8 Shady Practices to Know Before Ordering on AliExpress

AliExpress is popular for its low prices and huge product selection. Thousands of sellers offer products from all over the world, often at unbeatable prices. But behind these great deals, there are sometimes shady practices.

Fake discounts, counterfeits, tricky returns… It’s better to be informed before pulling out your credit card. Here are the 8 most common traps to avoid so you can shop safely on AliExpress.

1. Misleading descriptions and pictures that look too good to be true

On AliExpress, pictures can make things look amazing… but what you get might disappoint.

Some sellers use heavily edited photos and vague descriptions to make cheap items seem high-end.

Here are some common examples:

• A dress looks like silk in the photo, but arrives as see-through polyester.
• A rug or toy looks big online, but fits in your hand when delivered.

Always check customer reviews with photos, and if possible, videos. That’s where you’ll see the real product — or the scam.

2. Branded products… but fake

On AliExpress, fake versions of big brands are everywhere. Some sellers use logos or names that look like real brands to trick buyers.

A pair of “Nikes” for $15? “AirPods” for $10? Sounds tempting. But most of the time, these are low-quality fakes.

And worse, they can be blocked or destroyed by customs. In that case, your money’s gone.

Avoid deals that seem too good to be true. Go for well-rated generic brands instead of risky copies.

3. Hidden fees at delivery: the bad surprise

“Free shipping” doesn’t always mean “no extra cost.” On AliExpress, some packages from China come with customs duties, VAT, or handling fees once they arrive.

The result? You thought you got a great deal… until the delivery guy asks for $10 or $20 more to give you the package.

Use the “Ships from Europe” filter. You’ll avoid surprise fees, delays, and customs trouble.

4. One order… but multiple sellers and packages

On AliExpress, each seller manages their own products. If you buy several items, they might come from different stores.

Here’s what that means:

• You get multiple packages delivered on different days.
• There’s a higher risk of errors or missing items.
• Returns are harder, especially if you have more than one.

Try to buy from sellers with big catalogs. It lowers the number of shipments… and the chances of problems.

5. Fake urgency: false sales and countdowns

On AliExpress, there’s always pressure to buy fast. You’ll often see messages like:

• “Only 2 left in stock”
• “Sale ends in 1h”
• “Limited stock, hurry!”

In reality, these are often tricky marketing tactics. The same products stay available, at the same price, for weeks.

Take your time. Compare prices on other sites like Temu, Amazon, or Cdiscount. Come back later if needed — there’s rarely any real rush.

6. Returns allowed… but often a hassle

AliExpress does allow returns in theory. But in practice, it’s often a real headache.

Here’s what to expect:

• You might have to pay to ship the return, sometimes all the way to China.
• You need to send photos or videos to prove the problem.
• Customer service replies are sometimes slow or unclear.

If the item is broken or useless, open a dispute through Buyer Protection as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the harder it gets.

7. Ghost sellers: here today, gone tomorrow

On AliExpress, some stores pop up fast to sell, then disappear. These short-term sellers take your money, maybe ship… then delete their store before problems arise.

How to spot them:

• The seller just joined and has no clear history.
• They have very few sales or only old reviews.
• Recent comments are missing or negative.

Pick sellers who’ve been active for months at least. Read the recent reviews, not just the 5-star ones from 2020.

8. Products that don’t meet European safety rules

On AliExpress, not all products follow European safety rules.

This is especially true for toys, electronics, or items for kids.

Some of these items might be dangerous (overheating, toxic materials…) or stopped by customs.

Here’s what to check before buying:

• The “CE Certified” label (and watch out for fake logos).
• Shipping country: choose products shipped from Europe, they’re more likely to be safe.

For sensitive items, it’s better to stay safe.

Our tips to shop safely on AliExpress

AliExpress can be a goldmine… if you stay careful. Here are our golden rules to avoid bad surprises:

• Always read customer reviews and check buyer-shared photos.
• Check the seller’s trust level: time on platform, recent ratings, number of sales.
• Filter by shipping country (France, Spain, Poland…) to avoid extra fees or delays.
• If there’s an issue, open a dispute using Buyer Protection — don’t hesitate.
• Compare prices on other platforms (Temu, Amazon, etc.) before you check out.
• And most important: don’t rush your order. Take your time to choose wisely.

Conclusion

AliExpress is still a great place to find good deals, as long as you stay alert. By spotting shady practices and following a few simple steps, you can avoid most traps.

Want more tips? Check out our full guide: How to find a good product on AliExpress