AliExpress Dropshipping & Buying Guide 2025

1. Introduction

Why AliExpress Dropshipping Still Works in 2025

Dropshipping is far from dead — it's evolving.
In 2025, the smartest sellers aren't chasing trends. They're optimizing margins, controlling the supply chain, and making every order count.

AliExpress, once seen as the "starter tool" for dropshipping beginners, has quietly matured into a powerful platform for solo sellers and lean eCommerce operators. Thanks to faster global shipping, reliable buyer protection, and ever-expanding product options, it remains one of the most practical and scalable sourcing options out there — especially for those who use their own AliExpress account.

This guide is for you if:

You're running a Shopify, WooCommerce, or marketplace store (like eBay, Etsy, or Smart Store in Korea)
You fulfill orders manually or semi-automatically from AliExpress
You want to increase profit per order without adding complexity
You've heard of cashback but never really took it seriously (until now)

In this Ultimate Guide, we'll show you:

Why AliExpress still beats other platforms in many scenarios
How to streamline product research and order fulfillment
Why managing your own AliExpress account is a game-changer
How to use cashback tools like Refundy to boost your margins by up to 11% per order

Whether you're just getting started or looking to optimize an existing store, this guide is built to help you build a leaner, more profitable dropshipping operation in 2025.

Let's dive in.

2. Why AliExpress Works for Dropshippers in 2025

While some sellers are shifting to 1688 or private suppliers, AliExpress still holds its ground — and in many cases, outperforms the alternatives.

Here's why AliExpress remains one of the best options for modern dropshippers:

1. Direct Global Shipping – No Middleman Needed

AliExpress offers direct international shipping to over 200 countries, often with tracking included and buyer protection.
For U.S., Europe, Australia, and even parts of Asia, this means:

No sourcing agents required
No language or currency barrier
Faster lead times with "AliExpress Standard Shipping" or "Cainiao"

This reduces not only cost but also miscommunication and delays.

2. Low MOQ and Easy Product Testing

AliExpress is ideal for testing new products with minimal risk.
You don't need to commit to large volumes — just order 1 or 2 units and start collecting feedback from your customers.
This flexibility is crucial when validating product-market fit in a fast-changing eCommerce environment.

3. Plugin & App Ecosystem for Automation

AliExpress integrates with a wide range of eCommerce tools:

DSers, AutoDS, Zendrop, Dropified
Order tracking tools like Track123, 17Track, etc.
One-click import to Shopify, WooCommerce, or Etsy via browser extensions

This makes it easier to streamline your operations without hiring a VA or coding.

4. Full Control via Your Own Account

When you buy through your own AliExpress account:

You can choose exact sellers
Track all orders in one place
Qualify for cashback and platform rewards
Avoid agent markups or hidden fees
Use your own payment methods (credit card, virtual cards, etc.)

This level of control is something you don't get when working through agents or 3rd-party logistics teams.

5. Competitive Prices & Product Range

While 1688 may offer cheaper bulk pricing, AliExpress still provides access to millions of SKUs with competitive unit prices — especially when combined with:

Flash sales
Seller coupons
AliExpress promotions
Cashback tools like Refundy (up to 11%)

In short, if you're running a lean operation and want to scale with control and profitability, AliExpress gives you the infrastructure to do just that — without sacrificing flexibility or speed.

3. AliExpress vs Other Sourcing Platforms

How Does AliExpress Compare to 1688, Taobao, DHgate, and Temu?

As dropshipping evolves, many sellers wonder whether AliExpress is still the right choice. After all, there are alternatives like 1688, Taobao, DHgate, and even Temu. But the answer depends on your structure — and for self-managed sellers who want speed, control, and automation, AliExpress still leads.

1. AliExpress vs 1688

1688 is Alibaba's domestic Chinese B2B platform. It offers lower prices, but only in bulk, and requires working through Chinese sourcing agents. You'll need to deal with language barriers, Chinese-only payment methods, and no direct shipping to international customers.

In contrast, AliExpress lets you buy directly using your own account, with global shipping, international payment support, and automation tools. It's more expensive per unit — but you gain massive control, speed, and independence.

2. AliExpress vs Taobao

Taobao is a Chinese consumer marketplace with tons of variety and good prices. But again, international sellers can't purchase directly. You'll need a third-party agent to place and forward your orders, which adds complexity, fees, and slower response times.

AliExpress is built for global commerce. You don't need an agent. You can browse in English, pay with your own credit card or PayPal, and manage everything through your own dashboard. It's a better fit for international dropshippers who value transparency and autonomy.

3. AliExpress vs DHgate

DHgate is another cross-border eCommerce platform that looks similar to AliExpress. But in practice, it's less reliable. Many sellers report inconsistent product quality, slow support, and fewer tools for automation or cashback.

AliExpress is integrated into the global dropshipping ecosystem. With Shopify plugins, cashback support, and better logistics, it's a more stable option — especially for long-term operations.

4. AliExpress vs Temu

Temu is trending in 2025 for its low prices and viral marketing. But it's not suitable for dropshipping. Their terms of service explicitly restrict reselling. There are no automation plugins, no seller control, and no cashback incentives.

If you plan to resell products legally and sustainably, Temu simply isn't designed for you. AliExpress is.

When AliExpress Is the Best Choice

AliExpress is ideal when:

You want full control over product selection and order management
You plan to use your own account and automate workflows
You value speed, international logistics, and direct customer service
You want to add extra profit through cashback
You're building a long-term brand, not chasing the lowest prices

In short: if you want to run a real business — not just a cheap experiment — AliExpress offers the best infrastructure to do it right.

4. Step-by-Step: How to Start Dropshipping with AliExpress

Getting started with AliExpress dropshipping in 2025 is easier than ever — but doing it the right way from day one can save you thousands in the long run.

Here's a step-by-step breakdown to launch a lean, profitable AliExpress-based dropshipping business:

Step 1: Choose a Profitable Niche

Not all products are created equal. Look for items that meet the following criteria:

Lightweight and easy to ship
Non-seasonal (or seasonal with long lead time)
Unique enough to justify a markup
Solves a specific problem or fulfills a trend

Tools to help:

Google Trends
AliExpress "Top Selling" category
Dropship.io, Minea, Pexgle for product intelligence

Step 2: Set Up Your Store

Choose a platform that fits your level of experience:

Shopify: most popular with dropshipping apps, fast to launch
WooCommerce (WordPress): more control, lower fees
Etsy / eBay: if targeting niche markets or handmade-style products

Make sure your product pages are optimized with:

Clear images from suppliers
Your own edited copy (avoid using AliExpress default text)
Transparent shipping and refund policies

Step 3: Connect AliExpress to Your Store

Use one of the proven AliExpress automation tools:

DSers: Official AliExpress partner app, free plan available
AutoDS: Advanced features including auto-pricing and tracking
Zendrop, Dropified: Premium tools with U.S. warehouses (optional)

These plugins let you:

Import products with one click
Push orders automatically
Sync tracking info with customers

Step 4: Test Orders and Check Quality

Before scaling, place test orders from different sellers to:

Inspect product quality
Experience the shipping time
Evaluate packaging (is it neutral or does it include Chinese branding?)

Always choose suppliers with:

4.5 stars or higher
Thousands of orders and recent reviews
Clear shipping options with tracking

Step 5: Set Up Your Workflow

Create a daily or weekly routine for:

Checking pending orders
Confirming payment and shipment
Responding to buyer messages and disputes
Activating cashback on each order (we'll cover this in the next section)

Use spreadsheets or automation tools to stay organized and track margins over time.

Bonus Tip: Use Your Own AliExpress Account

Buying through your own account (instead of via tools only) gives you:

Access to AliExpress Coins, seller coupons, and site-wide discounts
Full cashback eligibility via tools like Refundy
Clear tracking of all orders, messages, and dispute history
Flexibility to handle multiple stores under one account

Many sellers overlook this — but it's one of the most profitable tweaks you can make.

5. Profit Optimization Strategies

Turn Every Order into Maximum Margin

Margins in dropshipping are tight — and with rising ad costs, every cent matters.
AliExpress might not offer the lowest prices on the internet, but it offers something far more valuable: control.
And with the right strategies, you can significantly boost your per-order profit without changing your product or platform.

1. Choose Smart Shipping Options

The shipping method you select affects not just delivery time, but also customer satisfaction and refund rates.

Compare shipping methods:

AliExpress Standard Shipping: Balanced speed and price (7–15 days to US/Europe)
Cainiao Standard for Special Goods: Good for lightweight parcels
ePacket: Still relevant in some regions
Seller's Shipping Method: Risky unless specified

Tip: Show delivery estimates transparently on product pages to reduce disputes and complaints.

2. Use Multi-Supplier Sourcing

Never rely on a single supplier for a winning product.
Instead:

Identify at least 2–3 backup sellers for your top products
Monitor price volatility and stock changes weekly
Use browser bookmarks or sourcing sheets to compare at a glance

This ensures you're not left scrambling when a supplier runs out or raises prices overnight.

3. Track the Full Product Lifecycle

Even trending products have a shelf life.

Monitor return rates and negative reviews
Watch for quality drops as sellers switch manufacturers
Phase out slow movers early and test new items quarterly

Tools like AliHunter, Shopify Analytics, and review alerts help automate this.

4. Avoid Hidden Losses

The silent killers of your profit margins:

Currency conversion fees (use multi-currency cards or AliPay balance)
Double shipping for split orders
Product weight discrepancies (leading to overcharged shipping)
Chargebacks due to unclear shipping times or poor packaging

A few dollars lost here and there? Over hundreds of orders, that adds up fast.

5. Automate Margin Tracking

Manual spreadsheets are fine when you start, but once you pass 10 orders/day, use tools to:

Track profit per product
Factor in shipping, transaction fees, ad spend
Include cashback as part of your margin calculations (see next chapter)

Apps like BeProfit, Shopify Reports, or a simple Google Sheet with formulas can save you hours.

6. Cashback: The Most Overlooked Profit Booster

Most dropshippers are obsessed with product cost, shipping fees, and ad spend. But there's one hidden lever that quietly boosts your margin on every single order — cashback.

What Is Cashback and Why It Matters

Cashback is a rebate you receive after making a purchase. It doesn't affect your store or your customer. You just earn a percentage of what you spent, and that comes back to you. In dropshipping, where margins can be razor-thin, this becomes a critical advantage — especially when you're placing hundreds of orders a month.

Why Most Sellers Miss Out

Most cashback systems aren't built for eCommerce sellers. They're designed for one-time consumers — not people placing 300 orders a month. That's why sellers often miss out on:

Forgetting to activate cashback properly
Browser plugin conflicts or session tracking issues
Low cashback rates from platforms like TopCashback or Rakuten

And even when they do work, you're usually dealing with long payout cycles, foreign currency conversion losses, or region-locked platforms.

How Refundy Solves the Problem

Refundy is a cashback service built with eCommerce sellers in mind — especially those using AliExpress. Here's what makes it different:

Up to 11% cashback on AliExpress, depending on seller campaigns and categories
A Chrome extension that tracks your order automatically
No confusing redirects or extra steps — just click once before checkout
Fast dashboard tracking and payouts in KRW or USD, ideal for Korean sellers too

Real Numbers: How Much Can You Earn?

Let's say you average $20 per order and place 300 orders per month.
Even at just 5% cashback, that's $300 back every month — pure profit.

Now imagine stacking this over 12 months, or across multiple stores.
Cashback isn't just a nice-to-have. It's a sustainable revenue stream.

How to Use Refundy Properly

To make the most of cashback:

Always activate the Refundy extension before checkout
Avoid using VPNs or plugins that interfere with tracking
Withdraw earnings monthly to track your extra income

7. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced dropshippers leave money on the table — not because their products are bad, but because of overlooked mistakes in their process. Here are the most common pitfalls that silently eat into your margins, and how to avoid them.

Forgetting to Activate Cashback

This is by far the most common and costly mistake. Many sellers:

Place orders without activating the cashback plugin
Open new tabs or refresh pages that break the referral chain
Use incognito mode or VPNs that block tracking

The fix?
Make it a habit. Before placing any order, confirm the Refundy extension is active and tracking. A few seconds of attention can save hundreds of dollars a month.

Relying on a Single Supplier

It might feel easier to just stick with one seller, but you're exposing your business to:

Sudden price hikes
Stockouts during peak seasons
Quality drops without notice

Always have at least one backup supplier. And check pricing weekly, not monthly.

Ignoring Small Fees That Add Up

It's easy to overlook micro-costs:

Cross-border payment fees
Currency conversion spreads
Discreet shipping charges (added at checkout)

Use multi-currency payment cards when possible, and track final order costs — not just listed prices.

Over-automating Without Profit Visibility

Automation tools are great, but they can also mask margin erosion. If your auto-pricing, fulfillment, or upselling tools are eating into profit without clear visibility, you're flying blind.

Regularly audit your margin per product. Include:

Ad spend
Shipping
Transaction fees
Cashback earned

Not Reading Reviews Before Adding a Product

Fast product testing is essential — but skipping review analysis leads to:

High refund rates
Bad customer feedback
Long-term damage to your brand

Scan recent reviews. Look at photos. Use them to pre-filter bad listings before they hit your store.

Avoiding these common mistakes isn't about being perfect — it's about protecting your margin and setting yourself up for consistent growth.

8. Final Thoughts & Action Plan

AliExpress dropshipping isn't dead — it's evolving. And in 2025, those who adapt their model to maximize control, transparency, and profit will thrive.

AliExpress gives you the tools to build a lean, self-managed operation. No agents. No hidden fees. Just you, your store, and your strategy. When combined with automation plugins, smart shipping, multi-supplier backup plans, and cashback tools like Refundy, the results can be surprisingly powerful — even with small ticket items.

You don't need to overhaul your entire business. You just need to optimize what you're already doing.

Quick Checklist Before You Start

Pick a niche with lightweight, high-demand products
Set up your store with clear shipping and refund policies
Use DSers or AutoDS to automate your AliExpress workflow
Always place test orders before scaling
Activate cashback on every order with Refundy (install the Chrome extension)
Track your true profit per order — including fees and cashback
Monitor supplier reliability weekly
Reinvest your cashback earnings for ad spend or bulk buys

Final Tip

Dropshipping is a margin game — and in a margin game, every % matters.
If you're placing orders with your own account anyway, why not earn something back on every single one?

Install Refundy, build your system, and treat cashback like the revenue stream it actually is.

Now go turn your next 100 orders into your next $1,000.