Dropship With AliExpress: The Lazy Way to Build a 6-Figure Store

Dropshipping with AliExpress is one of the easiest and most profitable ways to start an online business from anywhere in the world. When you choose to dropship with AliExpress, you don’t need to buy or store any products yourself. Instead, you set up an online store, list items from AliExpress, and wait for customers to place orders. Once someone buys a product, you purchase it directly from a supplier on AliExpress, who then ships it straight to your customer’s door. This means you can run your business without worrying about inventory, packaging, or shipping.

In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know to successfully dropship with AliExpress, from setting up your store to finding the right products and suppliers.

How Does AliExpress Dropshipping Work?

Dropshipping with AliExpress is a simple process that anyone can start with just a little investment. Here’s how it works, step by step:

1. Pick a Niche or Product:

First, decide what kind of products you want to sell. This could be anything from phone accessories to kitchen gadgets. It's best to focus on a specific niche so you can attract the right customers.

2. Set Up Your Online Store:

Create your store using platforms like Shopify, Amazon, eBay, or WooCommerce. Add the products you found on AliExpress to your store with pictures, descriptions, and prices.

3. Get an Order from a Customer:

When someone visits your store and places an order, you get paid the retail price that you set.

4. Order the Product from AliExpress:

After getting the order, you go to AliExpress and buy the same product from a supplier. Instead of entering your address, you enter your customer’s shipping details.

5. AliExpress Ships the Product:

The AliExpress supplier takes care of packaging and shipping. They send the product directly to your customer.

This way, you don’t need to keep any stock, rent storage space, or handle shipping yourself. You can manage the entire business from your laptop, from anywhere in the world.

Where Can You Sell Dropshipped Products?

You can sell dropshipped products on almost any e-commerce platform that supports the dropshipping model. The best platform for you depends on your budget, how much time you can spend on the business, and your long-term goals. Here are some popular options:

• Amazon: Amazon is one of the largest online marketplaces in the world, with millions of active shoppers. It’s a great place to reach a wide audience. However, Amazon has very strict rules for dropshipping. You must make sure that your name or business is listed on all product invoices and packaging. Also, you are responsible for handling all customer service and returns. If you don’t follow these rules, your account could be suspended.

• Shopify: Shopify is perfect for people who want to build their own brand. It lets you create a custom online store where you can design everything your way. You can set your own rules, build strong relationships with your customers, and have full control over how your business runs. Shopify also has many apps and tools that make dropshipping easier.

• BigCommerce: BigCommerce is another platform similar to Shopify, but it’s often better for larger or fast-growing stores. It supports many dropshipping apps and tools and is designed to handle more advanced needs. If you're planning to scale your business quickly, BigCommerce might be a good fit.

These platforms give you the tools you need to run a successful dropshipping business. Choosing the right one depends on what kind of store you want and how involved you want to be.

Step-by-Step: How to Dropship With AliExpress?

• Find a Winning Product: Use tools like AMZScout's Product database or Google Trends to pick trendy, more in-demand, and less competitive products. Those which has high sales potential and good customer reviews.

• Choose a Supplier on AliExpress: Go through all the suppliers that have listed the product you are looking for. Compare their prices and product reviews from the customer feedback section. Avoid suppliers that sell directly on Amazon, as it would be very difficult to compete with their prices. Also, must try the supplier's product at least once, so you know what you are offering to your customer.

• Negotiate with Suppliers: Talk to suppliers about bulk discounts, custom packaging, and delivery duration. Many suppliers offer ePacket shipping, which offers lower cost and fast delivery times, typically within 14 days. Make sure they process orders quickly within 1–2 days to avoid long delays.

• Create Product Listings: Use quality images, photograph images personally, use AI, or hire a photographer for higher resolution and accurate descriptions. On platforms like Amazon, you may join existing listings. On Shopify and BigCommerce, you'll need to create listings of the items you are selling. Make sure your listings are clear, engaging, and only the right information is fed.

• Manage Orders and Customer Service: Once an order is placed on your store, place it on AliExpress with the customer's details. Though the supplier handles invoices, packaging, and shopping, you make sure everything goes smoothly. Always track orders and keep your customers updated about shipping progress. Respond to customer queries if it's about the product information, returns, or delayed shipments, and manage if needed.

Benefits of AliExpress Dropshipping

Dropshipping with AliExpress comes with many advantages, especially if you're just getting started. Here are some of the key benefits explained in simple terms:

1. No Upfront Inventory Cost: You don’t need to buy products in bulk or keep them in stock. You only pay for a product after a customer places an order in your store. This means you can start your business with very little money and no risk of buying items that don’t sell.

2. Huge Variety of Products: AliExpress has millions of products in almost every category you can think of, home decor, electronics, fashion, beauty, tools, and more. This gives you plenty of options to choose from and lets you test different products to see what sells best.

3. Low Wholesale Prices: Most products on AliExpress are sold at low prices because they come directly from manufacturers or wholesalers, mainly in China. This allows you to sell the items at a higher price in your store and keep a good profit margin. You can also score big discounts using AliExpress Coins to save even more on product costs and boost your earnings.

4. No Monthly Subscription Fees: AliExpress doesn’t charge any fees to browse or order products. You can access and use the platform for free. This makes it easier for new sellers to start dropshipping without worrying about extra monthly costs.

5. Buyer Protection: AliExpress offers a 90-day buyer protection guarantee, which means if something goes wrong with the order, like the item doesn’t arrive, or it’s not as described, you and your customer are covered. This helps build trust with your buyers and gives you peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

Dropshipping is a no-upfront investment business that is a convenient gateway to the e-commerce world with minimal risk. It's not a quick, fast money plan, but with consistent work, smart efforts, and strategic moves, it becomes a stabilized financial model. The key is to take rightful guidance, collect experts' advice, choose reliable suppliers, and always deliver the best customer service. Positive customer feedback is the main essence of any business.

FAQ's

Q. Is it legal to dropship with AliExpress?

Yes, dropshipping with AliExpress is completely legal. However, it's important to follow the rules of the platform you’re selling on (like Amazon or Shopify) and ensure you’re not selling copyrighted or restricted products.

Q. Do I need a business license to dropship with AliExpress?

In most cases, you can start dropshipping without a business license. But as your business grows, it's a good idea to register it officially, especially for tax and payment processing purposes.

Q. How long does shipping take from AliExpress?

Shipping times from AliExpress can vary. Standard shipping usually takes 2 to 4 weeks, but some suppliers offer faster shipping options like ePacket or AliExpress Premium Shipping.

Q. Can I customize the products or packaging from AliExpress?

Since AliExpress sellers handle the shipping, most products come with standard packaging and little room for customization. For branding options, you’d need to contact the supplier directly or switch to private-label dropshipping later.

Q. What should I do if a customer doesn't receive their order?

If a customer doesn’t get their order within the promised time, you can open a dispute on AliExpress. Most items are covered by buyer protection, so you or your customer can get a refund.