How to shop at AliExpress without getting scammed (2024)

These days, it's hard to know which sites can be trusted to ensure that you won't be the victim of a scam or wake up to fraudulent charges on your bank statement. AliExpress is a Chinese online marketplace known for having shockingly low prices on tons of products, but buyers have questioned its legitimacy for years.

You can surely find good deals through AliExpress, but you should exercise caution and know what to look out for as you shop. Keep reading for tips from our experts here at Reviewed to ensure a smooth buying experience when shopping at AliExpress.

What is AliExpress?

AliExpress is a Chinese online marketplace that sells products in all departments, ranging from beauty and fashion to tech and furniture. The site is known for having much lower prices than some of its competitors.

Why is AliExpress so cheap?

AliExpress includes a large network of wholesalers that buy products in bulk, making it easier for them to sell at low prices. Many of the sellers also manufacture the products they sell, which allows them to cut out middlemen and sell at lower prices.

How long does AliExpress take to ship?

Shipping times on AliExpress can vary depending on the seller, but items being shipped to the U.S. can take anywhere from 7 to 45 days since most products are being sent from China. There are different shipping options to choose from if you'd like to pay extra for expedited shipping, but many sellers don't charge for standard shipping times. Thankfully, AliExpress now has distribution centers in the U.S., which cuts down the shipping time to 3 to 5 business days for products coming from these warehouses.

Tips to avoid AliExpress scams

When shopping from a marketplace like AliExpress, it can get tricky trying to vet out the thousands of sellers available on the site. You may be skeptical and need some convincing before entering your card information, which is why we're here. There are several signs that can give you an idea of whether or not a seller is trustworthy or not—here are our tips to help guide you before completing a purchase.

Don't fall for super low prices

All of our experts were in agreeance that if a price seems too good to be true, it probably is. "First and foremost, research the average price of what you're buying," says our Electronics Editor Jonathan Hilburg. High-cost tech products are prone to scams on AliExpress, so it's important to compare the price on AliExpress to the product's MSRP value.

If the price seems too low for what you're buying, then it's most likely a scam. Hilburg also advises to check the shipping cost to avoid overpaying. "A lot of products will be cheaper than usual, but the extra cost of shipping from China (especially heavier metal goods) can sometimes eliminate the savings," he says.

Check the seller's reviews

A way to avoid getting scammed on any site, especially AliExpress, is to do your research and read through the seller's reviews before purchasing. Similar to sites like eBay or Amazon, you'll have the ability to view the seller's storefront which will have useful information like its satisfaction score, star rating, number of items sold, how long the seller has been active, and personal reviews from its buyers. Be sure to also view photos of items other buyers have received instead of just going off of the seller's average rating.

Sellers that have been around for some time (generally around 4 years or longer), have sold a high number of items, and have a lot of followers tend to be trustworthy. "For bigger ticket items, maybe anything over $25, stick to official stores or sellers with positive reviews and a long track record with AliExpress," says our Commerce Editor Tercius Bufete.

Buy products with a free return policy

If you're unsure if a seller is legit, you should always shoot for items that offer free returns. AliExpress has stepped up its game to avoid scams with its Buyers Protection Program. If an item doesn't arrive, arrives damaged, or isn't as described, buyers are entitled to a refund as long as it's reported within the protection period. Be sure to carefully read through the terms and conditions of the program as there are some exceptions and items that don't qualify for protection.

Many items are eligible for free returns, which is key to being fairly compensated if you end up getting scammed. For items that have a "Free Return" label, you can return the product within 15 calendar days of receiving it to get a full refund. You're also free to contact the seller with any concerns to get any possible solutions prior to requesting a refund. Bufete also recommends researching what shopping protections your credit card offers in case a refund from the seller isn't an option, and try using credit cards instead of debit since they typically offer more purchase protections.

Our Sleep Editor, James Aitchinson, has had his own experience completing a return on AliExpress. "The only bad experience I had with AliExpress was when I ordered a model kit and the seller never sent it. Once the delivery window passed I requested a refund and got it within minutes. So, while there are issues, generally they are pretty good about getting you refunds," he says.

Avoid major brands

Buying products on AliExpress from major brands is typically a bad idea unless they're being sold from an official or licensed store. This is especially true for popular tech brands as you'll often see ridiculously low prices on products from brands like Apple or Samsung, which usually aren't legit on AliExpress. It's best to fork out the extra money on other trusted sites to ensure you'll receive the right product and your card information won't be compromised.

Is AliExpress legit?

Yes, but be smart and exercise caution.

Though there is a possibility of being scammed through AliExpress, there are still plenty of reliable and legitimate sellers that'll allow you to score great deals on products. Be sure to do your research and read through reviews thoroughly before making a purchase.

AliExpress's Buyers Protection Program is also a huge plus if you do end up having a bad buying experience, and be sure to be on the lookout for products that have a free return policy to avoid losing out on money. Always remember that if a price seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Trending products at AliExpress

Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.