How to Shop Safely on AliExpress (2026 Guide)

AliExpress is one of the largest online marketplaces in the world, offering millions of products at incredibly low prices. But with so many sellers and listings, it’s important to shop smart and stay safe. The good news is that AliExpress has strong buyer protection — as long as you know how to use it.

This 2026 safety guide will show you how to avoid bad products, shady sellers, and fake discounts, while making sure you get the best value for your money.

1. Check Seller Ratings Before Buying

The most important safety step is evaluating the seller.

• Safe seller: 95%+ positive rating
• Better choice: 97–99% rating
• Avoid: below 90%

A high rating means better communication, on-time delivery, and higher quality products.

2. Look at Store Age (Older = More Reliable)

Reliable stores have a history.

• Safe: 2+ years in business
• Great: 5+ years
• Risky: brand-new stores with few reviews

Experienced sellers are far less likely to scam or disappear.

3. Check the Number of Orders & Reviews

A product with thousands of orders is almost always safe.

• Best: 1,000+ orders
• Good: 300–500 orders
• Avoid: 0–10 orders (too new)

More orders = more trustworthy.

4. ALWAYS Check Real Customer Photos

Customer photos show:

• actual product quality
• real size
• true color
• packaging
• defects (if any)

Never rely only on seller images — many are edited.

5. Read the Most Helpful Reviews (Not Only 5-Star)

Reviews with photos and detailed comments matter more than the rating alone.

Pay attention to:

• delivery time
• build quality
• sizing accuracy
• materials
• whether the item matches the description

Scroll down to the 3-star and 4-star reviews — they are usually the most honest.

6. Use the AliExpress App for Extra Safety

The app provides:

• better tracking
• secure payment options
• easier dispute filing
• sometimes better prices

The mobile app is optimized for smooth, safe shopping.

7. Choose Tracking + Reasonable Delivery Method

For safe shipping:

• choose a tracked method
• choose local warehouse if available
• avoid untracked economy shipping

Tracked shipping prevents lost packages and disputes.

8. Never Pay Outside AliExpress

Some risky sellers may ask you to pay through:

• PayPal
• bank transfer
• cryptocurrency
• external websites

DO NOT accept this. Always pay inside AliExpress to get Buyer Protection.

9. Avoid Deals That Look “Too Good to Be True”

Scams usually have:

• insanely low prices
• brand-name items for $2
• high discounts (80–90%) on new listings

If it looks unbelievable — it usually is.

10. Compare Multiple Listings for the Same Product

AliExpress often has multiple sellers offering the same item.

Compare:

• price
• shipping cost
• reviews
• store rating

Sometimes you can save 30–50% by scrolling down.

11. Understand AliExpress Buyer Protection

You are protected when:

• the item arrives damaged
• the item is different from description
• the item never arrives
• the item arrives way too late

AliExpress almost always sides with buyers if you provide evidence.

12. Know When to File a Dispute

Open a dispute if:

• no tracking updates
• package stuck too long
• item arrived broken
• incorrect product was delivered
• quality is far below description

Include photos and videos for stronger cases.

13. Be Careful With Electronics & High-Risk Categories

For safety reasons, check these carefully:

• power adapters
• batteries
• smart electronics
• large household devices

Always choose top-rated sellers with verified photos.

14. Double-Check Sizes for Clothing & Shoes

Sizes on AliExpress are NOT the same as US/EU sizes.

• always check the size chart
• read user reviews about fit
• measure yourself (don’t guess)

This avoids return issues.

💬 Final Thoughts

Shopping safely on AliExpress is easy once you know what to look for. By checking seller ratings, reading real reviews, comparing listings, and using AliExpress Buyer Protection, you can shop confidently and avoid the most common problems.

These 2026 safety tips ensure you get the best deals, safest purchases, and smoothest shopping experience possible — all while saving money.