AliExpress Buying Guide: How to Avoid Bad Sellers

AliExpress is full of great deals, but like any large online marketplace, not every seller is trustworthy. Some inflate prices, ship low-quality products, or simply disappear after taking orders. The good news? You can avoid almost all problems by knowing exactly what to look for before you buy.

This guide will help you identify bad sellers, avoid scams, and shop safely on AliExpress — even as a beginner.

1. Check Seller Rating (Never Ignore This!)

The first thing you should check is the seller’s overall rating.

• Good seller score: 4.5–5.0
• Acceptable seller score: 4.0–4.4
• Bad seller score: below 4.0

Anything below 4.0 should generally be avoided unless the product has exceptional reviews.

Why it matters:

• reflects customer satisfaction
• predicts communication quality
• indicates reliability

High rating = lower risk.

2. Look at Store Age (Older Stores = Safer)

You can see how many years a seller has been active.

• Safe: 2+ years
• Risky: brand-new stores with 0–3 months of history

Sellers with years of activity are far less likely to scam or suddenly disappear.

3. Check Order Volume (Higher = Better)

A reliable product should have:

• 500+ orders minimum
• 1,000+ orders even better

Low order count + new seller = risky.

4. Read Real Customer Reviews (Photos Are Gold!)

Always scroll to the reviews section and look for:

• real-life photos
• comments about quality
• delivery time
• packaging
• accurate description

Avoid products where reviews look:

• repetitive
• copied
• too generic
• overwhelmingly 5-star with no details

These are signs of fake reviews.

5. Check the Product Description Carefully

Bad sellers often copy descriptions from other listings.

Look for:

• detailed specifications
• correct dimensions
• clear material information
• original photos

If the description looks lazy or inconsistent → skip it.

6. Compare Prices With Similar Listings

If the price is way too low compared to similar products, that’s a red flag.

Example:

99% of earbuds cost €10

one seller offers them for €2

❌ That’s almost always a scam or low-quality copy.

7. Check Shipping Options and Delivery Times

Reliable sellers offer:

• local warehouse shipping
• tracking numbers
• reasonable delivery estimates

If shipping takes 60–90 days, or the seller only offers untracked shipping, think twice.

8. Look at Seller’s Return & Refund Policy

Good sellers provide:

• free returns
• clear refund terms
• quick dispute resolution

Bad sellers often have vague or “no returns” policies.

9. Avoid Sellers With Constant Flash Sales on New Products

If a brand-new seller is offering huge “70–90% OFF” deals on day one, it’s usually just to attract quick sales.

Real sellers build credibility over time — not overnight.

10. Use the AliExpress App for Extra Security

The app offers:

• better fraud detection
• easier dispute submission
• real-time order tracking
• exclusive discounts

AliExpress tends to prioritize app users in customer support.

11. Know When to Open a Dispute

Open a dispute if:

• the item never arrived
• the item is damaged
• the product is different from the description
• the seller stops responding

Important:
Always provide clear photos and videos to support your claim.

AliExpress almost always sides with buyers if proof is solid.

12. Look for “Top Brand” or Verified Sellers

Some sellers carry special badges:

• “Top Brand”
• “Recommended Seller”
• “AliExpress Choice”

These are safer and usually offer better customer service.

💬 Final Thoughts

AliExpress is an amazing platform for finding deals — as long as you avoid bad sellers. By following this guide, you’ll dramatically reduce your risk and enjoy a smooth, worry-free shopping experience.

Remember the golden rule: If something feels off, just pick another seller — there are always plenty of options.

These simple checks will help you shop confidently and get the best value for your money every time.