Hi friends! I’m Janson, CEO of ASG Dropshipping. Over the past 8 years, I’ve helped 2,000+ entrepreneurs build successful dropshipping businesses using AliExpress. I know how confusing it can be when you’re just starting out—facing over 100 million products, not knowing where to begin, worrying about picking the wrong supplier, and fearing costly mistakes. Based on our hands-on experience serving global clients, I’m sharing this comprehensive AliExpress playbook with nothing held back.
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Core Takeaways
The key to success on AliExpress comes down to three core elements: choosing the right suppliers (95%+ positive rating), finding trending products (1,000+ orders), and mastering cost control (gross margin 40-60%).
Action steps:
- • Sort by “Orders” to find bestsellers; avoid “Best Match”
- • Filter for suppliers with ratings above 4.5 stars
- • Compare prices from at least 3 suppliers for the same product
- • Test with small batches to verify product quality
But that’s just the beginning. Next, I’ll share detailed product selection strategies, supplier management tips, and how to avoid the fatal mistakes that 99% of beginners make, all distilled from our experience with 2,300+ partner factories.
Part 1: Platform Insights & Business Opportunities
1.1 Why I Recommend AliExpress (Based on 7 Years of Data)
As the CEO of ASG, I work with all major platforms daily. Honestly, AliExpress is the most beginner-friendly dropshipping platform I’ve seen, and here’s why:
Unbeatable Cost Advantage:
- • 60-80% lower sourcing costs than US-based suppliers
- • No minimum order quantity—order just one item (perfect for beginners)
- • Built-in buyer protection reduces transaction risk
Unmatched Product Variety:
- • 100M+ SKUs, covering virtually every product imaginable
- • 13 main categories, spanning all popular niches
- • Fast product launches to catch trends early
Mature Global Shipping Network:
- • Ships to 200+ countries, broader than even our ASG logistics
- • Multiple shipping options, from economy to express
- • Local warehousing services are rapidly improving
Here’s a real data comparison:
| Platform |
Min Order Qty |
Avg Price Advantage |
Delivery Time |
Beginner Friendly |
| AliExpress |
1 |
60-80% |
8-30 days |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Alibaba |
100-500 |
70-85% |
15-45 days |
⭐⭐ |
| US Local |
1 |
Baseline |
2-7 days |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
My take: Start with AliExpress as a beginner. Once you gain experience and capital, consider other platforms.
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1.2 New Opportunities on AliExpress in 2025 (Trends I See)
In recent months, I’ve noticed several important changes—these are huge opportunities:
1. Local Warehousing Revolution
AliExpress is rapidly expanding local warehouses in the US and Europe. One of my clients, focused on the US market, now ships 60% of orders from US warehouses, cutting delivery times from 20 days to 5 and reducing return rates by 40%.
2. AI-Powered Product Recommendations
The platform’s recommendation engine is now AI-driven and much more accurate. In my tests, AI-recommended products convert 30% better than manual picks. For beginners unsure what to sell, this is a game-changer.
3. Emerging Markets Boom
Especially in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Our ASG clients in Saudi Arabia saw 300% sales growth last year. These markets are still under-served—now is the time to enter.
Key stats:
- • Global dropshipping market projected to reach $476.1B by 2026
- • Mobile shopping now exceeds 70% of transactions
- • China’s digital manufacturing has boosted supply chain efficiency by 30%
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1.3 Real Comparison with Other Platforms (My Experience)
People often ask how AliExpress stacks up against other platforms. As someone who operates on all of them, here’s the real deal:
vs Alibaba:
- • Alibaba is for bulk orders; AliExpress is for small-batch testing
- • Alibaba requires direct negotiation with factories; AliExpress has transparent pricing
- • My advice: Use AliExpress to validate the market, then negotiate big orders on Alibaba
vs Amazon (FBA):
- • Amazon requires heavy upfront inventory investment—high risk
- • AliExpress is zero-inventory, fast cash flow
- • Amazon is hyper-competitive; AliExpress still has blue ocean markets
vs eBay:
- • eBay is mostly for second-hand and clearance; AliExpress focuses on new products
- • eBay’s traffic is limited; AliExpress has a stronger supply chain
Bottom line: Picking a platform is like picking a race track—AliExpress is currently the lowest-barrier, most opportunity-rich track.
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1.4 The 5 Most Common Beginner Pitfalls (Hard Lessons Learned)
From working with 2,000+ clients, I’ve seen 99% of beginners fall into these traps:
Pitfall 1: Focusing Only on Price, Ignoring Quality
A client chose a super-cheap supplier and ended up with a 60% return rate, tons of bad reviews, and a suspended store.
Pitfall 2: Placing Large Orders Without Testing
Another client saw a hot product and ordered 1,000 units right away—only to find out the quality was poor and got stuck with unsellable stock.
Pitfall 3: Ignoring Shipping Times
Many beginners pick the cheapest shipping, making customers wait 30 days and racking up complaints.
Pitfall 4: Not Building a Backup Supplier List
Relying on a single supplier—when they run out, you’re stuck.
Pitfall 5: Not Understanding Local Regulations
Some products are banned in certain countries—if you don’t check, you risk legal trouble.
My advice: We help ASG clients avoid these, but if you go solo, remember these lessons.
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1.5 Success Story: From Zero to $50,000/Month
Let me share a memorable client story.
Last March, Mike, a US college student, came to us as a total beginner—he barely knew what dropshipping was. But he had two strengths: willingness to learn and strong execution.
Month 1:
- • We helped him pick 10 promising products on AliExpress
- • Launched a Shopify store focused on home goods
- • Invested $500 in Facebook ads for testing
- • Optimized logistics and products with ASG support
Month 3:
- • Found a breakout product: a creative storage box
- • Monthly sales hit $10,000
- • Gross margin stabilized at 45%
Month 8:
- • Monthly sales reached $50,000
- • Team grew to 3 people
- • Started developing his own brand
Key success factors:
- 1. Strictly followed our product selection criteria
- 2. Built a list of 5 backup suppliers
- 3. Prioritized customer service—response time under 4 hours
- 4. Continuously optimized ad campaigns
Mike is now one of our star clients, proving that with the right approach, AliExpress is a real money-maker.
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Part 2: Account Setup & Security Best Practices
2.1 How to Set Up Your AliExpress Account (and Avoid Getting Banned)
Many beginners think registering an AliExpress account is easy—just fill in some info and you’re done. Wrong! Big mistake!
From our experience with 2,000+ ASG clients, errors during account setup cause 90% of later problems. I’ve seen too many clients get limited, have payment issues, or even get permanently banned due to improper setup.
Personal vs Business Account: My Recommendation
Expected monthly sales < $10,000 → Personal account
Expected monthly sales > $10,000 → Business account
Need invoices for tax purposes → Business account (required)
Why? Because:
- • Personal accounts are easier to verify—great for quick starts
- • Business accounts have higher trust and are safer for large transactions
- • Business accounts are better for tax compliance
5 Key Principles for Filling Out Account Info
After years of observation, here are 5 must-follow rules:
- 1. Accuracy: All info must be real—any mismatch during verification can get you banned
- 2. Consistency: Name, address, and payment info must match exactly
- 3. Completeness: Fill in all required fields—blanks hurt your credibility
- 4. Professionalism: Use a professional profile photo and bio—no random selfies
- 5. Stability: Don’t change your info frequently within the first 6 months
Payment Method Pitfalls & Solutions
Note: 90% of AliExpress sellers do not support PayPal!
Recommended payment methods:
- 1. Credit card (Visa/MasterCard)—most popular
- 2. Debit card (with sufficient balance)
- 3. Bank transfer (for large orders)
Pro tip: Link 2-3 different bank cards as backups to avoid being unable to order if one fails.
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2.2 Account Security: Lessons from ASG Client Disasters
Here are some real stories from our clients—learn from their pain.
Case 1: Tom’s Account Hacked
Last May, Tom, a US client, found his AliExpress account had placed a bunch of strange orders totaling over $5,000. Turns out, he logged in on public WiFi and his password was stolen.
Solution:
- • Enable two-factor authentication (a must!)
- • Change your password regularly (at least every 3 months)
- • Never use public WiFi for your account
- • Set up email alerts for suspicious logins
Case 2: Sarah’s Payment Info Stolen
Another client, Sarah, entered her payment info on a phishing site and had her card stolen. She eventually got her money back, but it was a hassle.
Prevention:
- • Only use the official site: AliExpress.com
- • Check for SSL (https://) in the URL
- • Don’t click suspicious email links
- • Regularly check your bank statements
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2.3 Making the Most of AliExpress Buyer Protection
AliExpress has one of the best buyer protection systems, but many don’t use it properly.
How to Use the 60-Day Protection Period
Most people think buyer protection just means “refund if not received,” but it covers much more:
Coverage includes:
- • Item not received
- • Item not as described
- • Quality issues
- • Fake shipping
- • Shipping delays
Key steps:
- • After ordering: save order screenshots and chat records
- • After shipping: track logistics and save screenshots
- • Before receiving: if delayed, contact the seller proactively
- • After receiving: check the item within 15 days and request returns/exchanges if needed
My tip: 90% of disputes can be resolved by proactive communication. Try negotiating with the seller before opening a dispute—it’s faster and won’t hurt your buyer rating.
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2.4 Advanced Account Management: Multi-Account Operations & Risk Control
As your business grows, many ask if they can run multiple AliExpress accounts. My advice: Yes, but play by the rules.
Multi-Account Compliance
AliExpress allows multiple accounts per person, but with strict rules:
- • Each account must use a different email
- • Don’t bind the same credit card to multiple accounts
- • No fake orders or other violations
- • No financial transfers between accounts
My recommended multi-account strategy:
- • Main account: daily purchasing, maintain high reputation
- • Test account: test new products, isolate risk
- • Dedicated account: for specific product categories
Risk control tips:
- 1. Use different devices or browsers for each account
- 2. Avoid frequent account switching on the same IP
- 3. Keep each account’s transactions independent
- 4. Regularly back up important account data
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2.5 Building Account Reputation: From Newbie to Diamond Buyer
Many ignore buyer reputation, but it directly affects your ability to get better prices and service.
AliExpress Buyer Reputation Levels:
- • Newbie: 0-49 points
- • Bronze: 50-199 points
- • Silver: 200-499 points
- • Gold: 500-999 points
- • Diamond: 1,000+ points
How to quickly boost your reputation:
- 1. Frequent, reasonable transactions: 2-3 small orders per week are better than one big order
- 2. Confirm receipt promptly: Don’t delay after receiving goods
- 3. Leave detailed, objective reviews: Include product photos
- 4. Complete your profile: Photo, bio, and verification info
Diamond buyer perks:
- • Priority customer support
- • Exclusive coupons and discounts
- • Early access to new products
- • Higher priority in dispute resolution
My advice: Don’t try to game the system by buying lots of cheap items to boost your rating—AliExpress can detect this and may penalize you. Build your reputation through real business needs.
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Part 3: Efficient Product Selection & Supplier Screening
3.1 How to Find Bestsellers Among 100M+ Products?
Many beginners are overwhelmed by AliExpress’s 100M+ products. I get it—it’s like walking into a giant warehouse full of treasures, but not knowing which are gold.
From 7 years of observation, 90% of profitable products share three traits: high demand, low competition, and stable supply.
ASG vs AliExpress: Our Data Advantage
At ASG, we have a huge edge—direct access to data from 2,300+ factories. Here’s a comparison:
| Data Source |
AliExpress Public |
ASG Internal |
Our Advantage |
| Product Count |
100M+ |
140M+ |
More exclusive items |
| Supplier Count |
Unknown |
520,000 |
Pre-screened quality |
| Price Transparency |
Retail price |
Factory price |
60-80% cost savings |
| Quality Control |
Buyer reviews |
On-site QC |
99.2% pass rate |
| New Product Speed |
After launch |
Pre-launch |
First-mover edge |
This is why ASG clients are 3x more likely to pick winning products than those searching AliExpress alone.
My 5-Step Product Selection Method (ASG Insider Secret)
This is the method we use at ASG, which has helped 2,000+ clients find bestsellers:
Step 1: Sort by “Orders,” not “Best Match”
Most people use “Best Match”—that’s a mistake! “Orders” shows real sales data.
Step 2: Set Filter Criteria
Product rating: 4.5+ stars (must)
Order volume: 1,000+ (proves demand)
Supplier rating: 95%+ (ensures service)
Shipping location: Prefer local warehouses (faster delivery)
Step 3: Sweet Spot Price Analysis
Our data shows the best success rates in these price ranges:
- • Sourcing price: 25
- • Selling price: 60
- • Gross margin: 40-60%
Step 4: Competition Assessment
I use a simple formula: Competition = Number of search results ÷ Avg order volume
- • Low: < 5
- • Medium: 5-15
- • High: > 15
Step 5: Trend Validation
Check product keywords on Google Trends to avoid declining products.
Real Case: How I Helped a Client Find a $50,000/Month Product
Last August, Martin from Germany, a total newbie in beauty care, came to me. I compared AliExpress public data with our ASG internal data and tailored a strategy:
AliExpress Path vs ASG Optimized Path:
Traditional AliExpress:
- 1. Search “men skincare”—get 500,000 results
- 2. Sort by sales—see only saturated products
- 3. Pick the cheapest supplier—quality not guaranteed
- 4. Blindly test—success rate under 20%
ASG Optimized:
- 1. Leverage factory insights: We knew a beard care kit was about to launch in Germany
- 2. Cost advantage: Factory price 12—33% savings
- 3. Quality pre-verified: Our partner factory had FDA certification
- 4. Exclusive supply deal: Secured 3-month exclusive sales for Martin
Results:
- • AliExpress path: Usually need to test 20-30 products to find one winner
- • ASG path: Martin’s first product succeeded—50,000 by month three
ASG’s core edge: We don’t just pick from existing products—we plan ahead with 2,300+ factories.
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3.2 Supplier Evaluation: ASG’s 5-Star Rating System vs AliExpress Public Info
At ASG, we use a strict supplier evaluation system, helping us select 2,300+ top factories from 500,000+ candidates. Our standards are much higher than AliExpress’s basic ratings.
AliExpress Ratings vs ASG Deep Evaluation
| Criteria |
AliExpress Standard |
ASG Standard |
Our Advantage |
| Basic Credibility |
Star rating |
On-site audit |
Verified in person |
| Quality Control |
Buyer feedback |
Pro QC team |
99.2% pass rate |
| Response Speed |
No requirement |
<1hr response |
Instant comms |
| Customization |
Limited |
Full OEM/ODM |
Unique branding |
| Price Advantage |
Public price |
Factory direct |
40% avg savings |
My 5-Star Evaluation Explained
⭐ Factory Certification (25%)
- • ISO9001 quality management
- • Industry-specific certifications (FDA, CE, FCC, etc.)
- • Factory scale and capacity
- • ASG edge: On-site inspections, not just online info
⭐⭐ Product Quality Control (30%)
- • Raw material standards
- • Production process management
- • Finished product inspection reports
- • ASG QC: Every batch inspected on-site, 99.2% pass rate
⭐⭐⭐ Service Response (20%)
- • 24/7 support (we require <1hr response)
- • Dedicated account managers
- • Tech and after-sales support
- • 1-on-1 service: Every ASG client has a dedicated factory contact
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Cost Control (15%)
- • Factory direct pricing
- • Bulk production discounts
- • Transparent fee structure
- • ASG pricing: No middlemen, avg 40% savings
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Innovation & Customization (10%)
- • New product development
- • Customization services
- • Branding/packaging solutions
- • ASG: One-stop branding from design to packaging
ASG’s Exclusive Supplier Management System
We’ve built an internal supplier management system that AliExpress can’t match:
Real-time Inventory Monitoring
- • 2,300+ factories’ inventory synced in real time
- • 7-day stockout alerts
- • Automatic alternative product suggestions
Quality Tracking System
- • Quality records for every batch
- • Customer feedback sent directly to factories
- • Continuous improvement mechanism
Dynamic Pricing Management
- • Raw material price tracking
- • FX impact analysis
- • Cost optimization advice
Red Flags: Suppliers ASG Avoids
Based on our audits, we never work with:
❌ Middlemen without real factories
❌ Factories lacking quality systems
❌ Poor labor protection
❌ Non-compliant with environmental standards
❌ Unstable finances
ASG Client Perks: Direct Factory Access
Our clients enjoy:
✅ Direct factory contact
✅ Dedicated production lines for large clients
✅ Custom mold development
✅ Quality deposit for every batch
✅ Priority supply for hot products
Real Case: How ASG Solved a Supply Chain Crisis
This March, the global chip shortage hit electronics. Our US client David, who sells Bluetooth speakers, faced a stockout crisis.
If using only AliExpress:
- • Supplier hiked prices by 50%
- • Lead time jumped from 15 to 45 days
- • Quality not guaranteed
ASG’s solution:
- 1. Emergency allocation: Sourced from backup factories
- 2. Cost control: Price rose only 15% (we absorbed some cost)
- 3. Quality assurance: Maintained original standards
- 4. Time guarantee: Air-shipped to deliver in 20 days
Result: David avoided stockouts and even gained market share while competitors ran dry.
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3.3 Product Quality Verification: ASG Pro QC vs AliExpress DIY
Quality issues are the #1 dropshipping killer. I’ve seen too many lose everything to poor quality. At ASG, we have a full QC system—something you can’t get solo on AliExpress.
ASG QC vs Traditional AliExpress
| QC Step |
AliExpress Model |
ASG Pro QC |
Advantage |
| Supplier Filter |
Guess by reviews |
On-site audit |
Source control |
| Sample Testing |
Buy & test self |
Lab testing |
Scientific standards |
| Batch QC |
No control |
On-site for every batch |
99.2% pass rate |
| Issue Handling |
DIY negotiation |
Pro team steps in |
Fast resolution |
| Quality Tracking |
Gut feeling |
Data-driven |
Continuous improvement |
My 4-Step QC + ASG Pro Upgrade
Step 1: Deep Review Analysis + ASG Factory QC Reports
- • Focus on 3-4 star reviews
- • Look for photo reviews
- • Analyze review timing
- • ASG: Get factory QC reports, third-party certificates (FDA, CE, ISO), and root cause analysis
Step 2: Comparative Analysis + ASG Multi-Factory Quotes
- • Compare 3 suppliers for the same product
- • Analyze price differences
- • ASG: Compare 5-8 top factories, get direct quotes, and know each factory’s specialty
Step 3: Small Batch Testing + ASG Lab Testing
- • Order 1-3 samples and judge quality
- • ASG: Free samples, pro lab tests, detailed QC reports, and require process improvements if needed
Step 4: Supplier Communication Test + ASG Dedicated Manager
- • Use platform chat tools
- • Language/time zone barriers
- • ASG: Dedicated bilingual manager, 24/7 support, direct factory contact, avg issue resolution <4hrs
Real QC Case: How ASG Saved a Client $100,000
Last December, our UK client Emma planned to launch a children’s toy for Christmas. If she’d used the traditional AliExpress route, she’d have faced:
- 1. Picked a seemingly good supplier (4.8 stars)
- 2. Small batch test seemed fine
- 3. Ordered 2,000 units for Christmas
- 4. Product failed UK toy safety standards
- 5. Faced recalls and legal risk—huge loss
ASG’s risk control:
Step 1: Regulatory Pre-Check
- • Checked UK toy safety standards (EN71)
- • Found a non-compliant part—required redesign
Step 2: Pro Testing
- • Sent samples to SGS UK for testing
- • Found heavy metals in paint—required eco-friendly paint
Step 3: Batch Production Monitoring
- • QC staff on-site for every 500 units
- • Stopped production if issues found
Step 4: Final Pre-Shipment Inspection
- • 100% inspection before packing
- • 99.8% pass rate—rework for any failures
Result:
- • Emma’s product passed all UK certifications
- • $150,000 in Christmas sales
- • Zero complaints, zero recalls
- • Built a strong brand reputation
ASG’s Unique Quality Guarantee
Quality Deposit System
- • Every factory pays a quality deposit
- • Immediate compensation for quality issues
- • Factory bears all quality liability
24/7 Quality Hotline
- • Report any quality issue instantly
- • Avg solution in 4 hours
- • 48-hour issue resolution
Quality Database
- • Tracks every factory’s quality record
- • Real-time client feedback
- • Continuous process improvement
Third-Party QC Partners
- • Work with SGS, TUV, etc.
- • Pro product certification
- • Ensure compliance with target market standards
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3.4 Building Supplier Relationships: ASG Ecosystem vs Solo Sourcing
Many treat supplier relationships as one-off transactions—a huge mistake. In my view, great supplier relationships are the foundation of long-term success. Over 7 years, ASG has built a complete supply chain ecosystem.
ASG Supply Chain Ecosystem vs Solo AliExpress Sourcing
| Dimension |
Solo AliExpress |
ASG Ecosystem |
Core Advantage |
| Supplier Count |
Scattered |
2,300+ certified |
Scale advantage |
| Price Negotiation |
Limited |
Group pricing |
40% avg savings |
| Quality Guarantee |
Buyer risk |
Group quality deposit |
Shared risk |
| New Product Access |
After launch |
Pre-production |
First-mover edge |
| Customization |
Rare |
Pro OEM/ODM |
Unique products |
| After-Sales |
DIY |
Pro team support |
Fast resolution |
ASG’s Three-Tier Supplier Ecosystem
Core Strategic Factories (50)
- • Deeply integrated partners
- • Exclusive product development & priority supply
- • Joint R&D investment
- • 60% of our total sourcing
Key Partner Factories (300)
- • Long-term stable relationships
- • Group pricing
- • New product testing & market validation
- • 35% of our sourcing
Backup Pool (1,950)
- • Niche specialists
- • Emergency supply & cost comparison
- • New category exploration
- • 5% of our sourcing
ASG’s Exclusive Supplier Services
Dedicated Account Manager
Every ASG client gets:
- • 1-on-1 dedicated manager
- • Bilingual (EN/CH) communication
- • 24/7 instant response
- • Avg response time <1hr
Group Pricing System
Thanks to ASG’s volume, clients get:
- • 40-60% lower factory prices than public AliExpress
- • Bulk discounts (20% off for 500 units, 30% for 1,000, 40% for 5,000)
- • Transparent pricing—no hidden fees
- • Shared FX risk
Exclusive Product Development
- • Co-develop new products based on trends
- • 3-6 month exclusive sales period
- • Pro industrial & packaging design
- • Small batch customization (min 500 units)
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3.5 Risk Management: Multi-Supplier Strategy & Contingency Planning
Relying on a single supplier is a fatal risk in dropshipping. I recommend at least 3 backup suppliers for every main product.
Multi-Supplier Configuration
Main Supplier (70% of orders)
- • Best service and price
- • Handles most daily orders
Backup Supplier A (20%)
- • Comparable quality, slightly higher price
- • For main supplier stockouts
- • Regularly tested to keep active
Backup Supplier B (10%)
- • For emergencies
- • May have special price/service advantages
- • Useful for negotiation leverage
Contingency Plans
Scenario 1: Main supplier out of stock
- • Switch to Backup A
- • Notify customers of possible delays
- • Seek temporary alternatives
Scenario 2: Quality issues in bulk
- • Stop selling immediately
- • Contact all shipped customers
- • Start return/exchange process
- • Find a better quality supplier
Scenario 3: Sudden price hike
- • Assess cost impact
- • Negotiate with supplier
- • If unacceptable, switch to backup
- • Adjust your own pricing
Conclusion
Product selection and supplier management are the two core pillars of AliExpress success. By following my 5-step product selection and 5-star supplier evaluation systems, you’ll greatly increase your odds of success.
Remember, this isn’t a one-time job—it’s an ongoing process. Over 7 years at ASG, I’ve seen too many people fail by rushing and neglecting the basics.
Start building your supplier database today, and use my methods to vet every partner. Trust me, these seemingly tedious steps will save you tons of time and money in the future.
A successful dropshipping business isn’t about luck—it’s about systematic methods and consistent execution. May you avoid detours on your AliExpress journey and achieve your dream of financial freedom soon!
