How AliExpress dropshipping works
You list an AliExpress product in your own store. When a customer buys, you buy the same item on AliExpress with the customer’s address as the delivery address, and the supplier ships it. You keep the difference between your price and your costs. You never hold stock.
The AliExpress Dropshipping Center
AliExpress runs a free Dropshipping Center at ds.aliexpress.com. AliExpress’s developer documentation says its dropshipping API is only available to users who have joined the Dropshipping Center, which is why apps ask you to join it first.
Automating orders with partner apps
Placing every order by hand doesn’t scale. Apps such as DSers, which describes itself as an official AliExpress dropshipping partner, import products into your store, place orders on AliExpress in bulk and sync tracking numbers back to your store. You still choose suppliers, check orders and handle problems.
The trade-offs
- Delivery time: most items ship from China, so delivery is usually slower than from local stock. Check the delivery estimate on each listing for your customers’ country.
- Quality varies by seller: order samples and read reviews.
- Branding is limited: parcels come in the supplier’s packaging.
- Import taxes: depending on the destination, duties or VAT/GST may apply. Check your country’s rules.
Buyer protection
AliExpress Buyer Protection lets you open a dispute if an item doesn’t arrive or isn’t as described. Keep photos and tracking details. Remember that your own customers will contact you, not AliExpress, so set clear delivery times and a returns policy in your store.
Sources: AliExpress Buyer Protection · AliExpress Open Platform dropshipping docs · DSers: AliExpress official partner
Before you launch
- Pick 3–5 products and order samples.
- Time delivery to your main market.
- Work out profit per order including ads in the profit calculator.
- Have a backup supplier for each product.
- Look at local-stock alternatives on SupplierFinder.
From our Etsy shop: Dropshipping Starter Kit. Google Sheets & Excel: profit and ROAS calculators, supplier list, ad testing tracker and a starter guide.
Check a product’s profit first
Price, cost, shipping, fees, refunds and ads: see profit per order and break-even ROAS.
Open the profit calculatorFrequently asked questions
Is AliExpress dropshipping free?
The Dropshipping Center is free to use. You pay for the products you order, plus your own store, apps and advertising.
Is AliExpress dropshipping still worth it?
It can be a low-risk way to test products because you don’t buy stock. The main drawbacks are slower delivery from China and limited branding. Many sellers test on AliExpress, then move winning products to local stock.
What is DSers?
DSers is an order-management app that describes itself as an official AliExpress dropshipping partner. It imports products, places AliExpress orders in bulk and syncs tracking to your store.
Do I need a business to dropship?
Rules depend on your country. You will usually need to report the income for tax. See our sister site’s launch checklist.
Last reviewed: October 2026. General information only — check providers' official sites for current features and pricing.