Launching fast is great, but the supplier you choose decides your delivery times, refunds, and reviews. AliExpress has buyer protection that allows customers to open a dispute if an order misses the promised delivery window, as explained in the AliExpress Help Center. On your side, payment providers expect trackable proof of shipment or delivery to help win disputes. The Stripe dispute evidence guide recommends including delivery confirmation with the full address, and PayPal’s Seller Protection highlights online and verifiable tracking. In short, supplier vetting is not optional, it is your margin of safety.

Decode AliExpress ratings like a pro

AliExpress shows a seller’s positive feedback percentage and three sub ratings, communication, shipping speed, and item as described, each on a five point scale, which the Crazy Egg review notes makes it easier to assess reliability. Use these benchmarks to shortlist suppliers:

• Aim for 4.7 or higher on item as described and shipping speed, with a positive feedback rate above 95 percent.
• Prefer listings with 300 plus orders and plenty of recent photo reviews in your target country.
• Check store age and breadth of catalog. Consistent ratings over time beat sudden spikes.

For a broader primer on product discovery and platform flow, read AliExpress Dropshipping 101 and our methods in Strategies for best products on AliExpress.

A fast pre qualification checklist

Before you message any supplier, scan for:

• Clear shipping options with AliExpress Standard Shipping or other trackable methods, see our guide to the best AliExpress shipping method.
• Real photo reviews, especially those showing packaging and labels.
• Variation consistency. If colors or sizes vary wildly in reviews, expect returns.
• IP safety. Avoid lookalike brands. Alibaba’s IPP policy states the sale of counterfeit goods is prohibited and violators can face delisting or account closure, as the Alibaba IPP platform policy explains.

Messaging templates that get answers

A crisp, respectful first message speeds up quoting and surfaces reliability. Copy, personalize, and send inside AliExpress chat.

Template 1, first contact

Hello, we are a US based store evaluating long term cooperation for PRODUCT. Please confirm: 1 stock availability for top variants, 2 processing time to ship, 3 best trackable shipping method to United States and average transit time, 4 ability to remove invoices or promotions, 5 bulk pricing for 20, 50, 100 units. Thank you.

Template 2, quality and packaging

Thanks for the reply. We need confirmation that the item matches photos and materials, and ships in a retail safe box with corner protection. Please share a short packing video or recent warehouse photos, plus any CE, FCC, or material safety documentation if available.

Template 3, post sale and returns

We offer 30 day returns to our customers. If an item arrives damaged or not as described, do you accept replacements or refunds through AliExpress? What evidence do you prefer, unboxing video, photos of defects? Please confirm the process so we can align with our policy.

Tip, track response speed and clarity. Vendors who reply within 24 hours, answer every numbered question, and volunteer screenshots or videos tend to be easier to work with at scale. To keep your processes tight, see how to provide exceptional customer support.

Sample orders and a simple QC routine

Ordering samples saves far more than it costs. Do this before launching ads:

• Place two test orders for the same SKU, one to yourself and one to a friend in your top market. Compare transit times and packaging.
• Film a first open. Check finish, stitching, electronics safety, and included accessories. Weigh the parcel to validate shipping cost assumptions.
• Stress test returns. Ask the supplier how they handle DOA or missing parts. Align your store policy using our guide to returns and refunds in AliExpress dropshipping.

Logistics and tracking that protect your margins

Choose trackable methods, document everything, and sync it. Cainiao provides official tracking for many AliExpress shipments, and the company states it offers a one stop tracking service for AliExpress packages on its Global Express Tracking page. That data is vital if a customer disputes a charge. The Stripe evidence best practices recommend proof of shipment and delivery with the full address, and PayPal’s guidelines call for online and verifiable tracking.

Practical tips you can implement today:

• Standardize on AliExpress Standard Shipping where available, then upgrade to premium couriers for higher ticket items.
• Always capture tracking, delivery photos when possible, and serial numbers on electronics. Sync tracking to PayPal automatically to reduce holds using this walkthrough on how to sync order tracking information with PayPal.
• Add a shipping expectations section to your product pages. Transparency lowers friendly fraud.

Red flags that mean walk away

• Vague or copy pasted answers to specific questions, like materials or certifications.
• No trackable shipping methods, or refusal to confirm processing times.
• Photo reviews showing different items, missing accessories, or logo changes.
• Requests to transact off platform. You lose AliExpress Buyer Protection and dispute mediation described in the AliExpress Help Center.
• Obvious IP risks. If a listing implies it is a famous brand, remember Alibaba forbids counterfeit listings per the IPP policy.

Automate vetting and fulfillment with WooDropship

Speed matters, especially for beginners balancing day jobs and a new store. The WooDropship plugin plugs into WooCommerce and lets you import AliExpress products in one click, optimize titles and descriptions with AI, edit prices in bulk, and fulfill via a Chrome extension. It is sold as a lifetime membership for a one time 89 dollars, free trial included, no recurring charges. Explore the WooDropship plugin and the setup guide in our AliExpress dropshipping plugin article. If you prefer step by step automation tips, read how to automate your AliExpress dropshipping business.

If you want the fastest path to market on Shopify, WooDropship also offers prebuilt Shopify stores for a one time 49 dollars, delivered in 7 days with 30 vetted products, a premium theme, payment gateways, SEO, and conversion features already wired. See the options at WooDropship Dropshipping Stores, and if you are new to Shopify you can start a store with Shopify first, then let us deliver your build.

Your practical next steps

• Shortlist 3 to 5 suppliers per product using the ratings and photo review checks above.
• Send the first contact template and log responses. Prioritize sellers who answer all questions with specifics.
• Order two samples, film unboxings, and validate materials and packaging. Align your returns policy and publish it.
• Choose trackable shipping, capture and sync all tracking, and keep a simple evidence file for each order. This aligns with Stripe’s advice on dispute evidence and the tracking expectations in PayPal’s Seller Protection.
• Plug in WooDropship to compress your launch timeline, then keep learning inside our knowledge base, from AliExpress dropshipping fundamentals to shipping and pricing.

With a repeatable vetting script, samples you trust, and trackable logistics, you cut refunds, win more disputes, and scale faster with fewer support fires. When you are ready to move, start your trial of the WooDropship plugin, or pick a prebuilt Shopify store and be live in 7 days at WooDropship Dropshipping Stores.

Happy WooDropshipping!