Which Is Better for Importing & Dropshipping- Alibaba or AliExpress?

Which Is Better for Importing & Dropshipping- Alibaba or AliExpress?

In this article, we will take an in-depth look at Alibaba and AliExpress and discuss which one comes out on top. It may seem like a no-brainer that Alibaba is the best choice, but you’ll be surprised at the amount of useful information that you can find on AliExpress too! Let’s start with Alibaba then, shall we?

What are the similarities between Alibaba and AliExpress?

Both websites are great options when it comes to importing and dropshipping. It just depends on the specific needs of a company. For example, there are many items that can only be found on Alibaba, while other products may only be found on AliExpress. However, both websites offer free shipping, competitive prices, and quick fulfillment times. In fact, if you order within 12 hours on either site, your order will usually arrive in 2 weeks! To make things even easier, they each have multiple languages available (Alibaba has 10; AliExpress has 4).

How are Alibaba and AliExpress different?

Alibaba is bigger than AliExpress and has a larger selection of suppliers. This means that there is a higher chance of finding the product you are looking for. It also means that there is more competition between sellers, so the price will be cheaper than if you were to find the same product on AliExpress. However, there are also reports that say that some products on Alibaba are fake and can damage your business if they sell out.

What kind of products can you find on each platform?

Alibaba is considered to be the eBay of China and is the most well-known. It has an exceptionally large range of products including clothing, electronics, beauty products, textiles, machinery and everything in between. If you’re looking to import from a big online retailer like Uniqlo or Amazon, you might be able to find it on Alibaba. They also have categories for Wholesale Suppliers, Manufacturers and Retailers who are selling direct.

 

The pricing difference between the two platforms

What is the difference between Alibaba and AliExpress and which is best for importing and dropshipping? Firstly, the biggest difference between the two platforms is pricing. While both vendors have great prices, there are more items available at a lower price on Aliexpress. The quality of products offered on both sites is fantastic, so you won’t have to worry about either platform having a higher chance of sending low quality products your way.

Where to get product information from in order to compare them.

AliExpress is the number one platform in China, and both are popular among Western retailers. With that said, here’s a list of places to get information about Alibaba vs Ali Express:

  • Ask others in your industry which they use and why. If you’re really stuck, pick one to start with, keep using it and build from there. Once you have enough experience you’ll know what would be better for you.