Is AliExpress Legit? How to Buy From AliExpress Safely

What is AliExpress?

Launched in 2010, AliExpress is a global online marketplace that connects consumers with third-party sellers worldwide — mainly from China — who offer products at low prices. From electronics and clothing to home goods and toys, it provides access to millions of items across countless categories.

With over 150 million buyers worldwide, AliExpress is one of the largest e-commerce platforms in the world.

How does AliExpress work?

AliExpress works as an online marketplace where independent sellers — both businesses and individuals — list their products for customers around the world. Shoppers browse, order directly from these sellers, and pay through the platform.

AliExpress handles payment processing and offers buyer protection on most items, but it doesn’t store inventory or ship items. When a customer places an order, the item is shipped directly from the seller to the buyer. As such, the shipping method and speed vary.

Payments are held securely in escrow and released to the seller only after the order is delivered and confirmed. This system ensures a safer shopping experience for customers.

Here’s how a typical AliExpress purchase works:

1. A buyer browses listings and places an order.

2. The buyer pays through AliExpress’s secure payment system.

3. AliExpress holds the payment in escrow.

4. The seller receives the order and ships the item directly to the buyer.

5. The buyer confirms delivery and satisfaction.

6. AliExpress releases the payment to the seller.

AliExpress sellers only receive payment once the buyer has received their purchase.

Here’s how selling on AliExpress works:

1. A seller creates an account and completes the registration process.

2. AliExpress reviews and approves the registration, which typically takes up to 48 hours.

3. The seller sets up their store and creates product listings. Items in sensitive or restricted categories may require a compliance check or supporting documentation.

4. The seller categorizes their products and adds the required attributes.

5. The seller sends their product feed to AliExpress for verification before going live.

6. Once approved, the seller manages orders through the AliExpress Seller Center dashboard.

Why is AliExpress so cheap?

AliExpress is cheap because many of the marketplace’s sellers are Chinese manufacturers who cut out middlemen, use mass production, and benefit from lower labor costs compared to Western markets. This streamlined supply chain is a key reason why AliExpress can provide products at prices much lower than traditional retailers.

Here’s a breakdown of why products on AliExpress are so cheap:

• Bulk purchasing by wholesalers. Many sellers buy in large quantities, allowing them to offer lower prices to customers.

• Manufacturer-direct sales. Lots of AliExpress sellers also produce the products themselves, cutting out middlemen and reducing costs.

• Low labor costs. Compared to Western markets, China’s large labor pool helps keep manufacturing wages low, translating to lower prices for consumers.

• Local and affordable raw materials. Raw materials are often sourced locally at competitive prices, further reducing costs.

• Mass production. High-volume manufacturing reduces per-unit costs, allowing sellers to offer products at much lower prices.

• Supplier competition. A vast number of sellers in China compete in the market, driving prices down.

• Direct-to-consumer model. Direct transactions between buyers and suppliers drastically lower expenses and product prices.

• Cost-effective shipping. AliExpress offers some of the lowest shipping rates globally, with many items shipped free or at minimal cost.

Is AliExpress legit?

AliExpress is a legitimate online marketplace owned by Alibaba Group, a global e-commerce company based in Hangzhou, China. Alibaba Group operates a range of commerce platforms — including Taobao, Tmall, Alibaba.com, 1688.com, Lazada, Trendyol, and Daraz — serving diverse markets across consumer, business, and regional e-commerce.

As of November 2025, the AliExpress website had a Trustpilot score of 2.2 out of 5. For comparison, another low-cost marketplace, Temu, which also faces questions about its trustworthiness and legitimacy, held a score of 2.1.

AliExpress has a “poor” Trustpilot rating of 2.2 out of 5.

Common complaints from AliExpress customers include:

• Poor product quality.

• Long shipping times.

• Unreliable sellers.

• A complicated refund process.

• A lack of customer support.

• Occasional scams or counterfeit items.

It’s not just customers who voice their concerns. The European Commission accused AliExpress of displaying a “systemic failure” to curb the sale of illegal and dangerous goods, including unsafe children’s toys and counterfeit clothing. The company could face fines in the EU if it fails to comply with obligations under the Digital Services Act.

Is AliExpress safe to order from?

AliExpress is generally safe to order from, thanks to its Buyer Protection program and secure payment system. But it’s not entirely risk-free: issues like counterfeit products, unreliable sellers, and delayed deliveries can still occur, as with all online marketplaces. Always check seller ratings, read reviews, and shop with caution to avoid potential problems.

Safety credentials

AliExpress has safety measures in place to help protect shoppers, support the most trustworthy sellers, and promote a more secure buying experience.

Here’s how the platform helps keep your transactions safe:

• Dedicated buyer protection program. AliExpress displays an “AliExpress Commitment” badge on trusted products and sellers to indicate that shoppers are covered in case of issues like non-delivery, defective items, or items not as described.

  The AliExpress Commitment guarantees free returns if you’re unhappy with your purchase.
  
  

• Guaranteed delivery or your money back. If your item doesn’t arrive within the seller's specified timeframe, you can file a claim and usually receive a refund within 20 business days.

• Refunds for faulty or incorrect items. If you receive a defective, incorrect, or fake product, you can open a dispute with the seller. If no agreement is reached, AliExpress will step in to make a final decision, potentially offering a refund, replacement, or voucher.

• Secure payment handling. AliExpress uses HTTPS, which relies on TLS encryption (formerly SSL encryption) to secure online transactions and protect sensitive payment information during checkout.

• Escrow payment system. AliExpress only releases your payment to the seller after you confirm that you’ve received and are satisfied with your order.

• Direct card payments. When paying with a credit or debit card, your information is kept secure and hidden from AliExpress sellers and third parties, reducing the risk of data breaches.

• Secure digital wallet service. AliPay, operated by Ant Group, keeps your payment details private when purchasing through AliExpress.

• PayPal payments. Some product listings allow PayPal payments, offering additional security through end-to-end encryption and PayPal Purchase Protection (on eligible items).

• AliExpress “Choice” scheme. This service curates products from trusted sellers, with enhanced shipping and return policies.

  Buying from “Choice” sellers on AliExpress offers you more protection.
  
  

Risks of using AliExpress

While AliExpress is a widely used marketplace, the site has potential downsides. Shoppers may encounter long shipping times, counterfeit products, and even online scams. Being aware of these issues can help you navigate the platform more safely and make informed buying decisions.

Here are some risks to consider when using online marketplaces like AliExpress:

• Brushing scams. Fraudulent sellers may run a brushing scam and use your personal information to create fake orders and post glowing reviews in your name.

• Long shipping times. Many items ship from overseas, and delivery can take several weeks or even months, far slower than domestic retailers.

• Poor seller communication. Messaging with sellers on AliExpress can sometimes be challenging, especially if sellers don’t speak English fluently, as this can increase the risk of misunderstandings.

• Complicated returns. Returning some items can be difficult, especially across international borders, and may involve high return shipping fees or delays.

• Personal data sharing. According to its privacy policy, AliExpress collects contact details, payment and billing information, purchase history, and any support information you provide during customer service interactions. These details may be shared with sellers and logistics providers. This is standard for many online platforms, but it can reduce your ability to shop and browse anonymously on the site.

• Counterfeit products. Some sellers list fake or imitation goods, especially for branded items, despite AliExpress’s efforts to remove infringing listings.

• Quality control issues. As a third-party marketplace, AliExpress can’t guarantee product quality. Buyers may receive items that are defective, poorly made, or not as described.

• Misleading product listings. Certain sellers use low-price “bait” items (e.g., a product accessory sold instead of the main item) to draw in buyers, leading to confusion and unintended purchases.

Knock-off products on AliExpress can look real at first glance.

How to use AliExpress safely

To buy from AliExpress safely, you should stay vigilant when browsing products and placing orders. You can take simple precautions to help you avoid scams, protect your personal information, and shop with confidence.

Here are practical tips to make your AliExpress experience safer:

• Shop with a secure browser. Use a secure or private browser to help block tracking cookies, shield personal information from AliExpress and its sellers, and reduce your risk of falling victim to phishing sites or malicious pop-ups.

• Start with small orders. Test the reliability of new sellers by first purchasing inexpensive items before committing to high-value purchases.

• Avoid deals that seem too good to be true. Extremely low prices often signal scams or poor-quality products. Compare prices with trusted retailers before purchasing.

• Check product reviews and ratings. Read customer feedback, view product photos, and only choose products with high ratings and shops with a strong track record. Make sure photos, descriptions, and specifications match.

• Verify seller details and certifications. Review the seller’s profile for activity history, certifications, buyer protection, and participation in AliExpress’s Choice program for added reliability.

• Look for free return options. Choose products labeled with “Free Return” so you can send items back at no cost within 15 days if needed.

• Use secure payment methods. Always pay through the platform using a credit card, AliPay, or PayPal (when available) to ensure better protection.

• Enable tracking and shipping alerts. Opt for trackable shipping, and set up delivery alerts to keep an eye on your order’s progress.

• Document your order. Save screenshots of the product page, seller promises, and any messages to support dispute claims if something goes wrong.

What to do if you get scammed on AliExpress

If you get scammed on AliExpress, you should contact the seller, open a dispute through the platform, provide evidence, and, if unresolved, escalate the case.

1. Check your order details. Log in to your AliExpress account and review the order status, tracking info, and the buyer protection period.

2. Contact the seller. Message the seller directly through the AliExpress platform to explain the issue and request a resolution (refund, replacement, etc.).

3. Open a dispute. If the seller doesn’t respond or refuses to help, go to your order page and click “Open Dispute.” Do this before the buyer protection period ends. You may need to provide photos, videos, and a written explanation to support your dispute.

4. Wait for a resolution or escalate the dispute. If you and the seller can’t reach an agreement within 5 days, AliExpress will step in to review the evidence and make a final decision.

5. Check your bank account. Monitor your linked bank account or card for a refund and any suspicious activity. Most refunds are processed within 20 business days of resolution.

6. Report any fraud to AliExpress support and the authorities. Reporting scams or order issues can help protect your account, increase your chances of getting a refund, alert the platform to take action against dishonest sellers, and enable authorities to investigate serious cases of fraud.

7. Share your experience. Leave a review on the product listing or seller's page to help other buyers and warn them of dishonest sellers.

8. Enhance your online security. If your account was compromised or you notice unusual activity, access your account through a secure browser and change your login credentials immediately.

Safeguard your privacy with Avast Secure Browser

When shopping on AliExpress, staying safe goes beyond just choosing the right products and sellers: it’s also about protecting your personal information and online activity. Use Avast Secure Browser to get built-in security and privacy tools that help block malicious sites, stop tracking, and hide the data you type at checkout and beyond. With these extra layers of protection, you can enjoy a safer, more secure shopping experience every time you browse.