How to Start a Small Business on AliExpress in 2024: Step-by-Step

1. Introduction to Starting a Business on AliExpress

With the global eCommerce market expected to reach $7 trillion by 2025 (Statista), there has never been a better time to start an online business. AliExpress, a subsidiary of Alibaba, offers a powerful platform for small businesses to access affordable products, tap into a vast customer base, and scale globally.

Whether you're looking to start a dropshipping business or create a niche product store, AliExpress offers a low-cost, low-risk option for entrepreneurs in 2024. From fashion accessories to tech gadgets, AliExpress has millions of products you can sell in your store. 

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started, including insider tips, facts, and strategies to grow your business successfully.

2. Why AliExpress is the Perfect Platform in 2024

AliExpress continues to be a top platform for entrepreneurs for several reasons:

• Low Entry Barriers: You don't need a lot of upfront capital to start. Many businesses begin with less than $100 in initial investment.
• Global Reach: AliExpress serves customers in over 220 countries and is translated into 18 languages, making it one of the most internationally accessible platforms.
• Seamless Dropshipping Integration: Dropshipping has become a favorite business model on AliExpress. With the help of tools like Oberlo or AliDropship, you can automate the importing of products and manage your store efficiently.

Key Stat: According to Market Research Future, the global dropshipping market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 28.8% between 2022 and 2032, highlighting the continued popularity of this model.

3. Choosing Your Niche: Key Considerations

Selecting the right niche is critical to the success of your AliExpress business. 82% of businesses that fail do so due to poor product-market fit, according to CB Insights. That’s why it’s crucial to carefully evaluate which products and industries you want to dive into.

Steps to Finding the Perfect Niche:

• Research Trends: Use tools like Google Trends, Ahrefs, and SEMrush to identify high-demand, low-competition niches. For example, smart home products and eco-friendly items have surged in popularity.
• Example: In 2023, the demand for reusable water bottles increased by 45%, indicating a growing interest in eco-friendly products.
• Validate Demand: Before you invest time and money into a niche, validate customer demand. You can do this by looking at customer reviews, analyzing competitors, and even running small paid ad campaigns.
• Understand Profit Margins: Ensure the products you choose offer enough margin to cover advertising costs and still make a profit. Look for products with at least a 30-50% margin.
• Personal Passion: While data should drive your decision, having an interest in the niche can be a major motivator. Passion can help keep you engaged as you build your brand.

4. Creating Your AliExpress Account

Creating a seller account on AliExpress is straightforward. Simply go to AliExpress.com, click "Join", and follow the registration steps.

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Sign Up: Use your email or sign up using your social media accounts.
• Verify Your Email: Check your inbox and verify your account.
• Business Information: Fill out your business details, such as the name, address, and other required information.
• Start Browsing: Once your account is set up, you can begin exploring products and suppliers.

5. Finding Reliable Suppliers on AliExpress

One of the biggest challenges on AliExpress is finding reliable suppliers. Your supplier’s product quality, shipping time, and responsiveness can make or break your business.

Tips for Finding Reliable Suppliers:

• Supplier Ratings: Always choose suppliers with a 90%+ positive rating.
• Transaction Volume: Look for suppliers with high transaction volumes, indicating they are trustworthy and experienced.
• Product Samples: Before listing any product in your store, order a sample. This will help you gauge the quality firsthand.
• Communication: Clear communication is key. Make sure the supplier responds quickly to your inquiries and offers solutions for issues.

Example: One entrepreneur shared that after choosing a supplier with only a 75% feedback rating, they experienced multiple customer complaints due to delayed shipments and poor-quality products. As a result, their store’s reputation suffered, and they saw a 30% drop in sales within three months.

6. Building Your Online Store: Essential Tools and Platforms

After finding your niche and suppliers, it's time to build your store. There are several platforms you can choose from, but the two most popular for AliExpress sellers are Shopify and WooCommerce.

Shopify:

• Ease of Use: Shopify offers an intuitive interface and a variety of pre-designed themes, making it easy to get started.
• Integration with AliExpress: With tools like Oberlo, you can import products from AliExpress into your store with just a few clicks.

WooCommerce:

• Customization: For those who prefer more control over the design and functionality of their store, WooCommerce, built on WordPress, offers greater customization.
• Lower Costs: WooCommerce is free to use, although you will need to pay for hosting and certain plugins.

Tip: If you’re interested in starting a dropshipping business, Shopify is the preferred platform due to its seamless integration with AliExpress through apps like AliDropship.

For more detailed guidance on setting up an online store, check out our step-by-step guide on starting a small business on Amazon.

7. Setting Up Payment and Shipping Methods

After setting up your store, you need to configure payment and shipping options.

Payment Methods:

• PayPal: One of the most widely used and trusted payment gateways.
• Stripe: Ideal for accepting credit card payments.
• AliPay: AliExpress’s native payment option, which can be helpful for international buyers.

Shipping Options:

• ePacket Shipping: ePacket remains one of the most cost-effective and reliable shipping methods for AliExpress sellers. It provides faster delivery times and lower costs, especially to countries like the United States.
• Free Shipping: Offering free shipping can increase conversion rates. Consider absorbing shipping costs in your pricing strategy.

Stat: According to a study by Baymard Institute, 50% of consumers abandoned their cart because the additional costs, like shipping fees, were too high. Offering free shipping can help reduce cart abandonment.

8. Marketing Your AliExpress Business

Marketing is crucial for driving traffic and making sales. Here are some effective marketing strategies:

SEO:

To attract organic traffic, optimize your store with SEO keywords. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner to find high-volume, low-competition keywords. For example, a store selling smart gadgets might target keywords like "smart home devices 2024" or "best smart plugs."

Voice Search Optimization:

With 72% of consumers now using voice search (Think with Google), it’s essential to structure your product descriptions to answer specific questions concisely. For example, include phrases like, “What’s the best smart plug for home automation?”

Paid Advertising:

• Google Shopping: Promotes your products directly in Google search results.
• Facebook Ads: Highly targeted and allows you to narrow down your audience by interests, behaviors, and demographics.

Social Media Marketing:

Social platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok can be powerful for product discovery. Post regular content related to your niche and use influencer marketing to reach a larger audience.

Email Marketing:

Build an email list and offer exclusive discounts or early product releases to encourage repeat customers.

9. Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Shipping Delays:

Solution: Be transparent with your customers and set expectations. Consider working with suppliers who offer ePacket shipping to shorten delivery times.

Product Quality:

Solution: As mentioned, always order product samples before listing them in your store. Ensure that you’re offering quality products that will not result in high return rates.

Competition:

Solution: Differentiate your brand by offering superior customer service and unique packaging. In a saturated market, customer loyalty can make the difference between success and failure.

10. Case Study: AliExpress Success Stories

Many entrepreneurs have found success through AliExpress. Take the case of Sarah, who started a dropshipping business selling tech accessories. Within two years, Sarah grew her business to generate over $500,000 in annual revenue, largely through SEO, paid ads, and building strong supplier relationships.

11. Tips and Tricks for AliExpress Entrepreneurs

• Bundle Products: Offer bundles or discounts for buying multiple items to increase the average order value.
• Invest in Branding: Even if you're dropshipping, create a unique brand experience with custom packaging, logos, and customer service.
• Utilize Analytics: Use tools like Google Analytics and Facebook Pixel to track the performance of your marketing campaigns and adjust your strategies accordingly.

12. Conclusion: Start Your AliExpress Business in 2024

Starting a business on AliExpress in 2024 offers immense opportunities for success, especially with the right strategies in place. From finding the perfect niche to building a user-friendly online store and marketing your products effectively, the potential is vast.

If you’re ready to explore other platforms as well, be sure to read our guides on starting a business on Amazon or dropshipping on eBay.

Good luck on your entrepreneurial journey!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I start a dropshipping business on AliExpress? +

To start a dropshipping business on AliExpress, follow these steps:

• Create an Account: Sign up for an AliExpress account or use platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce to set up your online store.
• Find Products: Look for trending, profitable products with good ratings and reviews on AliExpress.
• Connect Your Store: Use tools like Oberlo, DSers, or AliDropship to sync AliExpress products with your store.
• Automate: Automate the order fulfillment process by syncing orders between your store and AliExpress.
• Market Your Store: Promote products via social media, Google ads, and SEO strategies.

What are the best products to sell on AliExpress in 2024? +

Trending product categories in 2024 include:

• Eco-friendly Products: Reusable, zero-waste products and organic items are in demand.
• Tech Gadgets: Items like wireless headphones and smart home devices remain popular.
• Health & Wellness: Fitness trackers, massage devices, and skincare gadgets are in demand.
• Pet Products: Pet toys, grooming tools, and pet clothes are seeing growth.
• Home Decor: Stylish, affordable home decor such as LED lights and minimalist furniture is popular.

How do I find reliable suppliers on AliExpress? +

To find reliable suppliers on AliExpress, follow these tips:

• Check Reviews & Ratings: Look for suppliers with high ratings and positive reviews.
• Seller Level: Consider “Top Brand” and “Premium Seller” labels to identify reliable suppliers.
• Product Descriptions: Suppliers with detailed, accurate descriptions are usually more reliable.
• Test Orders: Place small test orders to evaluate product quality and shipping times.
• Communicate: Reach out to suppliers to ask questions and assess their responsiveness.

What payment methods can I use for my AliExpress business? +

AliExpress offers several payment methods, including:

• Credit/Debit Cards: Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, and American Express are widely accepted.
• PayPal: Some suppliers accept PayPal for secure payments.
• AliPay: AliExpress's own payment system for easy and secure transactions.
• Bank Transfers: For larger transactions, bank transfers are often accepted.
• Escrow Payment: AliExpress uses an escrow system to hold payments until delivery is confirmed.

How can I effectively market my AliExpress products? +

To effectively market AliExpress products, use the following strategies:

• Social Media Marketing: Utilize Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to create engaging ads and content.
• Influencer Collaborations: Partner with influencers to promote products to a larger audience.
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Optimize product listings and website content to rank higher in search results.
• Email Marketing: Build an email list and send regular promotions to attract repeat customers.
• Paid Ads: Run targeted Google and Facebook ads to increase traffic and conversions.