AliExpress is one of the world’s biggest online marketplaces. It’s owned by the Chinese giant Alibaba Group, which also owns Alibaba.com, Taobao, and Tmall. AliExpress was founded in 2010 and has quickly gained shoppers’ trust from more than 200 countries. It offers millions of products at affordable prices, from electronics and clothing to home goods and even auto parts.
One of the site’s main features is the ability to buy directly from Chinese (and other) sellers without intermediaries, which lets you significantly reduce the final price of the goods. And many sellers offer free or super cheap shipping, making the platform a hit with people who like to save money.
In 2025, the platform will keep evolving. We’re introducing new delivery methods, improving the dispute system, and strengthening our fight against counterfeiters and scammers. Even though AliExpress has made some moves towards increased transparency, people still wonder how safe it is to order from them.
AliExpress Security: How the Security System Works
1. Buyer Protection Program
AliExpress has an official Buyer Protection Program that safeguards the interests of consumers at all stages of the transaction. If a product is not delivered, is found to be defective, or does not correspond to the description provided, it is possible to initiate a dispute process, which may result in a full or partial refund.
Key points of defense:
- Guaranteed money back if no delivery is made.
- Refund upon receipt of goods that do not match the description.
- Possibility to file a complaint within 15 days after the order is finalized.
2. Payment System
It is important to note that payments are not transferred directly to the seller; AliExpress retains the funds until the buyer confirms receipt of the goods in satisfactory condition. This measure is intended to mitigate the risk of fraudulent activity.
Possible Risks When Shopping on AliExpress
Despite an official protection program and an automated dispute system, AliExpress is not immune to certain risks. The platform unites millions of sellers; not all comply with sound business practices. The following is a list of potential issues that a buyer may encounter:
Unscrupulous Sellers
What’s going on:
It has been observed that certain sellers on AliExpress engage in deceptive practices, including the submission of fabricated reviews, the manipulation of ratings, and the dissemination of altered or edited images of their products.
Examples of problems:
- The product description asserts that the headphones offer noise-canceling capabilities; however, upon examination, they are merely earbuds devoid of advanced technology.
- The seller indicates the brand (e.g., “Sony”), but the buyer receives a no-name replica devoid of logos.
- Purchasing branded attire often results in the acquisition of a substandard imitation, characterized by a poorly sewn logo and the use of inferior materials.
Tip:
A comprehensive product evaluation can be achieved by examining authentic photographic documentation and seeking insights from third-party forums or social networks, such as TikTok or Reddit. It is advisable to exercise caution when engaging with sellers who have had an active presence on the platform for a period shorter than six months.
Shipping Delays
What happens:
Given that most items are shipped from China or other Asian countries, the shipping time can range from 10 days to 60 days or more. This is particularly relevant when opting for free shipping, such as through Cainiao or Yanwen, which does not adhere to stringent delivery schedules.
Typical situations:
- An order was placed for a gift, but it arrived after the holiday.
- Parcel tracking has not been updated for weeks.
- The parcel is stuck at customs due to incorrect paperwork.
Tip:
It is recommended that shipping with tracking be selected, and AliExpress Standard Shipping be utilized. This choice represents a compromise between expediency and cost. Additionally, it is imperative to examine the delivery options offered by local warehouses, including those in Russia, Poland, Spain, and France.
Unpredictable Quality of Goods
What’s going on:
It has been observed that a significant number of products on AliExpress do not align with the expectations set by their visually appealing images. This phenomenon is particularly prevalent in clothing, accessories, cosmetics, and electronics.
What you can get:
- The garment under consideration bears a striking resemblance to the provided illustration. However, it is composed of thin synthetic materials, is transparent, and does not fit well.
- The device in question is an electronic one, the functionality of which is compromised after one week due to overheating or mechanical failure.
- The absence of proper labeling about the composition and date of manufacture of cosmetics can pose a significant health hazard.
Tip:
Peruse comprehensive evaluations accompanied by photographic documentation from authentic purchasers, particularly within the designated “Reviews with photos and videos” segment. A comparative analysis of sizes is recommended, and reliance on images alone should be avoided. It is imperative to inquire with the seller about the existence of a warranty and ascertain the product’s certification status.
Lost or Damaged Parcels
What happens:
In the context of international delivery, the possibility exists that a parcel may be misplaced, arrive in a state of damage to its packaging, or be missing a portion of its contents.
Especially vulnerable:
- Fragile goods (glassware, electronics).
- Orders without additional protection (such as a box or a plastic wrap).
- Parcels going to countries with unstable logistics.
Tip:
If fragile or valuable goods are to be ordered, it is mandatory to consult with the seller regarding their packaging method. Furthermore, it is advisable to opt for shipping with tracking and insured delivery if such a service is available.
How to Protect Yourself When Shopping on AliExpress
Although AliExpress implements specific security measures, the reliability of transactions is contingent upon the individual user’s diligence. The following is a list of proven steps to help reduce risks and make online shopping as safe as possible.
1. Check the Seller’s Rating and Reviews
- It is advisable to prioritize sellers who have received a rating of 4.7 stars or higher, particularly when purchasing a costly or intricate product.
- A comprehensive literature review reveals that positive and negative reviews are often the most effective for identifying real problems.
- It is essential to note the number of reviews for a given product, as popular items tend to receive a substantial number of reviews, indicating their popularity.
- It is important to note that reviews containing authentic visual documentation, such as photographs and videos, are the most reliable sources of information. These tools facilitate a comparison between the image in the description and the actual product, enhancing the user’s ability to discern discrepancies or variations.
2. Read the Product Description Carefully
- It is advisable to consult size charts when making purchases of clothing and footwear. It is important to note that Chinese sizes may significantly differ from European and Russian sizes.
- Inquiries regarding materials, specifications, voltage, compatibility, and bundling are encouraged.
- If uncertainties persist, it is prudent to direct inquiries to the seller through the chat feature. This will demonstrate the seller’s level of engagement and interest.
3. Pay Only Through AliExpress
- It is strongly recommended against direct monetary transfers, whether to a bank account, digital wallet, or instant messaging platform.
- Utilizing the platform for transactions allows initiating a dispute and obtaining a refund in the event of financial loss.
- AliExpress reserves payment until the receipt of the goods is confirmed or the protection period expires.
4. Make an Unboxing Video
- Video recording is a valuable tool for documenting the condition of goods, even in cases where the order is modest in size. This method can provide substantial evidence to substantiate claims regarding goods that have been damaged or are not in accordance with their description.
- It is preferable to record video footage from when the package is opened until the defect is demonstrated.
5. Take Your Time to Acknowledge Receipt
- Confirmation of receipt is a notification to the system that the order has been acknowledged and met with satisfaction.
- Before finalizing the order, it is vital to ascertain that all items have been delivered, are fully operational, and align with the provided specifications.
- After confirmation, a period of 15 days is allotted for initiating a dispute; however, it should be noted that the proof of claims may encounter heightened complexity during this process.
Fraud and Counterfeiting
In recent years, AliExpress has intensified its efforts to combat counterfeiting, implementing an “Authentic Guarantee” system and filters on official brand stores. Nevertheless, counterfeits continue to be identified, particularly within prevalent categories:
- Clothing and footwear: Nike, Adidas, The North Face at a price three times lower than the official price.
- Electronics: replicas of smartphones, headphones, and smartwatches of well-known brands, which are similar in appearance but have a weak filling.
- Cosmetics and perfumes: adulterants dangerous for the skin with unknown composition.
How to protect yourself:
- Look for items labeled “Top Brand” or “Official Store”.
- If the brand is not listed in the description but has a logo on the photo, it is most likely a fake.
- Remember the rule: if the price of a branded item is 2-3 times lower than the market price, it is almost certainly a fake.
Is it Worth Buying on AliExpress?
In 2025, AliExpress will remain one of the most popular and accessible platforms for online shopping, especially for those who want to save money. However, as the number of sellers and products grows, so does the buyer’s responsibility.
