AliExpress Dropshipping (A → Z) — How to Sell on Shopify / WooCommerce in 2025

This guide walks you through everything needed to run a reliable AliExpress dropshipping business that converts buyers and scales: niche selection, product research, Shopify/Woo setup, importing with automation (DSers/CJdropshipping), pricing, fulfillment, returns, and scaling ads. Each step is practical and tested — use the checklist at the end to act quickly.

Why AliExpress Dropshipping Still Works (when done right)

AliExpress remains popular because of extremely low product cost and a massive catalog. The edge in 2025 is to combine **careful supplier selection**, **fast-processing suppliers**, **excellent product pages**, and **automation** so you don’t drown in manual orders.

Step 1 — Pick a Niche (don’t be general)

Choose a micro-niche with buyer intent and reasonable margins. Examples:

• Pet travel accessories (small, high perceived value)
• Eco-friendly kitchen gadgets
• Home office ergonomics (mouse pads, stands)
• Hobby niches (modeling tools, craft kits)

Quick validation: check AliExpress search volume, Facebook ad interest, and Google Trends. Avoid saturated impulse gadgets unless you have a unique angle or branding.

Step 2 — Product Research & Supplier Selection

Focus on suppliers that offer fast shipping options (ePacket, local warehouses), good reviews, and consistent stock. Use these checks:

1. Order history & rating: prefer suppliers with many orders & 95%+ positive feedback.
2. Shipping locations: choose suppliers with US/EU warehouses if targeting those markets.
3. Processing time: confirm avg processing time (ideally ≤ 48–72 hours).
4. Sample order: order samples to check packaging and product quality before listing.

Step 3 — Setup Your Store (Shopify quick start)

Below are the practical steps to have a functioning Shopify store in 60–180 minutes:

1. Sign up: Create a Shopify account (trial to start). Choose a store name and set currency.
2. Choose theme: Pick a clean, fast theme (Debut or a lightweight paid theme). Mobile-first matters.
3. Essential pages: Add About, Contact, Shipping Policy, Refund Policy, Terms.
4. Install apps: Install DSers (or Oberlo alternatives) to import AliExpress products. Install review app (Judge.me / Loox) and a basic SEO app if desired.
5. Payment gateways: enable Stripe / PayPal / local gateways so you can accept cards and pay later reconciliations.
6. Set shipping profiles: create realistic shipping times and display them clearly on product pages.

Step 4 — Importing Products (DSers example)

DSers is a popular tool that lets you import AliExpress products and automate order fulfillment. Here is the usual workflow:

1. Install DSers: from Shopify app store and connect to AliExpress via DSers account.
2. Find product on AliExpress: open the product page, click "Add to DSers" or use DSers Chrome extension to import.
3. Edit product before import: rewrite the title, create bullet points, upload high-quality images, and set price (see pricing section below).
4. Variants & SKUs: ensure color/size variants are mapped correctly and create clear variant images.
5. Fulfillment automation: set DSers to auto-place orders when a store order is paid (or set manual approval if you prefer control).

Step 5 — Product Page That Converts

Key elements to optimize:

• Hero images & lifestyle mockups: show the product in use (use free mockup tools or Canva).
• Fast bullets: 5 benefit-driven bullets (size, shipping, guarantee).
• Shipping badge: show delivery estimate (e.g., “Ships from EU warehouse — 7–12 days”).
• FAQ section: address returns, warranties, and tracking details.
• Social proof: import reviews or add your own verified test-review after sample testing.

Step 6 — Pricing Strategy

Typical formula for pricing:

Retail Price = (AliExpress Cost + Shipping cost + Transaction fees) × Markup

Rules of thumb: aim for at least 2.5–3× your landed cost if marketing with paid ads. For organic sales, 1.8–2.5× can be acceptable with volume.

Step 7 — Order Fulfillment & Handling

1. When an order comes in: DSers automatically maps the order to AliExpress product and places the order when you click “order” or automatically if enabled.
2. Use buyer’s address: ensure DSers/AliExpress checkout uses the customer’s address directly (don’t use your address).
3. Tracking: push tracking numbers from DSers back to Shopify — customers should always receive tracking updates.
4. Delayed shipments: proactively notify customers if suppliers delay; offer partial refunds or discounts to maintain reputation.

Step 8 — Returns & Disputes

Dropshipping returns are tricky. Best practices:

• Have a clear returns policy: typically "no returns for change-of-mind", but accept returns for damaged/incorrect items.
• Ask customers to provide photos and open disputes with AliExpress sellers when needed.
• Keep a buffer margin to cover occasional returns/refunds in your P&L.

Step 9 — Advertising & Scaling

Start with small tests and measure ROAS:

1. Test creative first: run 3–5 different creatives to find what resonates (UGC-style, demo, problem/solution).
2. Traffic channels: Meta Ads, TikTok Ads for impulse products, Google Shopping for intent buyers.
3. Scale rules: scale winners gradually (20–30% budget increases) and duplicate winning ad sets.

Step 10 — Automation & Tools to Save Time

Recommended stack:

• DSers — AliExpress import & fulfillment automation.
• CJdropshipping — alternate supplier with local warehouses for faster delivery.
• ShipStation/AfterShip — tracking & returns management.
• Google Analytics & Facebook Pixel — performance tracking and retargeting.

Comparison: DSers vs CJdropshipping vs Oberlo (Simple)

Tool	Automation	Shipping Options	Best When
DSers	High (bulk order automation)	AliExpress carriers + ePacket	Shopify sellers using AliExpress
CJdropshipping	High (warehouse + sourcing)	Local warehouses (US/EU) for faster delivery	Sellers needing faster shipping
Oberlo (legacy)	Medium (used with Shopify)	AliExpress carriers	Beginners starting with simple imports

Practical Templates (Copy & Paste)

Supplier Message (sample)

Hello [Supplier Name],

I want to place orders regularly for your product: [Product URL / ID].
Before we start, please confirm:
1) Current stock quantity for all variants.
2) Processing time (in days).
3) Do you offer ePacket or local warehouse shipping to [Target Country]?
4) Can you include a simple packing note (no invoices) and my customer's address?

Thanks,
[Your Name / Store Name]
  

Customer Shipping Delay Reply

Hi [Customer Name],

Thank you for your order. I’m sorry for the delay — our supplier is processing your item and estimated delivery is now [new ETA]. I’m tracking this personally and will update you ASAP. As an apology, here is a [discount/partial-refund] code for your next purchase.

Best,
[Your Name]
  

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

• ❌ Selling items with massive shipping lead times without noting it — always display realistic delivery times.
• ❌ Relying on one supplier — diversify to prevent stockouts.
• ❌ Skipping sample orders — always test product and packaging first.

Checklist Before Launch (Quick)

• ✔ Product samples ordered and approved
• ✔ DSers / CJdropshipping linked and tested
• ✔ Shipping & refund policies published
• ✔ Pixel & analytics installed
• ✔ 3 ad creatives ready for testing

Dropshipping from AliExpress still works if you design reliable systems: supplier checks, automation for orders, honest shipping communication, and measured ad spending. Start with a single winning product, perfect its funnel, and then scale.

Ready to test a product? Use the checklist above and run a small ad test — learn fast and iterate.