AliExpress is one of the world’s largest online marketplaces, with millions of low-cost products. But many people still ask: Is it safe, and can you trust it?
AliExpress is popular with people who like finding good deals and with online sellers. It has lots of products and low prices, which makes it a favorite around the world.
In this guide, we’ll answer the question “Is AliExpress legit?” We’ll cover the potential risks and share tips on how to shop smart. Plus, we’ll help entrepreneurs decide whether AliExpress is a good choice for dropshipping or if a reliable POD platform, like Podbase, might be a better option.
Let’s get started!
What Is AliExpress and How Does It Work?
Before answering whether AliExpress is legit, let’s first look at what it is. AliExpress is an online shopping website owned by Alibaba Group, one of the biggest ecommerce companies in China.
AliExpress doesn’t sell products itself. Instead, it connects buyers with sellers from all over the world. This helps people find lower prices than they might see in local stores.
AliExpress is different from regular stores. It doesn’t sell items itself. Instead, it connects buyers with sellers from around the world. This makes it easier to find lower prices than in local stores.
The platform has some features that make it popular around the world. You can shop for millions of items, like electronics, clothes, home goods, and more.
Many of these products come straight from the factory, which keeps prices low. But because they often ship from far away, delivery can take a long time
Additionally, these products come directly from manufacturers, which helps explain the low prices. But, this affordability often comes with long shipping times.
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Why Is AliExpress So Cheap?
If the low prices have you questioning whether AliExpress is legit, there’s a simple reason. One major reason is that many products are made in China, where it costs less to make things and pay workers.
AliExpress also follows a direct-to-consumer model. This means products often come straight from the makers, so there are no middlemen or extra distribution costs.
Many sellers make products in large amounts without fancy brand names. They save money by skipping expensive packaging, ads, and marketing. This helps keep prices low and still make money fast.
The trade-off? Affordability doesn’t always mean high quality. Some items may feel less durable or arrive looking a bit different from what was expected. That’s why it’s important to balance low prices with realistic expectations.
Is AliExpress Legitimate and Safe to Use?
Now that we’ve discussed how AliExpress keeps prices low, let’s answer the big question: Is AliExpress legitimate? In short, yes, AliExpress is a real website that many people trust
AliExpress is one of the biggest online shopping sites, with millions of active buyers around the world. But just because it’s real doesn’t mean it’s always risk-free.
Since AliExpress works with many different sellers, your order’s safety depends mostly on the seller you choose.
AliExpress Buyer Protection
One reason people worry about AliExpress is whether their orders will arrive safely. Luckily, AliExpress has a Buyer Protection program. This helps customers feel safer when they buy something.
The program protects buyers if something goes wrong with an order. It covers common problems like missing packages, broken items, or getting something that’s not what you ordered. This way, you don’t have to keep a product that isn’t right.
If your order doesn’t arrive or arrives in poor condition, you can request a refund. AliExpress usually processes claims within 15 to 60 days. This offers extra peace of mind during the buying process.
AliExpress uses an escrow system to protect your payment. Funds are held until you confirm the order arrived in good condition. This keeps your card details safe and ensures sellers only get paid when you're satisfied.
AliPay and Payment Security
Another important part of answering the question, Is AliExpress safe? is understanding how payments work. AliExpress uses its own payment system, AliPay, which works like PayPal. It keeps your payment information safe by using strong encryption to protect your data.
AliPay keeps your payment details private, so sellers never see them. The money is held safely until you say your order arrived. This helps lower the chance of scams and keeps both buyers and sellers safe.
But this protection only works if you pay through the AliExpress website. Don’t send money by bank transfer, wire payment, or make deals outside the site. If you do, you won’t be protected if something goes wrong.
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Common Risks and Scams on AliExpress
Even with Buyer Protection and AliPay, some people still ask if AliExpress is safe. They often ask, is Aliexpress a legit website? The site is real and trusted by many, but there are still some risks.
The history of phishing dates back to the early days of the internet. Today, phishing has evolved into highly sophisticated scams, with the practice constantly increasing. The graph below shows an 85% increase in unique domains reported for phishing:
To stay safe, you should know about common scams and problems.
Misleading Listings
Some sellers on AliExpress use confusing words or unclear photos to make products look better than they really are. This can make people wonder, Can you trust Aliexpress?
One common trick is called price-switching. A seller might show digital products pictures of something expensive. For example, they will show an expensive phone or laptop, but the product is actually something cheaper. In fact, the actual product might just be the phone cases and laptop cases.
Scams like this can trick buyers who don’t read the details closely. Always read the product description, check what’s included, and look at the item’s features before you buy. Also, read customer reviews and compare them to the photos to see if anything looks off.
Counterfeit Products
AliExpress has been called out for selling fake brand-name items. These have been accused of selling things like designer clothes or electronics.
That’s why buying brand-name products on AliExpress can be risky. Fake items are usually lower quality and could even be unsafe
To reduce the risk and be safe, it’s better to buy unbranded items or from trusted sellers. Always read customer reviews, look at product photos, and check seller ratings before buying. You can also look for the “Guaranteed Genuine” badge, which shows the item has passed a check for being real.
Brushing Scams
Another problem on AliExpress is something called a "brushing scam." In this scam, some sellers create fake orders and write fake positive reviews to make their store look better.
These reviews can make a product seem more popular and trusted than it really is. But since the reviews are fake, they don’t show what real customers think. This makes it harder to know if the product is actually good.
Payment Fraud
Payment scams are another risk that makes shoppers wonder if AliExpress is legit. Most sellers follow the rules. However, some try to bypass AliExpress by asking buyers for direct payments.
Some sellers ask for direct payments like wire transfers or PayPal outside AliExpress, often promising discounts. But if you pay this way, you lose Buyer Protection.
The safest choice is to use AliPay or a credit card on AliExpress to keep your money secure and get protection if problems happen.
How to Shop Safely on AliExpress
Understanding the platform is only half the story. Safe shopping requires a bit of preparation.
Here are some simple tips to help you avoid scams and shop with confidence.
7 Safety Tips Before Buying
Avoid Branded Products
Counterfeits are common on AliExpress. To stay safe, stick with unbranded or generic items instead.
Match Photos with Descriptions
Carefully compare product images with the written description. Some sellers use misleading photos, so make sure they align.
Check Reviews and Seller Ratings
Look at customer reviews and seller ratings. Verified buyers often share real photos and honest feedback.
Start with a Small Order
Place a small test order before buying in bulk. This lets you check quality and reliability without taking big risks.
Choose Trackable Shipping
Always pick sellers who offer tracking numbers. This allows you to follow your package and confirm delivery.
Keep a Record of Everything
Save screenshots of product listings and any messages with the seller. This can help if you need to open a dispute later.
Use Secure Payment Methods
Stick to AliPay or credit cards when paying. Avoid wire transfers or payments outside the platform, as they aren’t protected.
For entrepreneurs, the question around AliExpress isn't just about safety — it’s about whether the platform can support a sustainable dropshipping business.
Dropshipping lets you test many products without keeping inventory. Low costs can boost profits and help you adapt fast. But AliExpress dropshipping has risks, including long shipping times, variable quality, and time-consuming refunds.
Because of this, many sellers look for safer options.. For example, reliable POD platforms like Podbase offer print-on-demand solutions with faster shipping, better quality control, and customizable branding.
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- 25 Profitable Dropshipping Business Ideas You Can Start in 2025
- Dropshipping Statistics 2025: Key Trends & Industry Insights
Final Verdict – Is AliExpress Legit in 2025?
AliExpress remains a legitimate marketplace, with millions of people shopping there safely every year. It’s a solid option for affordable, unbranded items, and it allows you to test products before committing to larger purchases.
AliExpress isn’t the best for expensive or branded items because of fakes, delays, and seller problems. It’s better to keep your expectations realistic. For business owners, building your own brand is smarter than depending only on AliExpress suppliers.
Platforms like Podbase can help you do that, offering better control over product quality, shipping times, and customer experience.
Saulius Meilutis is the CEO of Podbase, helping creators and entrepreneurs monetize their ideas with print-on-demand. He shares insights on eCommerce, growth, and building lean online businesses.
