Why AliExpress?
AliExpress vs. Amazon: The Ultimate Shopping Showdown
Are you curious about other shopping platforms, and maybe a bit torn between AliExpress and Amazon? Maybe you’ve only ever used Amazon, and have learned to trust it as the big behemoth of shopping in the United States.
You also may have noticed that this JOJ (Jenner on a Journey) store is featuring more and more products from Aliexpress, and you’re not quite sure if you’re ready to trust them yet.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into online retail and explore the differences between these two e-commerce giants. We’ll cover the fascinating facts about AliExpress and how it stacks up against Amazon.
Whether you’re a seasoned online shopper or new to the game, get ready to navigate the similarities and differences between AliExpress and Amazon. Discover why you might want to consider AliExpress for your next haul of clothing, travel gear, and more, and what to watch out for along the way.
Facts About AliExpress
If you’re brand new to AliExpress, here’s a few things to know to get us started:
AliExpress is an online retail service based in China that is owned by the Alibaba Group. It was launched in 2010 and is now one of the most popular e-commerce platforms in the world, allowing small businesses and individual sellers to sell their products to international buyers.
AliExpress offers a wide range of products, including fashion, health and beauty, jewelry, furniture, home and garden items, sports and entertainment and more. They are known for their competitive prices and often offer discounts and promotions to attract customers. Their buyer protection program guarantees refunds for items that are not received or are significantly different from what was described.
Customers from all over the world use AiExpress, as the website is available in multiple languages and accepts various payment methods, including credit cards and AliExpress’ own payment system, Alipay. They have a global reach that ships to over 200 countries and regions around the world.
You can also download the AliExpress mobile app (Apple or Google Play) for easy shopping on the go and to receive notifications about new deals and promotions.
To be fair, AliExpress has faced criticism for issues related to counterfeit products, long shipping times, and customer service issues, but it continues to be a popular choice for online shoppers looking for affordable goods.
Similar Product Comparison: AliExpress vs. Amazon, #1
(This is just one example. Differences will vary, but this is typical of the price range you may find between AliExpress and Amazon.)
AliExpress vs. Amazon: Similarities and Differences
Similarities:
AliExpress and Amazon are both e-commerce platforms that offer a wide range of products to customers. Some ways in which AliExpress is similar to Amazon include:
1. Product Variety: Both platforms offer a vast selection of products, including electronics, fashion, home goods, and more.
2. International Reach: Both AliExpress and Amazon have a global reach, allowing customers from various countries to shop for products.
3. Online Retail: Both platforms operate as online retail services, allowing customers to browse and purchase items from the comfort of their own homes.
4. Buyer Protection: Both AliExpress and Amazon have buyer protection programs in place to ensure refunds for items that are not received or are significantly different from the description.
5. Competitive Pricing: Both platforms often offer competitive prices and discounts to attract customers.
6. Mobile Apps: Both AliExpress and Amazon have mobile apps that allow users to shop on the go and receive notifications about deals and promotions.
While there are similarities between the two platforms, it’s important to note that there are also significant differences, such as the business models, target markets, and seller structures.
Differences:
While AliExpress and Amazon are both e-commerce platforms that offer a wide range of products to customers, there are several differences between them:
1. Business Model: AliExpress operates as a marketplace that connects buyers with individual sellers, while Amazon sells products directly to customers and also allows third-party sellers to sell on its platform. AliExpress is more like eBay in that way.
2. Target Market: AliExpress primarily targets international customers, while Amazon’s main focus is on customers in the United States.
3. Shipping: AliExpress products are shipped directly from China, which can result in longer shipping times, while Amazon has fulfillment centers around the world that allow for faster shipping.
4. Product Quality: AliExpress is known for offering lower-priced products, which can sometimes result in lower quality, while Amazon offers a wider range of products at various price points, including higher-end products.
5. Seller Structure: AliExpress sellers are primarily small businesses and individual sellers, while Amazon sellers include both small businesses and larger companies.
6. Customer Service: Amazon is known for its customer service, including its easy return policy and fast response times, while AliExpress has faced criticism for its customer service.
7. Brand Recognition: Amazon is a well-known and established brand, while AliExpress is still building its reputation in many markets.
Overall, while there are similarities between AliExpress and Amazon, the differences in their business models, target markets, and seller structures can result in different shopping experiences for customers.
Similar Product Comparison: AliExpress vs. Amazon #2
Our Pick |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Materials: | Mesh, Polyester/Nylon | Polyester |
| Shipping: | Free, 13-day delivery | Free 2-day with Prime, or $5.99 2-day |
Tips for a successful shopping experience on AliExpress:
, Here are some tips for a successful shopping experience on AliExpress:
1. Study Size Guides: Pay close attention to the size guides provided for clothing and shoes, as sizes may vary from standard measurements. Consider taking your own measurements and comparing them to the size chart to ensure the right fit.
Yes, make friends with your tape measure! If you haven’t used one in a while, study the diagrams. Make sure you’re measuring at the correct spots on the specific body part. Some brands may line up with typical US measurements, while many are much smaller. It is often advised in the reviews to size up a size or two, if in doubt.
I recently purchased a puffy down jacket in a gorgeous color that I love, but I should’ve ordered it two sizes up. I’m normally a medium, 5’5″, 135 lbs, but decided to order the jacket in large, to be safe. It fits ok, but I like my clothes a bit loose and especially with jackets, to be able to wear layers beneath them. I don’t like that the sleeves ride up a bit when I move around. If it were Amazon, I’d have returned it right away and bought the next size up. Oh well, lesson learned. Next time I’ll use my measuring tape and maybe order the XL when purchasing outer wear.
In most cases, I’ve ordered items where the item could be forgiving of an inch or two off, such as with pants with elastic and a drawstring waist, or garments that are supposed to be loose fitting.
They really vary, though: I’ve bought tank tops, some in medium that are nice and roomy, some in large that make me feel like a tight sausage.
2. Read Listing Information Carefully: Thoroughly review product descriptions, including materials, dimensions, and features, to ensure that the item meets your expectations. Something that looks like cotton in the picture may be polyester. Colors may vary, too. Make sure you would be ok if the color were a slightly different hue. With the long shipping times and hassle of returns, you’ll want to get it right the first time.
3. Check Seller Ratings and Reviews: Look for sellers with high ratings and positive feedback from previous customers to gauge the reliability and quality of their products and services.
4. Be Cautious of Counterfeit Products: Be aware that AliExpress has been known to have counterfeit items. If the price seems too good to be true for a well-known brand, exercise caution.
For example, my daughter wanted a Juicy Couture brand tracksuit. When I saw how much they cost on Amazon for the real thing, I decided to look on AliExpress. They have one that looks just the same, and though I was pretty sure it was probably a knock-off, I bought it anyway. Of course, my girl was a little disappointed that it didn’t have the real official tag inside, but it’s cute and seems to be made well. She likes it and wears it, so it’s still a win.
5. Compare Prices and Shipping Options: Compare prices from different sellers for the same product and consider shipping costs and delivery times to find the best deal.
You’ll see this often: An item of clothing may sell for 3.03 plus 4.94 shipping from one seller, and the same item from a different seller will sell for much more. Or it may sell for 8.00 and free shipping. I would choose the 8.00 product with free shipping, as listing an item for a low price and then raising the shipping just doesn’t feel right with me; I’d rather trust the seller who is more upfront with their prices.
And look at the delivery times! I’ve had some products arrive in just a few days, others have taken up to 3 weeks. They give a guaranteed delivery time, it is usually a few weeks out; so you need to be patient if you go with AliExpress.
6. Communicate with Sellers: If you have any questions about a product, don’t hesitate to communicate with the seller to clarify any concerns before making a purchase.
7. Utilize Buyer Protection: Take advantage of AliExpress’ buyer protection program, and if a product is significantly different from its description or doesn’t arrive, you may be eligible for a refund.
8. Be Aware of Customs and Import Taxes: If you’re ordering internationally, be mindful of potential customs duties and taxes that may apply to your order when it arrives in your country. Learn more here.
Personally, I have never had to pay any separate customs and import taxes on any of the many purchases I have made with AliExpress. Most of my purchases are lightweight, clothing items that are simply wrapped and are received by US mail in my mailbox. I would do some inquiring about these taxes if I were buying a heavier, bulkier item that might not slide under the radar like my lighter items do.
Final Analysis: AlliExpress or Amazon?
In summation, both shopping platforms are good for different reasons, or even for totally different kinds of shoppers.
I like Amazon for its dependability, its trustworthiness. I subscribe to Prime so my shipping is always free. It’s my go-to for everyday things like pet supplies, household items, health and beauty items, bulk teas and coffee, electronics and some specific clothing items where I need an easy return policy just in case it doesn’t fit. Amazon is fast and famous for good service.
Join Amazon Prime – Watch Thousands of Movies & TV Shows Anytime – Start Free Trial NowAliExpress is great for the super frugal, serendipity shopper like myself. Meaning, I love getting stuff for half the price of Amazon, even if it means waiting about 2 weeks to get them. If you’re not a patient person, AliExpress may not be for you. If all your clothes require perfect fitting and you have no time to deal with long drawn-out shipping and returns, then better stick to Amazon.
If you love a good deal, it’s fun to shop on AliExpress. I will be sharing some of my best “hauls” from AliExpress in future posts. There I will show the products I have purchased, my personal review of them and how the purchase proceeded: what was good, what was bad, what was “meh”.
And drop by the Jenner on a Journey shop, where I am adding more items, from AliExpress, Amazon and other trusted retailers, that will come in handy for your traveling and adventurous lifestyle.
I hope this comparison of AliExpress and Amazon has been helpful for you. By following these tips, you can enhance your shopping experience on AliExpress and make more informed purchasing decisions.
Happy Shopping!
