Hey, just order it online! One-click orders and fast home deliveries have become our go-to solution for everything nowadays. From groceries to heavy appliances and even expensive metals, you can buy anything and everything online. But how safe is it? How can you stay protected from scams and fraud?
AliExpress is one of the leading online shopping websites. It is most liked for its low prices and endless number of products. But when something feels too good to be true, the mind starts to question things. And in this case, the question arises: Is Aliexpress a safe website for online shopping, or is Aliexpress a scam?
In this blog, we will look at AliExpress review, how to shop from it, and what the pros and cons of this Chinese e-commerce company are.
What is AliExpress?
In 2010, Alibaba Group introduced AliExpress. And it connected international consumers with manufacturers, sellers in China, and other countries as well. You can find almost everything here, including apparel, jewelry, electronics, personal care, gadgets, and more. The prices are comparatively way lower than other websites, like Amazon or local retailers.
In simple words, it is an online marketplace which allows you to order and ship internationally, with varied options and lower cost.
Best Way to Shop on AliExpress (Shopping Guide)
- Create an account by registering with an email address or phone number.
- Search products, you can put filters like ratings, method of shipment, and location.
- Compare prices. One product can have a different price range from different sellers.
- Make sure to read the fine print information, which includes product size, material, and delivery time.
- Place your order with a secure payment method.
- Track your order through ‘My Orders.’
- Confirm receipt only when you receive your order in the expected condition.
- Leave a review that supports reliable sellers and helps other customers know about the best options.
Safety Checklist for Buyers
- Check seller ratings and also the number of people who have rated.
- Read reviews and check available buyer photographs.
- Avoid prices that are too good to be true.
- Use trackable and faster AliExpress standard shipping.
- Avoid direct payments like PayPal or WhatsApp; do not pay outside AliExpress.
- Keep a track of your order.
Is AliExpress a Scam?
AliExpress is a legal, trusted, and verified arm of Alibaba Group, which is one of the largest and leading e-commerce giants globally. The website is completely legal and it follows all international e-commerce laws. Also, AliExpress has its built-in payment method. AliExpress, as a website, is not a scam, but scams happen due to some fraudulent sellers.
AliExpress protects its customers in several ways:
- Buyer Protection Policy – You can request a full refund if the product received doesn’t match what was described on the website.
- Dispute System – You can access a dispute window within certain time limitations to get your full money back.
- Verified Sellers – The sellers with thousands of successful and verified transactions will be clearly highlighted for your convenience.
- Escrow Payment – AliExpress holds the payment until you receive your delivery and confirm it; only then is the payment released to the seller.
Pros & Cons of AliExpress
| PROS | CONS |
| Affordable Prices – Products are often 30-70% cheaper than local stores since you buy directly from manufacturers. | Long Shipping Times – Deliveries can take 2–6 weeks or even longer for some regions. |
| Massive Product Range – Millions of listings across categories like fashion, electronics, home décor, and gadgets. | Quality Inconsistency – Product quality varies greatly between sellers. |
| Buyer Protection Policy – Full refund if the product doesn’t arrive or doesn’t match the description. | Difficult Returns – Returning items internationally can be slow and expensive. |
| Escrow Payment System – Your payment is held until you confirm delivery, reducing fraud risk. | Possible Counterfeit Products – Some listings may be replicas or unauthorized copies. |
| Verified Sellers & Ratings – Seller feedback and transaction history make it easier to identify trusted stores. | Language Barriers & Communication Delays – Some sellers may not respond promptly or clearly. |
| Frequent Discounts & Coupons – Flash sales, coins, and store promotions make shopping cheaper. | Customs Fees – Import duties or taxes may apply depending on your country. |
| Secure Payment Options – SSL encryption and official payment gateways like AliPay ensure safe transactions. | Inconsistent Product Images – Photos can sometimes be edited or misleading. |
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AliExpress Ratings: What Customers Have to Say?
- Trustpilot ratings are 2.3 out of 5 stars with over 174,000 reviews.
- SiteJabber ratings are 2.2 out of 5 stars with 8,051 reviews.
Mostly, the buyers have mixed experiences. The website has a wide variety of products at low prices. The affordability and variety are much loved by customers. But they are unhappy with issues like poor quality, long delivery time, inconsistency, and fake products at times. Some users also showed disappointment as they did not experience good customer support and dispute resolution.
Key Takeaways
- AliExpress is a completely verified, legally approved, and legitimate website.
- AliExpress is not itself a scam, though scams or frauds may take place due to dishonest sellers.
- It offers protection to its consumers through various legal buyer and seller policies, as we have already discussed.
- Customers have mixed reviews about the website’s services and products.
Therefore, you need to be well aware and shop smartly on a website that offers lower prices that seem too good to be true.
Happy & Intelligent Shopping!