Why is AliExpress so cheap – 8 Real Reasons Revealed.

AliExpress, known for its unbelievably low prices, has become a go-to online marketplace. But  why is AliExpress so cheap? You may ask, you may even be wondering if indeed this platform can really be trusted.

I wouldn’t be surprised if you are having doubts about it’s legitimacy, who wouldn’t with such low prices anyway? Well this article will answer all the countless questions going through your mind about aliexpress, and you may be shocked with what you will find out.

Why is Aliexpress so cheap?

The real reasons why everything on AliExpress is so cheap will be revealed in this article, so if you are asking why, or you are probably bothered about the qualities of their products or the legitimacy of these platforms.

Then,

Don’t worry, Let’s dig deeper  into the key factors of aliexpress and discover the real reasons why the products on Aliexpress is so cheap compared to other platforms.

1. Direct Sourcing From Manufacturers

AliExpress cuts costs by sourcing directly from manufacturers, eliminating middlemen. This not only reduces expenses but ensures authenticity and quality, fostering transparency in the supply chain. Trusted suppliers like sunsky offers a reliable source for different products.

What does these mean?

You Know unlike other platforms like 1688.com, where you need a middle man to buy products, with AliExpress you do not need a middle man.

These means that you are buying directly from the owner or supplier of any product you want to purchase, all you just need to do is to contact

Tip: check out these articles where I talked about buying products from ALIBABA.

2. Low Shipping Costs

AliExpress capitalizes on finance support or grants from the Chinese government, this gives room for low or free shipping costs. With a focus on the Chinese market, it takes advantages of the easy and simple supply chains and financial supports and grants to offer competitive shipping rates and faster delivery compared to other giants like Amazon.

3. Caution : Quality Varies

While AliExpress boasts of  unbeatable prices, it also attracts scammers offering low-quality or counterfeit items. Take caution, read product descriptions, and check reviews. To make sure that you are dealing with a reliable supply.

Use tools like ‘UpAssistant’ to calculate seller reliability and avoid expensive or branded items which may bring about  counterfeiting issues.

4. Lower Operational Costs

As an online platform, AliExpress operates without the overhead expenses of physical stores. No need for large inventories or large staff, resulting in reduced costs. This enables AliExpress to offer products at lower prices compared to established retail stores.

5. Bulk Discounts from Suppliers

Most AliExpress suppliers offer bulk discounts. Purchasing in large quantities allows dropshippers to benefit from even lower prices. Negotiating with suppliers can further encourage discounts, encouraging long-term relationships for favorable terms.

6. Currency Manipulation

Another important factor as to why products on AliExpress are relatively cheap is the manipulation of currencies, particularly by China.

This Currency manipulation refers to the planned intervention by a country’s central bank to influence the value of its currency positively or otherwise.

Well it’s a general knowledge that the Chinese government was able to manipulate their currency, the yuan, to gain a competitive advantage in the export market.

By keeping the yuan artificially low, China has been able to make its products cheaper when sold in foreign markets.

These is the strategy they use to help the Chinese manufactures and merchants on AliExpress to offer products at such shocking low prices compared to their competitors.

What these means is that the currency is weak in the export market. So, with a weakened currency, Chinese suppliers can acquire raw materials and production inputs at a very low costs.

They can then pass on these savings to multinational buyers, bringing about the low cost of products on AliExpress.

7. Secret Product Defects Or Fake Promises

The truth is purchasing products on aliexpress also comes with the risk of  hidden defects or fake promises.

What these means is that,

Sometimes, when you buy something from aliexpress, you will discover that there is a little or big damages ranging from breakable buttons on clothing to poor stitching on bags or broken accessories. And sometimes opting for refund may not be that easy.

But then that is just the case everywhere right? You can even buy a product from a physical store  and later discover it’s damaged.

Fortunately, AliExpress has a buyer protection program and a return and refund policy. So when you buys a product from them and discover it is damaged you can contact them to return the product and possibly get a refund.

Luckily since the COVID-19 pandemic AliExpress prolonged the duration of the “Buyer Protection Time” to a maximum of 90 days.

This means that you may have to wait for a period of 90 days before becoming eligible for a refund in case your order is not delivered or the delivered products are damaged.

Furthermore, it is advisable to always read the product description and reviews before buying the product. Also make sure you are dealing with a reliable supplier to avoid buying fake products or counterfeits.

8. Businesses Uses Economies of Scale

Another reason why products on Aliexpress is so cheap is because it benefits from economies of scale.

You know what this means? Let’s talk about it.

Because they are operating on a large scale and selling millions of product, AliExpress is able to spread its fixed costs over a greater number of units. This helps them to reduce their per-unit costs and offer very low prices to their customers.

Moreover, AliExpress has bulk purchasing power, which an added advantage when negotiating deals with manufacturers and suppliers. And because AliExpress buys products in large quantities, they are able to secure better prices and discounts from manufacturers.

So from this discounts from manufacturer they are able to extend the favour to their customers by offering lower  prices to them.

Is It Safe to Buy on AliExpress?

Yes! It has always been too safe to buy from Aliexpress, when it comes to ensuring the safety of customers, Aliexpress knows the important and so they don’t joke with their customers safety.

First and foremost, AliExpress has a buyer protection system, which helps as a safety net for customer purchases. This system is to help make sure that customer payments are held safely by AliExpress until the customer has confirmed the receipt of the product and is completely satisfied with their purchase.

Additionally, when there’s an issue of non-delivery of product or receiving of a damaged goods, customers have the right to open a dispute within a given timeframe as the option has been made available in the Aliexpress platform.

More also, Aliexpress always encourages their customers to provide an honest review or feedback concerning their shopping experience at the completion of their purchase. This feedback system plays a very big role in building trust and transparency within the AliExpress community.

Having explained these, let’s continue with our journey on “why is AliExpress so cheap”.

Let’s talk about the advantages of shopping with AliExpress first.

Advantages of Shopping with AliExpress

Diverse Product Selection: AliExpress caters to various tastes, providing an extensive range of products for different preferences.

1. Global Shipping:

The platform’s global reach ensures accessibility to users worldwide, with support for multiple languages.

What these means is that with Aliexpress, you can ship to anywhere in the world with ease.

2. Buyer Protection Guarantee:

AliExpress prioritizes customer satisfaction, offering protection throughout the shopping journey. So there’s no need to panick.

3. User Reviews and Ratings:

Customer feedback enhances transparency, allowing informed decisions based on product quality and seller reliability.

How Long Does AliExpress Take to Deliver?

AliExpress offers various shipping options with different delivery timeframes. Standard shipping may range from 15 to 45 working days, while premium options like AliExpress Premium Shipping and EMS can provide faster delivery within 7 to 15 working days.

Is AliExpress Safe to Buy From?

Yes, AliExpress is deemed safe with various protective measures. The platform implements a buyer protection program, securing payments until customers confirm receipt and satisfaction. Dispute resolution options further enhance safety.

Does AliExpress Sell Fake Stuff?

AliExpress does not sell branded products at low prices, emphasizing sleek designs without claiming brand associations. While product quality varies, customers can assess authenticity through reviews, ratings, and product samples.

Simply put, the quality of a product can determine the price of that particular product. You can see two similar products with different prices.

To determine the quality, it’s best to check out the reviews and feedback from different customers to ascertain the quality one.

What Items Can I Buy on AliExpress?

AliExpress offers a vast range of products, from fashion and electronics to toys, beauty products, and even furniture. However, certain items like weaponry, software, ebooks, and digital media are restricted.

Who Can Use AliExpress?

AliExpress is accessible globally, supporting multiple languages for users worldwide. Its inclusive platform caters to diverse customers, providing products for everyone, regardless of budget, age, demographic or preferences.

From the picture above, I’m trying to buy a rechargeable fan and just as you can see the product is set to be delivered in Nigeria.

So irrespective of your location, AliExpress will deliver to your door step.

Does Low Price Mean Poor Quality on AliExpress?

While AliExpress offers low prices, it doesn’t necessarily equate to poor quality. The platform hosts a mix of sellers, and diligent research, including checking reviews and ratings, theses helps to identify high-quality products. AliExpress enables users to make informed decisions based on comprehensive information.

How to Dropship From AliExpress

Go to AliExpress, create an account from your dashboard

you can start dropshipping. Create an online store and upload the pictures from AliExpress into your online store.

So when a customer makes an order from your online store you can just head over to your Aliexpress dashboard, Place The Order on AliExpress and input your customers shipping address on AliExpress. The AliExpress supplier handles the packaging and ships directly to your customer.

Final Words on why is AliExpress so cheap:

AliExpress’s attractiveness lies in its affordability, extensive product range, and buyer protection. By exercising caution, leveraging reviews and ratings, and utilizing tools like Alihunter, users can navigate AliExpress effectively, making it a valuable resource for both shoppers and dropshippers.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Why are products on AliExpress so cheap?

AliExpress can offer low prices due to several factors, including direct sourcing from manufacturers, low shipping costs subsidized by the Chinese government, economies of scale, and the ability to buy in bulk directly from suppliers.

2. Is it safe to buy from AliExpress?

Yes, AliExpress is generally considered safe. The platform has a buyer protection program, and measures are in place to address issues such as non-delivery or receiving damaged items. However, caution is advised, and users should read reviews, check seller ratings, and be aware of potential risks.

3. How long does AliExpress take to deliver?

Delivery times on AliExpress vary based on the shipping method chosen. Standard shipping may take 15 to 45 working days, while premium options like AliExpress Premium Shipping or EMS can provide faster delivery within 7 to 15 working days.

4. Are the reviews on AliExpress real?

AliExpress reviews comprise a mix of real and potentially fake feedback. While the platform employs measures to combat fake reviews, users should be discerning and look for detailed, specific feedback with accompanying photos or videos for authenticity.

5. Can I trust the quality of products on AliExpress?

AliExpress hosts a diverse range of sellers, and product quality varies. While some sellers offer high-quality items, others may sell low-quality or counterfeit products. It’s crucial to read reviews, check seller ratings, and consider purchasing product samples to assess quality.

6. What items are not allowed on AliExpress?

Certain items are restricted on AliExpress, including weaponry, software, ebooks, and digital media. Users should be aware of the platform’s policies regarding prohibited items.

7. How can I ensure the reliability of AliExpress sellers?

To ensure the reliability of sellers on AliExpress, users can use tools like UpAssistant to evaluate seller ratings comprehensively. Reading reviews, checking the seller’s history on AliExpress, and assessing their communication skills with buyers contribute to making informed decisions.

8. Can anyone use AliExpress?

Yes, AliExpress is a global platform accessible to users worldwide. The platform supports multiple languages, allowing customers from different regions and backgrounds to navigate and shop easily.

9. Does low price on AliExpress mean poor quality?

While AliExpress offers low prices, it doesn’t necessarily imply poor quality. Users should conduct thorough research, including reading reviews and checking product ratings, to make informed decisions about product quality. AliExpress provides a mix of high-quality and budget-friendly products.

10. How do I Dropship from AliExpress?

The dropshipping process involves creating an AliExpress account, finding reliable suppliers, setting up a dropshipping store (e.g., on Shopify), marketing the store, and placing orders on AliExpress when customers make purchases. Tools like Alihunter and UpAssistant can aid in finding trustworthy suppliers and evaluating product ratings.