How to Source Products from AliExpress?

Finding a winning product is the most challenging part of starting an online business. With countless e-commerce platforms and product listings to sift through, it often feels like searching for a needle in a haystack. The key is choosing a platform that offers a diverse range of products and a high potential for profitability.

 

In this guide, we'll introduce you to AliExpress, an excellent platform for finding profitable items. We'll help you set up an account and select popular and financially rewarding products. We'll also teach you how to plan and launch your inventory.

 

What is AliExpress?

 

AliExpress is a China-based e-commerce platform owned by Alibaba Group, which also owns Alibaba. Why did Alibaba Group create AliExpress when Alibaba already exists? There are several reasons:

 

  1. They want to directly cater to international consumers from countries like Russia, Brazil, and the US, something they couldn't do on Alibaba, which targets manufacturers, wholesalers, and distributors.

 

  1. They want to diversify their business model to include both B2B and B2C sales channels, which can help mitigate business risks associated with relying solely on wholesale transactions and expand their revenue streams.

 

  1. They want Chinese manufacturers and retailers to sell their products directly to overseas consumers. This would boost China's domestic economy while providing international buyers with access to a wide range of products at relatively lower prices due to direct sourcing.

 

  1. They want to utilize their fulfillment and logistics innovation to enhance delivery efficiency and customer satisfaction, which is crucial for maintaining competitiveness in international markets.

 

Why Source Your Products from AliExpress?

 

AliExpress is one of the few marketplaces that can consistently provide profitable products for small businesses, startups, and individual entrepreneurs. Other platforms offer very few choices due to demand-pull and cost-push inflation as well as the fast-evolving trends. Here are some key reasons why AliExpress might be a good sourcing option:

 

  • AliExpress allows small purchases. There usually are no minimum order quantities, which benefits new businesses testing the market or those wanting to keep inventory costs low.
  • Product selections are diverse, allowing businesses to explore different markets without committing to large orders from multiple suppliers.
  • Prices are competitive since the products are sourced directly from manufacturers or first-hand suppliers. This translates into higher profit margins for resellers.
  • Buyers can choose from various international shipping options, including free or low-cost methods. There is no need for complex logistics arrangements.
  • Because AliExpress is primarily a B2C marketplace, you can gauge consumer trends and preferences based on what's popular among individual buyers.
  • Communication with suppliers on AliExpress is straightforward, allowing for negotiations on product specifics, customization, and pricing directly through the platform.
  • Secure payment methods are available. There's also a buyer protection policy that offers a refund if the product doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

 

How to Source Products from AliExpress?

 

Products that can catapult your business toward your goal aren't as elusive as you may think. They're hiding in plain sight and within reach. This simple step-by-step guide can help pinpoint them.

 

Step 1: Create an account.

 

Open AliExpress.com. Hover above "Sign In/Sign Up" and click "Register." You can register by entering your email address or signing up with Facebook, Google, Twitter, or Apple. Then, click "Continue."

 

If you want to register through your smartphone, install the AliExpress app from the Play Store or Apple Store. The app is heavy, so if your device's memory is almost full, uninstall unused apps first.

 

Once the app is installed on your device, open it. You'll see a "Sign in" button near the bottom of your screen. Click it and fill in your information until your account is registered.

 

You're not quite done yet. To maximize the app's features, you must configure your account correctly. Return to the home page and click "Account" in the bottom left corner of your screen. Select "Settings," indicated by the gear icon in the top right corner, and click "Profile." Fill in all essential information.

 

Step 2: Decide what product to sell.

 

Like other popular marketplaces, AliExpress offers a wide range of product categories. Whatever product you have in mind, there's a good chance it's already on AliExpress. So, your product choice should be based on your interest and desired profit, not on its availability on the platform. Ask yourself these questions to narrow your choices.

 

  1. Who are the potential customers, and what are their needs, preferences, and buying behaviors?
  2. Are there trends or data indicating growing demand for this product?
  3. How many other businesses are selling this product, and how are you different?
  4. How much does it cost to source or produce this product, and what is the most profitable price it can be sold at?
  5. What are the potential risks associated with this product?
  6. Can production be easily increased if demand grows, and if it can, are there logistical considerations?
  7. Does the product require special storage conditions (e.g., temperature control)?
  8. Is the product easy and cost-effective to ship?
  9. Are there ethical concerns related to the production or sourcing of the product?
  10. Does it fit with your existing product lines or business model?
  11. How frequently will the product need to be updated or refreshed?
  12. Will customers require assistance or after-sales service?

 

Step 3: Search for your chosen product.

 

Once you've compiled at least five different products based on the above guide questions, you can search for them on AliExpress. You'll get multiple results, and that's where the real work begins. You must check each of these results and pick one that meets the following criteria:

 

  • It's a Bestseller or Top Ranking product
  • It has at least a 4-star rating, but make sure this rating matches the reviews
  • The listing has a "Choice" badge
  • Free delivery and shipping (ideal for dropshippers)
  • It has over a hundred reviews, 98% of which are positive
  • The demand must be high, yet there should be few suppliers
  • Its most competitive price must be within your budget

 

You can use the same criteria when reverse-searching for products to sell. This means you have not decided what products or niches to search for. You just want to know which ones are trending or profitable. You usually do this when you're into arbitrage or dropshipping.

 

Here's how to find winning products on AliExpress:

 

  1. If you're looking for trending products on AliExpress, the fastest way is to open best.aliexpress.com. This is a shortcut to AliExpress's page for all bestsellers and trending products on the platform. You may also see a banner at the top of the page with "Trend Spotting" on it. You can also check trending products on select niches by clicking this banner.

 

  1. On best.aliexpress.com, scroll down and look for "Top rankings." Click "View More" to view the entire page. This is where AliExpress compiles trending product categories. They pick these products based on sales, the number of wish list additions, the seller's followers, and more. You can start your search here.

 

  1. You don't always have to go for the top-selling products. Many interesting, high-quality items aren't trending yet because they need more exposure. That's where you come in. Instead of following the trend, focus on quality. High-quality products tend to attract buyers.

 

  1. Besides quality, you must ensure the product is original. If you find an interesting product, the first thing you should do is trace its source, which must be the original manufacturer. You don't want to dropship or flip fake products on AliExpress. It only takes one complaint for them to kick you out of the platform.

 

  1. Check the seller's ratings. Especially if you're a dropshipper, you want your source to have a high communication and shipping speed rating. Their product should also be as described or advertised; AliExpress allows buyers to rate this aspect. 

 

Step 4: Contact the supplier.

 

Establish clear and frequent communication to build trust and ensure both parties understand expectations. Discuss pricing, minimum order quantities, and delivery times. Negotiate better terms based on projected order volume.

 

Step 5: Plan your inventory and launch your product.

 

Depending on your business model and capital, place an initial order that's big enough to meet anticipated demand but not so large as to strain your finances. Set up systems to manage inventory effectively, considering lead times for restocking.

 

Then, decide whether to dropship directly from AliExpress or manage inventory yourself. If handling inventory in-house, consider using fulfillment services. Provide clear delivery timelines to customers and choose reliable shipping options. Once everything is set and ready, list your products.

 

Discover Winning Products from AliExpress Today!

 

Using AliExpress as your product sourcing platform can be a powerful catalyst for success in e-commerce. However, like other platforms, success requires a deep understanding of market demands, effective communication with suppliers, and a strategic approach to inventory and marketing. To effectively navigate the complexities of AliExpress and uncover winning products, use this simple guide as your compass to ensure your business is on the right track.