Dropshipping on Amazon from AliExpress can make you good money. But just posting products and hoping they sell isn’t enough. First, you need to follow Amazon’s rules. Then, you have to choose the right products and improve how you run your store to stay ahead of the competition.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about dropshipping from AliExpress to Amazon. We’ll talk about the rules you need to follow, how to pick products, the best ways to ship orders, and how to market your store.
Let’s take it step by step!
Is Dropshipping on Amazon from AliExpress Allowed?
Before diving into the process, it’s crucial to clarify whether Amazon allows dropshipping from AliExpress. Many new sellers, however, assume they can simply list AliExpress products on Amazon and start making sales. But Amazon enforces strict rules that must be followed, so it’s important to understand these regulations beforehand.
Amazon’s Dropshipping Policy
Amazon does allow dropshipping, but with strict regulations:
- Sellers must be the official seller of record on all invoices, packaging, and receipts.
- Orders must not contain third-party branding, such as AliExpress invoices or promotional material.
- Customer support and returns must be handled by the seller, not AliExpress.
Violating these policies can lead to account suspension or permanent banning from Amazon.
Is Dropshipping from AliExpress Risky?
Yes and no. AliExpress dropshipping can work if sellers properly manage supplier reliability, shipping times, and customer expectations. However, there are some risks to consider:
- Longer Shipping Times – Most AliExpress suppliers ship from China, which can take 15–30 days to deliver.
- Product Quality Issues – Not all AliExpress suppliers maintain high-quality standards.
- Amazon Policy Violations – Orders that arrive with AliExpress-branded materials can get flagged by Amazon.
Best Practices to Stay Compliant
To avoid trouble, sellers should:
- Work with AliExpress suppliers who offer fast shipping options (e.g., ePacket or AliExpress Standard Shipping).
- Communicate with suppliers to ensure neutral packaging without invoices or branding.
- Use a fulfillment service that complies with Amazon’s dropshipping rules.
Step 1: Finding the Best Products to Dropship on Amazon
Not every product on AliExpress is suitable for Amazon dropshipping. Choosing the right products can mean the difference between success and failure.
Criteria for a Winning Product
Look for products that:
- Have High Demand – Check Amazon’s Best Sellers list to find trending items.
- Offer Good Profit Margins – Compare AliExpress costs vs. Amazon pricing to ensure profitability.
- Have Low Competition – Avoid oversaturated niches where big brands dominate.
- They are Lightweight & Easy to ship – Heavy or fragile items increase costs and return rates.
What NOT to Dropship
Amazon restricts certain product categories for new sellers. Avoid:
- Branded or Counterfeit Items – Selling fake goods can result in account suspension.
- Restricted Products – Items like electronics, supplements, or hazardous materials often require approval.
- Low-Quality Products – Negative reviews and high return rates can kill your account.
Pro Tip: Use tools like Jungle Scout, Helium 10, or AMZScout to analyze product demand, competition, and profitability before listing.
Step 2: Sourcing Reliable Suppliers on AliExpress
A bad supplier can ruin your business. Choose carefully!
How to Identify a Trustworthy AliExpress Supplier
- High Ratings & Reviews – Look for 4.5-star ratings or higher with at least 1,000 orders.
- Fast Shipping Options – Prioritize sellers offering ePacket, AliExpress Standard Shipping, or warehouse fulfillment.
- Good Communication – A responsive supplier is critical for resolving issues.
- Branded or White-Label Options – Some suppliers offer custom packaging without AliExpress branding.
Red Flags to Watch For
- No track record – Avoid new sellers with no reviews.
- Unrealistically low prices – Cheap doesn’t always mean profitable; it could signal low quality.
- Slow response times – If a supplier takes days to reply, imagine how they’ll handle customer issues.
Step 3: Listing & Optimizing Your Amazon Product Page
A well-optimized product listing increases visibility and conversions on Amazon.
Key Components of a High-Performing Listing
- Compelling Product Title – Use keywords naturally while keeping it concise and clear.
- Bullet Points & Description – Highlight key features, benefits, and unique selling points.
- High-Quality Images – Amazon recommends at least six images with white backgrounds.
- Competitive Pricing – Compare your price with similar products to stay competitive.
Pro Tip: Use Amazon SEO tools like MerchantWords or Helium 10 to find high-volume keywords that boost search rankings.
Step 4: Handling Order Fulfillment & Shipping Challenges
Fast delivery is one of Amazon’s key strengths—so how do you meet expectations with AliExpress shipping times?
Fulfillment Methods for Dropshipping on Amazon
- AliExpress Direct Shipping – Not recommended due to long delivery times.
- Third-Party Logistics (3PL) – Services like CJ Dropshipping, HyperSKU, or Zendrop can warehouse inventory closer to Amazon customers.
- Amazon FBA (Fulfilled by Amazon) – Instead of dropshipping directly, consider bulk-buying from AliExpress and using FBA for faster shipping.
How to Reduce Long Shipping Times
- Use ePacket or AliExpress Standard Shipping for faster delivery.
- Work with suppliers with US/EU warehouses to cut shipping times to 3–7 days.
- Set realistic delivery expectations to prevent negative feedback.
Step 5: Managing Customer Service & Returns
Great customer service can prevent refunds, bad reviews, and policy violations. Providing a seamless support experience across different sales channels ensures customer satisfaction and brand loyalty. Whether selling on Amazon, Walmart, or Shopify, mastering customer service is crucial for long-term success.
🔍 Read More: Master Customer Service Across eCommerce Platforms
How to Handle Customer Inquiries
- Respond within 24 hours to maintain high seller ratings.
- Provide tracking updates proactively to avoid “Where’s my order?” complaints.
- Offer hassle-free returns—even if that means refunding without requiring a return.
Handling Amazon Returns When Dropshipping from AliExpress
- Option 1: Allow customers to keep the item and issue a refund (often cheaper than return shipping).
- Option 2: Work with a US-based 3PL to handle returns.
- Option 3: Accept returns at your address and resell locally.
Final Thoughts: Is Dropshipping on Amazon from AliExpress Worth It?
Dropshipping from AliExpress to Amazon can be profitable but challenging due to long shipping times, strict policies, and high competition.
Success in this model depends on:
- Choosing winning products with high demand and low competition
- Working with reliable AliExpress suppliers to ensure quality
- Optimizing product listings to rank higher on Amazon
- Using faster fulfillment solutions to keep customers happy
- Providing top-notch customer service to build a long-term business
