0:00AliExpress is built for single items and small quantities.
0:04There is no minimum order.
0:07It is the natural choice for testing a product idea,
0:11buying a one-off sample outside a supplier relationship,
0:15or running a small dropshipping operation without holding your own inventory.
0:21It is not designed for negotiated bulk wholesale,
0:25and sellers are generally less willing to customise products or negotiate price.
0:32Buyer Protection covers you automatically on every purchase,
0:35for a set window after your expected delivery date.
0:40It refunds you in full if a package never arrives,
0:43arrives damaged,
0:45or does not match its description.
0:48To use it, contact the seller first through the platform's own messaging.
0:53If that fails, open a formal dispute.
0:56If the seller does not respond,
0:58AliExpress typically resolves it in your favour.
1:02Both main scams share one root cause:
1:05leaving the platform's own systems.
1:08In the off-platform payment scam,
1:10a seller offers a better price or a free gift if you pay through a private link,
1:16WhatsApp or a bank transfer.
1:18Once you pay outside,
1:20Buyer Protection no longer applies, and the seller can vanish.
1:25In the dispute-closure scam,
1:27a seller who failed to deliver persuades you to close your dispute in return for a
1:32refund or replacement sent directly.
1:35It never arrives, and a closed dispute is very hard to reopen.
1:41Pay only through the platform's own checkout,
1:44never through a private link or a third-party payment app suggested in chat.
1:50Keep a dispute open until the refund has actually arrived in your original payment
1:55method, not just been promised.
1:58And screenshot listings, seller messages and tracking as you go,
2:03so you have evidence ready.
2:05Be sceptical of listings with many vague,
2:08generic five-star reviews.
2:10That is a common sign of manipulated ratings.
2:15The rule is simple.
2:16Stay inside the platform.