In our day and age, where everyone is constantly online, it can be a real headache to figure out which websites you can trust.

So many things look sleek and professional, but how do you know if they’re actually legitimate? Let’s take AliExpress for example.

AliExpress offers amazing deals on everything, but with such deep discounts, a common question pops up: is AliExpress legit?

What is AliExpress?

AliExpress is a major online retail service based in China and owned by Alibaba Group, one of the largest and most reputable e-commerce companies in the world.

It is a marketplace launched in 2010 and similar to Amazon, but instead of selling products itself, it connects international buyers with many small businesses that sell a wide variety of products in different categories from beauty and fashion to electronics and furniture at often lower prices.

AliExpress.com

Is AliExpress Legit?

When it comes to AliExpress itself, yes, it is a legitimate platform. However, because it functions like a marketplace with many independent sellers, the legitimacy of each purchase depends on the seller you select.

Customer experiences vary, with some loving the affordability and variety while others raise concerns about product quality and shipping times.

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Ultimately, your satisfaction depends on both the seller you choose and the specific products you purchase.

It’s also important to mention that AliExpress offers a strong Buyer Protection program to mitigate these concerns.

This program includes guarantees for on-time delivery, product quality, and a refund policy, allowing you to shop with more confidence knowing AliExpress has your back.

How Does AliExpress Work?

AliExpress operates on a marketplace model where various sellers list their products. Customers can buy items directly from these sellers, often benefiting from lower prices due to direct sourcing. The platform also supports dropshipping, a business model where sellers ship products directly from suppliers to customers without holding inventory.

Why is AliExpress So Cheap?

When you shop AliExpress you will notice that the prices are low. and maybe you wonder, what is the secret? Well, this affordability of products in short is related to several factors including:

  • Low-Cost Production: Many items are manufactured in China, where production costs are lower.
  • Direct from Manufacturers: Products often come directly from manufacturers, reducing middleman expenses.
  • Competitive Pricing: High competition among sellers drives prices down.

Is AliExpress Good Quality?

AliExpress offers incredible affordability, but with great prices can come quality questions. Are you curious about how to find reliable products on the platform?

Well, in terms of quality, It can vary widely. While some items are of excellent quality, others might not meet your expectations. That’s why it’s important to do your research, and here is how.

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Look for sellers with a history of positive reviews and check the product descriptions carefully. Also, don’t forget to check the ratings, and compare products before making a purchase. Be cautious of brand names that appear too good to be true; fakes are common.

Also, if you’re looking for fast shipping or guaranteed quality, AliExpress might not be the best choice. However, if you are willing to wait and do some digging, you can find some real bargains.

AliExpress Payment Methods

AliExpress provides various secure payment options, which vary depending on the location and the seller. You can see the available payment methods for a particular item by going to the checkout page, it includes:

  • Alipay
  • Credit and Debit Cards (Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, American Express, JCB, Diners Club, Discover, MIR, Hiper, ELO and TROY)
  • PayPal
  • Google Pay
  • WebMoney
  • Western Union
  • More options

These methods ensure that buyers’ financial information is protected during transactions.

How long does AliExpress take to ship?

The shipping times of AliExpress can vary depending on the shipping method you choose and your location, but here’s a general idea:

  • Ordinary shipments (no tracking): 20-60 days
  • Certified shipments (AliExpress Standard Shipping): 10-45 days
  • Private courier shipments (AliExpress Premium Shipping): 5-10 days

There’s also processing time to consider, which is the time it takes for the seller to prepare your order for shipment. This usually takes 1-5 days but can be longer for customized items.

How to chat with AliExpress customer service?

To contact AliExpress customer support, simply visit aliexpress.com and then scroll to the bottom of the page. After that under “Customer service” click “Help Center”. Scroll down again then click the 24/7 Live Chat for a quick reply.

AliExpress Mobile App

AliExpress offers a user-friendly app for Android and IOS, making it convenient for on-the-go shopping. Features include personalized recommendations, secure checkout, order tracking, and much more.

AliExpress Shopping Tips

Do your research

Before you hit that buy button, invest some time in researching the products and sellers. Read reviews from past shoppers that mention the quality of the product, how well it matches the description and photos, and real-world experiences with shipping times. Don’t just focus on the perfect five-star reviews. Pay attention to what people are complaining about to avoid similar pitfalls in your own purchase.

Use Coupon Codes

Use our verified AliExpress coupon codes to maximize your savings. You might save up to 90%.

Check Shipping Options and Costs

Many items on AliExpress offer free shipping, but this often comes with longer delivery times. If you need your items sooner, consider paying for faster shipping options.

Understand Import Duties and Taxes

Understand the import duties and taxes that apply to your country. After receiving your order, you might be required to pay extra fees according to your location.

Avoid Suspiciously Low Prices

While AliExpress offers great deals, be wary of items priced significantly lower than similar products. Extremely low prices can indicate counterfeit or poor-quality products.

Use Secure Payment Methods

Always use AliExpress’s secure payment methods to protect your financial information. Avoid direct payments to sellers.

Know What You’re Getting

It might be difficult to determine your size especially when buying clothing on AliExpress. Before you buy anything, always make sure to double-check the seller’s size chart. To guarantee a comfortable fit, choose one size bigger if you are in doubt. Also, Pictures of products can be misleading sometimes. To help you prevent disappointment, take the time to thoroughly read the description.

Be patient

Since AliExpress sellers are located all over the world, shipping times can vary significantly. Be ready to wait a few weeks or even months for your order to arrive. You can track your package on the AliExpress website or app to ease your anticipation.

Is AliExpress Legit Reviews?

Now, let’s see some online reviews and ratings.

Customer reviews for AliExpress are mixed. Positive feedback often highlights the affordability and variety of products, while common complaints include long shipping times and variable product quality. It’s essential to consider both aspects before making a purchase.

Read Also: Is DHgate Legit or a Scam? Read Before You Buy

Let’s start with the Reddit community to see what Reddit user’s Feedback about AliExpress.

Is AliExpress Legit Reddit?

Reddit users often discuss their experiences with AliExpress. Many share positive stories about great deals and satisfactory purchases, while others highlight issues like long shipping times and product discrepancies. It’s helpful to consider both positive and negative experiences to get a balanced view.

AliExpress Reddit users feedbacks

Now let’s take Scamadviser to check people’s ratings.

Is AliExpress Legit Scamadviser?

If you are not familiar with Scamadviser, it is a website that evaluates the trustworthiness of online platforms to see if it scam or legit.

So, in terms of AliExpress rates, it seems generally safe. However, it emphasizes the importance of caution, particularly when dealing with individual sellers who may vary in reliability.

AliExpress Scamadviser Rating

Is AliExpress Legit BBB?

AliExpress is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB). While this might raise concerns for some, it’s worth noting that many international companies are not BBB accredited due to its focus on U.S.-based businesses.

AliExpress Alternatives

While AliExpress is a popular choice for many shoppers, here are some of its alternatives.

Amazon

Amazon is the #1 e-commerce marketplace that provides a wide range of products. It offers often faster shipping times and better customer service compared to AliExpress. However, prices on Amazon can be higher due to the platform’s overhead costs and policies. But you are still able to get discounts on Amazon by using an Amazon promo code.

eBay

eBay is another popular option where you can find products from individual sellers worldwide. Like AliExpress, eBay offers competitive prices and a vast selection, but quality and reliability can vary depending on the seller.

Temu

Temu is a rising competitor to AliExpress, offering a similar range of products at competitive prices. It has gained popularity for its user-friendly interface and customer-centric policies.

Is AliExpress Like Temu?

Both AliExpress and Temu are Chinese online retailers that offer plenty of products at competitive prices. However, AliExpress has a broader international reach and a more extensive product catalog. On the other hand, Temu offers better customer service and faster shipping times in certain regions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is AliExpress safe?

Yes, AliExpress is generally safe if you follow best practices like checking seller ratings and using secure payment methods.

Why is AliExpress taking so long to ship?

Shipping times are longer because many items are shipped from China, often using standard international shipping methods.

Can I get a refund on AliExpress?

Yes, AliExpress offers Buyer Protection which includes refunds for items that are not as described or not received.