Editor’s Note
This article outlines the core advantages of AliExpress, primarily its competitive pricing due to direct manufacturer links. As with any marketplace, we advise shoppers to research sellers and products thoroughly.
AliExpress is a popular online marketplace offering a wide variety of products across different categories at relatively low prices. The platform belongs to the Alibaba Group, one of the world’s largest e-commerce companies.
In general, the online retailer can be considered legitimate with some limitations. Users primarily rate the low prices as an advantage. These are often lower compared to other online shops, as many products come directly from Chinese manufacturers and sellers.
Furthermore, AliExpress offers a very large selection of products from various categories such as electronics, clothing, jewelry, home and garden supplies, and toys. You can shop there for products for the whole family and various occasions.
AliExpress offers buyer protection, which is intended to protect customers from fraudulent sellers and substandard products. If a problem occurs with an order, customers can request a refund.
AliExpress also has some disadvantages alongside its advantages. Above all, you should be careful about which seller you buy from on the platform. Examine their ratings closely. Additionally, you must be prepared for these problems:
Since many products are shipped from China, delivery times can often be longer than with local sellers. It can take weeks or even months for the order to reach the customer.
Due to the multitude of sellers on AliExpress, product quality can vary. Some products may be of poor quality or not meet expectations.
Communication with some sellers can be challenging due to language barriers or slow response times.
Customers should note that additional customs duties and taxes may apply. Since July 1, 2021, new regulations apply for importing goods from non-EU countries. For all goods, regardless of their value, an import sales tax (EUSt) of 19% is levied. This is calculated and paid directly when purchasing via AliExpress, so no additional payments are required upon delivery.
For goods with a value over €150, additional customs duties may apply. The amount of the fees varies depending on the product category. It is important to consider the total price including shipping costs when making a purchase, as this is decisive for calculating the charges.
Returns on AliExpress can be complicated and costly. Returning items to China is usually expensive and is generally not covered by the seller. In some cases, returns can be made to a European warehouse, which reduces costs.
There are also reports from customers who, despite providing proof of return, did not receive a refund because the seller disputes receiving the goods. Customers are then often left to bear the costs, as the European warranty obligation does not apply to direct imports from China. Complaints must be handled directly with the seller via the platform.
Another disadvantage is the risk of receiving products that do not comply with European safety standards. Purchasing counterfeit branded goods can have legal consequences. Furthermore, many products do not meet EU safety requirements. The TÜV Association warns of unsafe products entering the EU without sufficient checks. Some products also bear a CE mark that does not comply with EU requirements but stands for “China Export.” This can mislead consumers.
AliExpress offers various payment methods: the in-house payment service AliPay, credit card, and PayPal.
Regarding data protection, buyers should note that when using Alipay and other services, personal data may be shared with third parties. It is advisable to inform yourself about the data protection regulations beforehand.
Experiences with AliExpress are mixed:
Shopping on AliExpress can be cost-effective but carries risks regarding customs duties, product safety, and return options. Buyers should inform themselves thoroughly before purchasing, carefully check ratings, and preferably use payment methods with buyer protection.