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Why Is AliExpress So Cheap? Uncover the Truth & Safe Sourcing Tips
AliExpress, along with other Chinese retailers like Shein and Temu, has gained worldwide popularity for offering budget-friendly products. The extremely low prices often raise questions about their legitimacy and product quality. In this article, we’ll uncover the reasons behind AliExpress’s affordability, whether it impacts the reliability of its goods, and how global buyers can safely purchase from the platform while avoiding scams. Additionally, we’ll discuss how working with a China sourcing agent can help ensure product quality inspection and secure transactions.
10 Reasons Why AliExpress Is So Cheap (Explained)
AliExpress has built a strong reputation for its exceptionally low-cost products across nearly every category. Whether you're looking for electronics, apparel, or household items, the platform offers a vast selection at prices that are hard to beat.
But have you ever wondered why is AliExpress is so cheap?
In this post, we’ll break down the main reasons behind the platform’s surprisingly low prices and explore what drives its appeal to budget-conscious global buyers. Let’s get started!
1.Buying Directly From Manufacturers (No Middlemen)
One of the biggest reasons AliExpress is so cheap is because it connects buyers directly with manufacturers, eliminating costly wholesalers and retailers.
For example, a Chinese manufacturer might sell a $2 piece of jewelry on AliExpress, while a traditional store would charge $12–$15 due to distributor markups and retail overhead costs.
This direct-to-consumer (DTC) approach keeps prices low and is a key advantage for dropshippers.
Luckily, there are lots of trustworthy Chinese dropshipping suppliers for AliExpress.
2.Low or Free Shipping: Still a Bargain in 2025?
One of the reasons why AliExpress is still considered a cheap online shopping platform is its low-cost or even free shipping options. But is it still true in 2025?
In the past, international shipping from China was extremely affordable due to government subsidies on services like China Post and Hong Kong Post. However, starting in 2025, these subsidies have been reduced significantly. This change means:
- AliExpress Standard Shipping now depends more on private logistics companies such as Cainiao, YunExpress, and 4PX. These providers now handle over 70% of shipments, replacing the old reliance on public postal services.
- Shipping fees for low-priced items (under $10) have gone up by around 10% to 25%. For example, shipping costs that were once $1–$2 may now range between $2–$5.
- Even so, delivery times have improved in some regions. Buyers in the U.S. can now receive parcels in 10–20 days, while customers in Europe often get their orders within 12–22 days.
Still, for those looking for cheap sourcing from China, AliExpress continues to offer better value compared to platforms like Amazon. Amazon focuses on fast—but often costly—delivery. On the other hand, AliExpress offers budget-friendly shipping, even if it takes a little longer.
When using AliExpress, I always turn on the “Free Shipping” filter to cut down on extra costs. Even with that filter, I still find what I need—and sometimes discover even better options. This is one of the reasons why many international buyers and sourcing agents continue to recommend AliExpress for affordable purchasing.
3.Minimal investment in customer service
In countries like the U.S. or UK, businesses often put a lot of money into customer service. They offer easy returns, quick refunds, and 24/7 support teams. While this is great for shoppers, it also means higher product prices to cover those extra services.
AliExpress takes a different route. Here, customer service isn’t the main focus. If you run into an issue, you'll likely chat with a bot first. And if you try to reach real support, they usually direct you to talk to the seller instead of fixing the problem right away.
This may sound inconvenient, but it’s one of the reasons AliExpress products are so affordable. With less spending on support teams, sellers can cut costs and offer cheaper prices.
It’s like comparing a fast-food restaurant to a fancy dine-in one. At the fast-food spot, you grab your own food, find a seat, and toss your trash—but the meal is much cheaper. That’s how AliExpress shopping works: fewer services, but more savings.
So, while the customer service experience might not be as smooth, you’re still getting value-for-money deals on a wide range of items.
4.Copycat Products and Brand Issues
Let’s talk about a tricky topic: Does AliExpress have fake products?
The answer is yes — sometimes sellers on AliExpress do sell fake or copycat items. These are products that look very similar to popular brands, but they’re not made by the real company.
You might see something that looks like a famous brand bag or shoes but costs way less — that’s often a copy. These products are cheaper because they don’t pay for things like design, testing, or big ad campaigns like the original brands do.
Also, in China, the rules around brand protection (intellectual property) used to be less strict than in countries like the US. So it’s been easier for factories to make and sell these kinds of items without getting into legal trouble.
5.Use of Low-Cost Materials
One reason why AliExpress products are so cheap is because many of them are made with low-cost materials.
When a seller wants to offer a low price, they often use cheaper fabrics or parts. For example, instead of using soft cotton, a T-shirt might be made from polyester, which is a synthetic material and costs less.
This helps lower the product price, but it can also mean the item might not last as long or feel as good. So, if you're wondering why AliExpress is cheap, one big reason is the materials used.
That doesn’t mean everything on AliExpress is bad, but it’s smart to check the product details and reviews before buying. Remember: cheap AliExpress products might not always offer the best quality or durability.
6.Possible Quality Issues or Inaccurate Product Listings
Although AliExpress is known for its budget-friendly options, not every product lives up to expectations—some may have quality issues or descriptions that don’t quite match the actual item.
✅ Here’s how you can shop smart and avoid disappointment:
- Always read customer reviews to get real feedback on the product.
- Look for sellers with high ratings, ideally above 95%, to ensure credibility.
- Rely on AliExpress Buyer Protection—this feature lets you request a refund if your item doesn’t arrive or isn’t as described.
By staying cautious and doing a little research, you can still enjoy great deals without the risk of getting scammed.
7.Seller Competition = Lower Prices
One of the key reasons why AliExpress products are so affordable is the strong competition among sellers on the platform.
Picture a crowded online market where dozens of sellers are offering nearly the same items. To stand out, each AliExpress seller tries to offer the most attractive price.
This is exactly what happens every day on AliExpress — many vendors selling similar goods, all competing to get your attention by lowering their prices.
For buyers, this is a big win. It means more product choices, and often, better deals. The intense competition in this marketplace keeps prices low and benefits anyone looking for a bargain.
8.Mass Production and Economies of Scale
One of the main reasons AliExpress can offer products at such low prices is because it benefits from economies of scale. Let’s break down what that means in a simple way:
➡ When a platform like AliExpress sells a huge number of products, it spreads out its fixed costs (like storage, technology, and operations) across many orders. This means that each item costs less to handle and ship, which leads to lower prices for buyers.
➡ Also, due to the massive volume of goods sold, AliExpress and many of its top sellers can buy in bulk from factories. This gives them leverage to negotiate lower prices with manufacturers and suppliers. The discounts they get are often passed on to customers.
➡ Simply put: the bigger the order volume, the cheaper each item becomes to produce and sell. That’s why many products on AliExpress—like phone cases for $0.50—can be priced so competitively. These items are mass-produced at a low cost, allowing sellers to profit even with small margins.
So in the end, large-scale operations and mass production help AliExpress keep costs low and prices affordable—especially for international buyers looking for budget-friendly options.
9.Lower Labor Costs Keep Prices Down
One key reason why AliExpress items are so affordable is the lower labor cost in China. In 2025, the average monthly wage in China is around ¥22,053 CNY (about $3,049 USD), while in the U.S., it’s approximately $4,457 per month—or $53,490 per year.
That’s a difference of over $1,400 per month or nearly $18,500 annually, making U.S. labor significantly more expensive than China’s.
Because many AliExpress suppliers manufacture in China, they benefit from reduced labor expenses, which directly impacts pricing. These savings allow sellers to list products at lower prices, especially compared to brands based in countries with higher wage levels.
For instance, a simple t-shirt might cost only $3 on AliExpress, while the same item sold in a local retail store in the West could be three to four times that price. Whether it’s clothing, electronics, or household items, low labor costs play a big role in making AliExpress a top choice for budget-conscious buyers.
10.First-Time Buyer Offers & Inventory Clearance Sales
Many vendors on AliExpress attract customers by providing special offers for new users or by heavily discounting items to clear old stock. If you're shopping on AliExpress for the first time, you're likely to come across exclusive welcome deals tailored just for new customers.
These promotions are one of the reasons why products on AliExpress often seem unbelievably cheap.
Such strategies—whether designed to reduce inventory or encourage first-time purchases—make the platform especially appealing for bargain hunters.
By offering items at deeply discounted rates, sometimes even as low as $0.99, sellers can quickly free up warehouse space while keeping their sales volume high. This also helps AliExpress sellers maintain competitiveness and offer international buyers excellent value.
✅ 9 Simple Tips to Avoid Scams When Buying from AliExpress
AliExpress is known for its super low prices. But just because something is cheap doesn’t always mean it's a scam. Still, it’s important to be careful when shopping, especially if you're an overseas buyer sourcing from China.
AliExpress acts like a middleman. Most sellers are honest, but a few may try to trick you. Just like any other marketplace, scams can happen. Here are 9 easy-to-follow tips to protect yourself and get better quality products:
1.Look at the Seller’s Profile
Check the seller’s store information before buying. Reliable sellers often have:
- A “Gold” badge or “AliExpress Choice” tag
- Good ratings and reviews
- At least 3 years of selling experience
- Thousands of followers
If you're working with a China sourcing agent, they can help you pick trusted sellers quickly.
2.Read Product Reviews
Always check what other buyers say about the product. Look for:
- Photos from real buyers
- Comments about quality, shipping, and seller service Be careful with too many bad reviews—but also watch out for fake positive reviews. If something looks off, it's better to skip that product.
3.Don’t Fall for Prices That Are Too Good
If you see a product that’s way cheaper than others, be careful.
It could be:
- Poor quality
- The wrong item
- Or even a scam
It’s better to spend a little more than waste time asking for refunds or fixing problems later.
4.Avoid Branded Items
Most famous brands (like Nike or Apple) are not sold on AliExpress.
If you see brand-name products at super low prices, they’re probably fake.
Buying fake goods can also cause intellectual property issues—especially if you’re reselling.5.Order Samples First
If you plan to buy in bulk, always order a sample first.
This helps you check:
- Real product quality
- Delivery time
- Seller communication
- Whether the product looks and works like in the listing
This is a smart step in any safe China purchasing process.
6.Check the Package When It Arrives
When your order comes, open it and check carefully:
- Is it the right size, color, and type?
- Is it damaged or different from the listing?
If something’s wrong, contact the seller and use AliExpress’s buyer protection to open a dispute.
Tip: A professional product quality inspection before shipping can avoid such issues.
7.Never Deal Outside AliExpress
Some sellers may ask you to pay or message them outside the AliExpress platform. Never do that!
- AliExpress only protects orders placed through its system
- If you go off-site, you lose that protection
A trusted China sourcing agent will always help you stick to safe channels.
8.Use Tools to Compare Prices
AliExpress has many sellers selling similar products.
Use tools or browser extensions to:
- Compare prices
- Find better deals
- Avoid overpaying
If you work with a sourcing agent, they can also help you negotiate lower prices.
9.Work with a Sourcing Expert
They can:
- Find reliable suppliers
- Negotiate the best deals
- Handle product inspections and shipping
- Save you time and avoid costly mistakes
This is especially useful for overseas buyers who need help sourcing products from China safely and efficiently.
Final Thoughts
AliExpress can be a great place to find cheap products—but only if you know how to shop smart.If you need help finding safe and reliable products on AliExpress or from Chinese suppliers, our team at JITGalaxySource is here to support you.
FAQs
1.Is it safe to buy from Aliexpress?
Aliexpress is a legitimate company and safe to use in most cases. However, some sellers on this platform may not be trustworthy. You should apply the effective tips we provide to stay safe from scams when buying on Aliexpress.
2.Why is Aliexpress so cheap to buy?
AliExpress is so cheap due to several factors.
First, most products are manufactured in China, where labor and production costs can be lower than in other countries. Mass production further reduces the cost per unit.
Additionally, AliExpress connects consumers directly with manufacturers and wholesalers, cutting out multiple intermediaries. When you buy in bulk, you can get discounts or coupons on selected products.
Furthermore, products on AliExpress are often from not well-known brands, which can also contribute to lower prices.
3.Are products on Aliexpress of good quality?
The majority of products on AliExpress are high-quality or meet the standard. But there are still lower-quality or counterfeit products available. You should read the product description and reviews carefully before the purchase. Checking the seller ratings and company file to find a reliable seller. If possible, buy a sample to find out whether a product meets your expectations and whether the seller’s service is satisfying.
4.Are there other sites as cheap as Aliexpress?
Yes, there are other websites similar to AliExpress that offer competitively priced products. Some popular alternatives include Temu, Alibaba,and DHgate. Each platform may have its advantages and disadvantages. We made a detailed comparison between Aliexpress and these alternatives. You can read our comparison guides to make an informed decision:https://www.jitgalaxy.com/blog/aliexpress-vs-1688-dhgate-temu-sourcing-guide
5.Why is Aliexpress cheaper than Amazon?
AliExpress is cheaper than Amazon for several reasons. One reason is the difference in business models. AliExpress primarily operates as a marketplace connecting buyers directly with sellers, while Amazon sells products directly and also offers a fulfillment service. This difference can affect their pricing strategy. In addition, as mentioned earlier, most products on AliExpress come from Chinese manufacturers and wholesalers. These goods have lower production costs.
Conclusion
Now you have known why stuff on Aliexpress is so cheap. To buy from Aliexpress safely, you still need some strategic tips. The easiest way is to work with JITGalaxySource so you can be free from any potential scams and source better products at the most affordable prices.
Ready to start your journey with Sup? Now is the best time.
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FAQs to Help You Get Started with JITgalaxySource
1.What products can I source from JITgalaxySource?
We offer a wide range of products, including electronics, fashion, home goods, and customized OEM/ODM options.
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JITgalaxySource provides comprehensive logistics solutions, including international shipping and customs clearance.
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Absolutely! We provide OEM and ODM services to meet your specific product needs.
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Absolutely! We provide OEM and ODM services to meet your specific product needs.
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