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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Business License
Alipay Business Account
Trademark Qualification
Annual Fee
Brand Operation Rights
Official Brand Store
Specialty Store
Authorized Store
Product List
Category Qualifications
Trademark Qualifications
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.
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 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:
Challenges:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.