Bedding, Feeding, Matching Family Outfits, Toilet Training, Pregnancy & Maternity, Baby Souvenirs, Baby Furniture, Baby Food, and Nappy Changing)
- Sports & Outdoors – Sports Clothing, Sneakers, Cycling, Fishing, Camping & Hiking, Swimming, Musical Instruments, Hunting, Fitness & Body Building, Water Sports, Team Sports, Racquet Sports, Golf, Running, Shooting, Skiing & Snowboarding, Sports Accessories, Roller Skates, Skateboards & Scooters, Horse Racing, Bowling, Entertainment, Other Sports & Entertainment, and Sports Bags
- Beauty & Health, Hair – Beauty and Health Products (Nails Art & Tools, Makeup, Health Care, Skin Care, Hair Care & Styling, Shaving & Hair Removal, Sex Products, Beauty Essentials, Tattoo & Body Art, Bath & Shower, Fragrances & Deodorants, Oral Hygiene, Sanitary Paper, Tools & Accessories, Men’s Grooming, Skin Care Tools, and Beauty Equipment); Hair Extension and Wigs (Human Hair Weaves, Lace Wigs, Hair Extensions, Salon Hair Supply Chain, Synthetic Wigs, Hair Braids, Synthetic Extensions, Hair Pieces, Tools & Accessories)
- Automobiles & Motorcycles – Car Lights, Auto Replacement Parts, Car Electronics, Interior Accessories, Car Repair Tools, Motorcycle Accessories & Parts, Exterior Accessories, Car Wash & Maintenance, ATV/RV/ Boat & Other Vehicle, and Travel & Roadway Product
- Home Improvement, Tools – Home Improvement (Lights & Lighting, Home Appliances, Bathroom Fixtures, Kitchen Fixtures, Hardware, Electrical Equipments & Supplies, Building Supplies, Painting Supplies & Wall Treatments, Plumbing, Family Intelligence System); Tools (Measurement & Analysis Instruments, Power Tools, Hand Tools, Machine Tools & Accessories, Tool Sets, Welding Equipment, Welding & Soldering Supplies, Woodworking Machinery & Parts, Tool Parts, Garden Tools, Hand & Power Tool Accessories, Abrasive Tools, Tool Organizers, Construction Tools, Riveter Guns, Lifting Tools & Accessories, and Abrasives)
Product Quality
More than having a wide product range, the legit shopping destination should hold high-quality items so that whatever you buy from it will not be found wanting.
The best gauge of the quality on offer in a shopping destination is to look at what actual persons that have bought there are saying about it.
In this regard, we found that AliExpress is highly rated on the independent customers’ review platforms (like Trustpilot.com and Sitejabber.com). For example, at the time of writing this, AliExpress had a rating of 4.6/ 5 in Trustpilot (rated by 85,529 reviewers), and a rating of 3.8/ 5 in Sitejabber (rated by 5,899 reviewers). In the bulk of the reviews, customers expressed satisfaction with the quality (especially functionality) of the item they bought through AliExpress. For example:
- Colins S in Trustpilot says “Great tracker and bands! I can’t believe how much it tracks, how well it works and how easy it is to use. Opens a lot opportunities to talk about being active and fitness with my son”
- Info I in Trustpilot says “True to size… Awesome colour and great service. Thanks”
- Paul Kroon in Trustpilot says “I give this store a 5 star! Though not the cheapest, the service is excellent. Very fast delivery. Good quality products…”
- Avraham a C in Sitejabber says “Very good quality for the price. Is exactly like in the pictures. Right size. Very quick shipping. Very satisfied”
Pricing and Related Policies
Pricing
Customers want the best deals possible. Sentiments apart; why will you buy something in a place when the total cost of acquiring it from somewhere else is lower? In this regard, AliExpress ticks the box. In fact, back in the day, we were hesitant to make purchases in AliExpress because of the saying that “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is”.
Items listed in AliExpress are priced relative lower than you’ll find in almost all the competing e-commerce platforms or online stores. For example, at the time of writing this review; after registering to enter the website, and being greeted by the “welcome to the AliExpress family” line, we found the landing page of the website to be very tantalizing. A section had “Shop US $0.01 items” listing items that ranged from tech to fashion accessories.
One of the reasons that items in AliEXpress are so cheap is that many of the Sellers in the platform manufacturers. As you know, manufacturer-direct prices are lower because the markups of middlemen are eliminated.
Promotions
Another important consideration when making purchases is promotions. With promotional offers, you’ll be able to get items for less than the items’ listed prices. Thankfully, AliExpress is one eCommerce platform where there are no shortages of promotional offers. For example, at the time of writing this review, there was a welcome bonus that rewarded new shoppers with a $3.00 coupon.
Payment Methods
When making an online purchase you’ll want every process to be hassle-free, including the payment process. Thus, you’ll want a choice of convenient payment methods. AliExpress ticks the box in this regards as it supports a range of payment methods.
However, being a marketplace, the independent Sellers choose what payment method to offer (from the buckets of methods that AliExpress supports). Thus, you’ll find that you can use Credit/ Debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, etc), PayPal, Western Union, and more.
Shipping
Every online purchase has o be shipped from the Seller’s fulfilment centre to the buyer’s shipping address. Thus, shipping is an important consideration. You’ll want to consider whether the Seller ships to your location; how long it will take to receive your order; and how much the shipping will cost.
Shipping Destination
So that receiving delivery of your order will not be overly difficult, you’ll want a Seller that ships directly to your location. AliExpress does relatively well in this regard. It is aimed at international buyers; so you’ll find that many Sellers on the platform ship worldwide. Thus, no matter where you are located, you’ll be able to buy from AliExpress.
Delivery Times
You’ll not want to wait endlessly for your order. Thus the ideal eCommerce platform should offer fast delivery. In this regard, AliExpress does not actually come out flying.
Being a marketplace, delivery times varies depending on the particular Seller, where the item is shipping to, and more. You’ll find delivery times on the description page of every item. Many Sellers also offer an expedited delivery option. However, with the items shipping all the way from China, you’ll find that delivery times are relatively long. For example, the AliExpress Standard Shipping takes 15 – 40 business days.
However, AliExpress is a platform where you are sure to receive your order or get your money back. AliExpress has 2-part buyer protection; the first part guarantees that if your item is not received you’ll get a full refund. Products are guaranteed to be received in 60 days (albeit 90 days for Russian Orders, and 120 days for Brazilian Orders). If you do not get your order within the Buyer protection time, you’ll get back your money.
Shipping cost
The total acquisition cost, for any online purchase, is made up of shipping cost and the item’s purchase price. Thus, with the high shipping costs, even an item that is acceptably priced can easily become too expensive to acquire. Thus, the ideal eCommerce platform should offer shipping costs that are as low as possible.
AliExpress does very well in this regard. It must be remembered that it is the independent Sellers on the platform that are shipping the items. However, taking advantage of low shipping costs from China, many are able to offer free shipping, and when fees are involved, these are relatively low.
In a not distant past, almost everything shipped free using Ordinary shipment methods (with no tracking). However, some fraudulent customers will go on to open a dispute for no-delivery and get refunded even when they did get the item. Ordinary Shipment methods quickly became undesirable for many Sellers.
Thus, Sellers prefer certified Shipment methods (like Registered Mail) that offer to track. This came at a cost. That is, there became fewer free shipping offers. However, you’ll still find many Sellers offering free Shipping in AliExpress; and where shipping costs are involved these are relatively very low.
With international orders, customs charges are involved. However, most Sellers help customers get around these by shipping items as gifts. But where you choose expedited shipping using private courier services, not only will you find steeper shipping charges, but you’ll face these extra charges (import duties).
Returns
Sometimes customers are not satisfied when they receive their order. Instead of keeping unwanted items, they’ll want the opportunity to return them to the retailer and get a replacement or a refund. Thus, shopping platforms that allow returns are appealing.
In this regard, it should be remembered that AliExpress is but a marketplace. As every product listed in AliExpress is owned by independent Sellers and not the platform, the Sellers themselves are responsible for return policies. However, many sellers do have return policies. Also, remember AliExpress’ Buyer protection; the second part of the “Buyer Protection” ensures that you won’t lose your money if the item received does not match its description.
It should be stated that to be protected, you’ll have to submit your refund request before your buyer protection has ended. The protection period starts counting once you submit your order. If in doubt as to how many days remain; open the “My Order” page to view how many days you have left.
It should also be said that buyer protection ensures that the item received “match its description”. This means that you cannot return a product and get refunded simply because you do not like it. It’ll have to be shown to be damaged or not match its description.
If you receive your order and it is not matching its description, you’ll have to first contact the Seller and open a dispute. Doing so is easy; simply go to My Order Page, and hit the “Contact Seller” button. If the seller does not respond within 5 days, AliExpress will process your refund. If the Seller responds and a resolution is agreed, there’ll be no need for AliExpress to step in.
However, if a resolution is not reached; you can invite AliExpress in by clicking “Escalate Dispute” on the My Order page. The case will be reviewed by the Customer Team of AliExpress; and if you have a claim, you’ll surely get refunded. The good news is that AliExpress has, more often than not, shown a bias toward buyers.
Customer Support
There’ll be customers who will have issues with their orders, while others will simply have questions. Thus, the ideal eCommerce platform should have an effective customer support service for handling the questions/ complaints of customers.
In this regard, there is no doubt that AliExpress ticks the box. First, there’s the self-help channel. If you just need answers, you’ll find a lot of articles answering many questions that customers have asked in the past.
To aid navigation, you’ll find these arranged in subjects like My Order, My Account, Coupons & Promotions, Returns & Refunds, and Payments. As mentioned earlier, if you have an issue with an order, you’ll have to contact the Seller directly; and this can be done from the “My Order” page.
You can also contact a customer care agent of AliExpress. If it’s relating to an order (when a resolution could not be reached with the Seller), you can escalate to AliExpress using the “Escalate Dispute” button from the My Order page.
For generic issues, AliExpress supports the Chat feature. You’ll find the “Chat Now” button on the website; upon clicking it, you’ll be directed to choose a “customer support” subject, after which you’ll be connected to an agent. This support service is available round the clock (24/ 7).
Sites Similar to AliExpress:
- Amazon.com
- Poshmark
- GearBest
Pros
- A marketplace where you can buy and sell
- You can find a wide range of products that include clothing, household items, electronics, and more
- When shopping, you’ll find important information (units sold, and customers’ reviews/ ratings) to gauge an item’s popularity and quality
- The prices of listed items are some of the lowest you’ll find
- You’ll find convenient payment methods, especially the cards and PayPal
- Have strong buyer protection that ensures that you’ll be refunded if your order does not arrive or the item does not match its description
- Free shipping is available, and when not available shipping costs are relatively low
- Customer support is available 24/7 via Chat
Cons
- Accepts sellers from only China
- Delivery times are relatively longer as items ship from China
Conclusion
AliEXpress is Alibaba’s answer to online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay. Operated by the multi-billion online conglomerate, AliExpress provides the platform for Chinese businesses and individuals to offer their products to the rest of the world.
As a buyer, you’ll find a wide range of products, from clothing to fashion accessories, household items to outdoor gear, and more. Also, AliExpress receives payment for purchases and releases it to Sellers only when buyers confirm delivery and are satisfied with the delivery.
Thus, you’ll find that the Sellers are largely legit, and sell real and authentic items. You can use the platform no matter where you are located, and shipping costs are either free or relatively low.
However, like every marketplace, AliExpress is not completely immune to the bad eggs. Thus, you should be discerning to know the scam from the legit sellers. In any case, there is the AliExpress Buyer Protection which guarantees that if you do not get your product or if it isn’t as described, you’ll get a full refund.
