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What is AliExpress: How to Start a Store and Manage Your Account

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29 Sep 202534 min read

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Cross-border e-commerce is growing at a record pace. Global online trade is expected to keep rising in 2025, opening new doors for small and mid-size businesses.

Many sellers are now turning to Aliexpress as their first step into international markets. The platform connects them with buyers in many countries without the need for a local store. For many entrepreneurs, this makes Aliexpress a practical and low-cost way to expand.

In this guide, we will explain what is Aliexpress, how the dropshipping model works, and how to set up and run your store as an Aliexpress seller. We will also cover efficiency tips, and common questions. By the end, you will know how to open an Aliexpress account and manage it with confidence. The chance to grow on Aliexpress is right in front of you!

What Is Aliexpress?

Aliexpress is one of the largest global online marketplaces. It was created by Alibaba Group and is designed to connect sellers with buyers across the world. Unlike wholesale platforms, Aliexpress focuses on retail shopping, so customers can buy even a single product at a time. For this reason, many new entrepreneurs first search for what is Aliexpress when looking for ways to enter cross-border e-commerce.

Key Features of Aliexpress

  • Aliexpress accepts sellers of all sizes. You don’t need to be a big brand to become an Aliexpress seller.
  • Shoppers on Aliexpress see local language, currency, and shipping options, which makes the buying process easier.
  • The platform covers a wide range of product categories, from electronics and fashion to home décor and beauty.
  • The sign-up process is simple, which is why many people want to know how to open an Aliexpress account and start selling quickly.

Market Reach and Scale

Today, Aliexpress serves buyers in more than 200 countries and regions. It supports multiple languages, payment methods, and logistics solutions. This global reach is why Aliexpress is often seen as a first step for small businesses that want to sell internationally.

Because of its size, sellers who ask what is Aliexpress are usually also interested in how to use it for business growth. For many, the next step is learning how to open an Aliexpress account and run multiple stores. With low entry barriers and wide exposure, Aliexpress has become a trusted choice for entrepreneurs who want to join the booming cross-border market.



Reasons to Sell Your Products on Aliexpress

AliExpress is one of the fastest-growing multi-vendor e-commerce platforms and has quickly built a strong presence in the global eCommerce community. Merchants can take full advantage of the many benefits that come with selling on AliExpress, giving them an excellent opportunity to kickstart their online business.

The primary reason to sell on AliExpress is its vast customer base, which continues to grow every day. With over 180 million users as of 2021, this number is consistently increasing, giving sellers access to a large, trusted audience.

1.Another key benefit for merchants is the ease of listing products on AliExpress. The platform has no product limitations, allowing sellers to showcase as many items as they wish.

2.AliExpress gives merchants full flexibility when it comes to return policies. Unlike other platforms, 3.AliExpress doesn’t impose a standard return policy on sellers, enabling them to create their own terms that best fit their business needs.

4.AliExpress also allows merchants to directly interact with customers. With just a few clicks, customers can get their questions answered, helping to build trust and streamline communication.



How to Join Aliexpress: Seller Requirements

To become an Aliexpress seller, you need to meet several key requirements. These include having the right business credentials, a valid Aliexpress account, and complying with platform policies. Below is a breakdown of the key requirements and preparations to start selling on Aliexpress.

Basic Requirements to Join Aliexpress

Business License


  • Applicants must have a valid business license, which is the basic document proving the legitimacy of their business operations. This is essential for becoming a legitimate Aliexpress seller.

Alipay Business Account


  • Sellers must have an Alipay business account that corresponds to their business license for conducting transactions on the Aliexpress platform.

Trademark Qualification


  • Sellers need to own or represent a brand and must provide trademark proof (R/TM logos). Some product categories may require trademarks in English only.

Annual Fee


  • To register on Aliexpress, sellers must pay an annual service fee. However, Aliexpress offers incentives and rebate mechanisms to encourage sellers to improve their sales performance.

Brand Operation Rights


  • Sellers must have or represent a brand. Based on their brand qualifications, sellers can choose from three types of stores: Official Brand Store, Specialty Store, or Authorized Store.

Types of Stores on Aliexpress

Official Brand Store


  • Managed by the brand holder or an exclusive authorized agent.
  • Trademark Requirement: Must have a registered trademark (R logo).
  • Authorization Requirement: Must have exclusive authorization from the brand owner.
  • Product Scope: Focuses on products from one single brand.

Specialty Store


  • Operated by sellers with their own brand or a brand they have authorization for.
  • Trademark Requirement: Must have a registered trademark or a pending trademark (TM).
  • Authorization Requirement: Requires brand authorization (non-exclusive allowed).
  • Product Scope: Specializes in a brand's product range.

Authorized Store


  • Sells products from one or more brands, either owned or authorized.
  • Trademark Requirement: Registered or pending trademark (R or TM).
  • Authorization Requirement: For third-party brands, appropriate authorization documents are required.
  • Product Scope: Multiple brands in the same category or industry.

Seller Documentation Preparation

Product List

  • Sellers need to download the product list template from Aliexpress's entry system, fill it out with detailed product information, and upload it to the system.

Category Qualifications


  • Depending on the product category, sellers must submit corresponding qualification documents, such as product quality certifications, test reports, etc.

Trademark Qualifications


  • Submit trademark qualification proof. If your trademark cannot be found in the system, you can go through the trademark addition process in the entry system.

Aliexpress Dropshipping Model Explained

Many new sellers search for what is Aliexpress because they want to understand how the platform supports dropshipping. Aliexpress has become one of the most popular marketplaces for this business model, thanks to its wide product selection and global shipping options.

What Is Dropshipping on Aliexpress?

Dropshipping is a model where the Aliexpress seller does not keep products in stock. Instead, the seller lists items on their store, and when a customer places an order, the seller forwards that order to the supplier. The supplier then ships the product directly to the customer.

This means the Aliexpress seller never has to manage inventory or warehouses. Many people start by learning how to open an Aliexpress account and then use it to test products without high upfront costs.

The Dropshipping Process on Aliexpress

The process is straightforward:

1.Research and select products from Aliexpress.

2.A customer places an order in your store.

3.You forward the order to your chosen supplier on Aliexpress.

4.The supplier ships the product directly to your customer.

This step-by-step process is why many guides on how to start Aliexpress dropshipping highlight the platform’s simplicity.

Advantages and Challenges

Advantages:

  • Wide range of products: Aliexpress has millions of listings, making it easy to test new niches.
  • Low startup cost: You only pay suppliers after customers place orders.
  • Global reach: Sellers using Aliexpress can serve customers in many countries without needing warehouses abroad.

Challenges:

  • Shipping times may be long, especially for international customers.
  • Product quality varies, so Aliexpress sellers must carefully choose reliable suppliers.
  • Competition can be high in popular niches, requiring strong SEO and marketing skills.

Still, for anyone wondering what is Aliexpress and whether it’s worth trying, the dropshipping model shows why it is such a powerful entry point. By learning how to open an Aliexpress account and starting small, sellers can test markets, grow sales, and scale over time.

How to Run Dropshipping on Aliexpress

Once you understand what is Aliexpress and how dropshipping works, the next step is learning how to run your store. Many people start with one store, but serious Aliexpress sellers often open multiple accounts to test products and reach more customers. Knowing how to open an Aliexpress account is only the beginning—you also need a clear plan for product research, supplier selection, and store setup.

Product Research and Selection

The first task for any Aliexpress seller is product research. With millions of items on Aliexpress, you need to find products that are in demand but not oversaturated. Tools like AliShark, FindNiche, and Google Trends help you see which products are rising. Many guides on how to sell on Aliexpress recommend starting with categories such as electronics, home improvement, beauty, and fitness, since they often perform well in cross-border markets.

Choosing Reliable Suppliers

A successful dropshipping store depends on suppliers. On Aliexpress, you should review supplier ratings, sales history, minimum order quantities, and customer reviews. Reliable suppliers reduce the risk of refunds and complaints. For a new Aliexpress seller, picking the right supplier is more important than chasing the lowest price. This is often the difference between growing a store and losing customers.

Setting Up Your Store

After you complete product and supplier research, the next step is creating your shop. Learning how to open an Aliexpress account is simple—you register with your email, add your business information, and upload product listings. But running a store is more than just signing up. You must write clear product titles, optimize descriptions with strong keywords, and use quality images. These steps help your store rank better inside Aliexpress search and attract more buyers.

A good strategy is to start with a small range of products, test customer reactions, and then expand. Many successful Aliexpress sellers say that focusing on one niche first makes it easier to build trust and improve rankings.

How to Improve Business Efficiency for AliExpress Sellers

Many sellers today choose to operate multiple stores on AliExpress to expand market reach, spread risks, and increase revenue streams.

However, managing multiple stores also brings extra challenges, especially when it comes to avoiding account linkage and improving operational efficiency. With e-commerce platforms monitoring seller behavior more strictly, any signs that multiple accounts may be operated by the same person or team could result in account restrictions or even bans.

So, is there a safe and efficient way to make AliExpress multi-store management easier?

Using DICloak Antidetect Browser for Multi-Store Operations

DICloak is a professional multi-account management and antidetect browser that creates independent browser environments for sellers. Each environment comes with a unique browser fingerprint, making every account appear as if it is logged in from a different device and user.

  1. Create and Manage Multiple AliExpress Accounts
  • Account Isolation: Each account runs in a separate Dicloak browser profile with its own cookies, User Agent, cache, and browsing history, completely avoiding data overlap between accounts.

  • Custom Fingerprint Simulation: DICloak supports flexible configuration of parameters such as operating system, browser version, resolution, language, time zone, and geolocation, accurately simulating different buyer or seller environments.

  • Proxy Configuration : DICloak supports sellers to import and configure various types of proxies (HTTP/HTTPS, SOCKS5, or custom proxies) for each account, which helps reduce the risk of AliExpress detecting account linkage.

  1. Automation and Efficiency Boost
  • RPA Automation: With DICloak’s built-in automation workflows, AliExpress sellers can quickly complete tasks and save significant time.

  1. Team Collaboration and Permission Management
  • Secure Account Sharing: AliExpress team members can log in and manage accounts securely within DICloak without needing direct access to account passwords.
  • Permission Control: Different permission levels can be assigned to roles such as operations, customer service, or finance, ensuring efficient and secure team collaboration.



Aliexpress  FAQs

Many new sellers have questions about how to start Aliexpress dropshipping and running a store. Here are some of the most common questions from Aliexpress sellers, along with answers that will help guide you through the process.

How Much Does It Cost to Start Selling on Aliexpress?

Starting a dropshipping store on Aliexpress is relatively low-cost. There are no fees for signing up as a seller, and you only pay for the products after customers place an order. Your primary costs are the product cost and shipping fees, which vary depending on the supplier and destination.

Some Aliexpress sellers also choose to invest in paid ads or promotional campaigns to increase visibility. However, how to sell on Aliexpress doesn’t require a big budget to get started. By carefully choosing products and suppliers, you can keep initial costs low.

How Do I Choose the Best Suppliers for Dropshipping on Aliexpress?

Choosing the right supplier is one of the most important decisions for any Aliexpress seller. Look for suppliers with high ratings, good reviews, and a solid track record of fulfilling orders on time. Avoid suppliers with low ratings or a history of poor customer feedback.

When you open an Aliexpress account and start selecting products, remember to test the supplier by placing a small order first. This helps ensure product quality and reliable shipping.

How Can I Avoid Long Shipping Times on Aliexpress?

Shipping times on Aliexpress can be longer than other platforms, especially if the supplier is located in China. To manage this, always set clear shipping expectations with your customers. Use shipping options that offer tracking numbers to keep your customers informed.

Another tip for Aliexpress sellers is to choose suppliers who offer faster shipping methods, such as ePacket or AliExpress Standard Shipping. These options often have shorter delivery times and can help improve customer satisfaction.

Can I Use Aliexpress for Multiple Stores?

Yes, Aliexpress sellers can run multiple stores under the same account, but it’s important to keep track of each store’s performance. If you plan to expand to multiple stores, consider using tools like DICloak to help manage different accounts safely and efficiently.

Each store will need its own strategy for product selection, SEO, and marketing. With the right approach, you can scale your business and reach a wider audience.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Starting as an Aliexpress seller opens up many opportunities to grow your business globally. Aliexpress provides a user-friendly platform for beginners to dive into the world of e-commerce without the need for large upfront investments. By understanding what Aliexpress is, how the dropshipping model works, and optimizing your store for SEO, you can set yourself up for success.

Take Action: How to Start Selling on Aliexpress

Now that you know the basics, it’s time to take action! Here’s a quick checklist to help you get started:

Open an Aliexpress account: Sign up with your email and set up your store.

Find a niche: Research products using Aliexpress and other trend tools.

Choose reliable suppliers: Read reviews and select suppliers with high ratings.

Set up your store: Upload your products, write SEO-friendly descriptions, and optimize titles with keywords.

Start selling: Begin with a small product range, test the market, and scale up as you gain experience.

Use Tools Like Dicloak for Extra Security

If you plan to manage multiple stores or want to ensure your Aliexpress seller accounts stay safe, consider using tools like DICloak. These tools help prevent account linkages and maintain the security of your store, making it easier to scale your operations without the risk of bans.

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