Ali Express Dropshipping

[stephen_gray98]

Hi all

I tried Etsy but it isn't right for what I want to sell i.e. electronic stuff from Ali Express.  On searching I'm getting conflicting answers as to whether I can use Ali Express to dropship i.e. getting an order and then purchasing the item and putting the customers address for delivery.  I've heard it is OK and also that it is not.  If it is not, I believe wholesale is allowed but I'm not sure if this is possible with Ali Express and it will be to the UK only.  If so, any pitfalls to look out for?  I know I would be responsible for returns and non delivery.

SPG

[fbusoni]

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@stephen_gray98 wrote:

  If so, any pitfalls to look out for?  I know I would be responsible for returns and non delivery.

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You've answered your own question.  I'd only add "late delivery."

It will only take a few of those to have your account terminated.

[klhmdg · Accepted solution]

You cannot Dropship from any site. Amazon, Walmart, Ali Express.....

You can do this IF you have a contract with the company and own the inventory.

If you do drop shipping you will not be selling long.

You are responsible for items being in stock, late shipments and returns. Also not as described.

Im not sure the policies and pitfalls of selling like this in the UK, but here in the US it is usually only foreign sellers that try this and it leads to many Bad Buyer Experiences. 

You may want to post this on the UK eBay site.

[ittybitnot]

..Ali Express to dropship i.e. getting an order and then purchasing the item and putting the customers address for delivery.

@stephen_gray98 

eBay does not consider that model "dropshipping".   Though it is similar in practice, eBay considers what you describe as "retail arbitrage" and is NOT allowed.   In this day and age it is sort of silly to try and do this.  Buyers are not stupid.  It takes three seconds to do an "image search" (you are going to have to steal the images) to see the product you are selling for $15 can be had by anyone for $8 for a lot of ten on AExpress.  Now if you purchased the products first, and kept them in your closet to ship yourself when they sell, that is allowed. 

There are many dropshippers in China that you can probably contract with to ship products to your customers in an "eBay legal" fashion.  Most often the merchandise is cheaply made,of poor quality, and easily recognizable as the same stuff with the same photos that are offered by too many other sellers to make it a viable business model.   If the merchandise was so wonderful, the dropshipping company would sell it themselves (many do) and wouldn't really need you.    

Since you are in the UK, I suggest you review the rules on that site to make sure you have the correct information.  The rules may be different  than here in the U.S.