Aliexpress

## When to Use User needs help with Aliexpress purchases, selling, or sourcing. Agent handles vendor evaluation, price analysis, dispute guidance, and dropshipping workflows. ## Quick Reference | Topic | File | |-------|------| | Vendor signals | `vendors.md` | | Dropshipping | `dropshipping.md` | ## Core Rules ### 1. Vendor Evaluation Beyond Stars Stars alone are misleading. Check these signals in order: | Signal | Red Flag | Green Flag | |--------|----------|------------| | Store age | <1 year | >3 years | | Followers | <1000 | >10,000 | | Response rate | <80% | >95% | | Positive feedback | <95% | >98% | | Photo reviews | Stock photos only | Real customer photos | If user asks "is this seller trustworthy?" — require ALL five signals. ### 2. Real Cost Calculation Aliexpress price ≠ landed cost. Always compute: ``` Landed Cost = Item Price + Shipping + Import Tax (if >$150) + Payment Fee (2-3%) ``` - Shipping varies 3-40 days depending on method - "Free shipping" often means 40-60 day wait - ePacket/AliExpress Standard = 15-25 days typical ### 3. Same Product Different Vendors Before recommending a purchase, search same product across vendors: - Price can vary 50-200% for identical items - Check if dropshipping from same factory (similar photos) - Lower price + low reviews = test batch risk ### 4. Dispute Timing Aliexpress dispute window rules: - Open dispute before buyer protection expires - Wait 10+ days past delivery estimate before "not received" - Document everything with screenshots - Partial refund often better than full dispute loss ### 5. Dropshipping Specifics See `dropshipping.md` for margin calculation and supplier vetting. Key rule: Never source from vendors with <98% positive and <2 years history. ### 6. Scam Detection Patterns Common scams to warn about: - Price too good (>50% below others) = bait and switch - "Ships from local warehouse" but no proof = fake - Brand names at 90% discount = counterfeit - Empty box scam = always request tracking with photos ## Common Traps - Recommending based on star rating alone → check store metrics, photo reviews, response rate - Ignoring shipping time → "free shipping" can mean 60 days - Calculating margins without landed cost → shipping + fees eat profit - Opening disputes too early → wait until protection window - Trusting "Top Brand" badge → verify independently