How to Choose Reliable Sellers on AliExpress

Shopping on AliExpress can feel like a treasure hunt—amazing deals are out there, but you’ve gotta know where to look. With millions of sellers offering everything from phone cases to solar-powered gadgets, finding trustworthy ones is key to avoiding scams and getting real value. So how do you separate the gems from the junk? Let’s break it down with real tips, data, and a little street smarts.

Check Seller Ratings Like a Pro

The first red flag? A seller with a 90% positive feedback rating. Sounds decent, right? Not really. Top-tier sellers on AliExpress average 97% or higher. Here’s a quick guide:

And don’t just glance at the number—click into recent reviews. Look for patterns: if multiple buyers mention “wrong color” or “took 40 days,” that’s your warning sign.

Look at Order Volume & Store Age

A seller with 500 orders and a 99% rating might seem great—until you realize their store opened last month. New stores can fake ratings. Aim for sellers with:

• At least 1,000+ orders (shows consistency)
• Store age over 1 year (proves longevity)
• Steady growth in monthly sales

Data shows that sellers active for 2+ years have a 34% lower dispute rate than newer ones (Source: AliExpress 2023 Seller Report).

Shipping & Return Policies Matter

Free shipping? Awesome—but check the method. ePacket or AliExpress Standard Shipping usually deliver in 10–20 days. Unbranded China Post? Could take 6 weeks. And always verify:

• Does the seller offer return/refund?
• Who pays return shipping?
• Is there local customer support?

Sellers offering local returns (in your country) are 3x more reliable, according to user surveys.

Beware of Too-Good-to-Be-True Deals

An iPhone for $89? Yeah… no. Scammers lure buyers with ultra-low prices on high-demand items. Stick to realistic pricing. Use this rule:

If it’s more than 60% off market value, be skeptical.

Also, avoid sellers who push you to pay outside AliExpress. The platform’s Buyer Protection only covers in-app transactions.

Final Tips: Trust, But Verify

Even top sellers can slip up. Always:

• Message the seller before buying—responsive = reliable
• Start with a small order to test quality
• Use PayPal or credit card for extra fraud protection

Bottom line: Reliable AliExpress sellers exist—you just need to shop smart. With these tips, you’ll score deals without the drama.