Connect Shopify & AliExpress: A Quick Guide

Step 1: Prepare Your Shopify Store

Ensure Your Shopify Store is Active and Accessible

Before you begin the integration process, confirm that your Shopify store is fully set up, active, and accessible to the public. This means you should have completed the initial setup steps, chosen a theme, configured your basic settings (like currency and shipping zones), and ideally, have a paid Shopify plan. While you can start with a trial, a live store ensures seamless integration and order processing. Navigate to your Shopify admin dashboard (yourstorename.myshopify.com/admin) and verify that your store status is “Open” or “Active.”

Install a Dropshipping App from the Shopify App Store

The most efficient way to connect Shopify to AliExpress for dropshipping is by using a dedicated app. Popular choices include DSers (official AliExpress partner), Oberlo (now integrated with DSers), and Spocket. To install one:

Go to your Shopify admin dashboard.
Click on “Apps” in the left-hand navigation.
Click “Customize your store” or “Visit the Shopify App Store.”
In the App Store search bar, type “DSers” (or your preferred app).
Click on the app listing, then click the “Add app” button.
Review the permissions requested by the app and click “Install app” to grant access to your Shopify store data.

This app will act as the bridge between your Shopify store and AliExpress.

Step 2: Set Up Your AliExpress Account

Create an AliExpress Account

If you don’t already have one, you’ll need a standard buyer account on AliExpress. This is the account you’ll use to place orders with suppliers.

Go to aliexpress.com.
Click on “Account” or “Sign In” in the top right corner.
Click “Join” or “Register.”
You can sign up using your email, Facebook, or Google account. Follow the prompts to create your account, set a secure password, and confirm your email address.

Remember, you don’t need a “seller” account on AliExpress for dropshipping; you operate as a buyer.

Verify Your AliExpress Account Details

Ensure your AliExpress account is fully verified and ready for transactions. This typically involves:

Email Verification: Click the verification link sent to your registered email address.
Payment Method: Add at least one valid payment method (credit card, PayPal, etc.) to your AliExpress account. Go to “My Orders” > “My Payment Options” or similar section within your AliExpress account settings to add and verify your payment details. This is crucial for quickly placing orders when customers buy from your store.
Shipping Address: While orders will be shipped directly to your customer, it’s good practice to have a default shipping address set up in your AliExpress account, even if it’s your own.

Having these details ready prevents delays when you need to fulfill customer orders.

Step 3: Integrate Shopify with AliExpress via the Dropshipping App

Link Your Shopify Store to the Dropshipping App

After installing the dropshipping app (e.g., DSers) on Shopify, the next step is to ensure it’s properly connected to your Shopify store. This usually happens automatically during the installation process, but you’ll need to open the app and confirm.

From your Shopify admin, go to “Apps” and click on the dropshipping app you installed.
The app will likely launch its own dashboard. Follow any on-screen prompts to complete the initial setup. This might involve confirming your Shopify store URL or linking an existing account if you’ve used the app before.

The app now has access to your Shopify product data and order information.

Connect Your AliExpress Account within the Dropshipping App

This is the critical step where you bridge the gap between your app and AliExpress.

Within the dropshipping app’s dashboard (e.g., DSers), look for a section like “Account,” “Settings,” “Link AliExpress,” or “AliExpress Account.”
Click on the option to connect your AliExpress account.
You will typically be prompted to log in to your AliExpress account through a secure pop-up window or redirect. Enter your AliExpress username and password.
Once logged in, the app will confirm the connection. You should see your AliExpress user ID or email displayed as connected within the app’s settings.

This connection allows the app to import products from AliExpress and automate the order placement process on your behalf.

Step 4: Import Products and Fulfill Orders

Browse and Import Products from AliExpress to Shopify

With everything connected, you can now start populating your Shopify store with products from AliExpress.

Using the App’s Search: Within your dropshipping app (e.g., DSers), use its built-in search functionality to find products on AliExpress. You can search by keywords, categories, or even paste AliExpress product URLs directly.
Using the Browser Extension: Many apps provide a browser extension (e.g., DSers Chrome extension). Install it, then browse AliExpress.com directly. When you find a product you like, click the app’s icon (usually on the product page) to “Add to Import List” or “Push to Shopify.”
Edit and Push: Once products are in your app’s “Import List” or “Drafts” section, you can edit their details (title, description, images, variants, pricing, shipping methods) to make them more appealing and unique to your brand.
Publish to Shopify: After editing, click the “Push to Shopify” or “Import to Store” button. The product will then appear in your Shopify admin under “Products.”

Ensure you set competitive pricing, considering your desired profit margin and any Shopify fees.

Understand the Order Fulfillment Process for AliExpress Dropshipping

When a customer places an order on your Shopify store, the process typically flows like this:

Order Received: A new order appears in your Shopify admin.
App Sync: Your dropshipping app automatically syncs this order.
Place Order on AliExpress:
- Go to your dropshipping app’s “Orders” section.
- Locate the new order and click “Place Order” or “Order Product on AliExpress.”
- The app will typically redirect you to AliExpress.com with the customer’s shipping details pre-filled.
- Review the order details and complete the purchase using your chosen payment method on AliExpress.
- Important: Ensure you select “Dropshipping” or “No invoice/receipt” if the option is available, to prevent suppliers from including their branding or pricing.
Tracking Number: Once the AliExpress supplier ships the product, they will provide a tracking number. The dropshipping app typically detects this and automatically pushes it to your Shopify order, which then sends the tracking information to your customer.
Customer Receives Product: The product is shipped directly from the AliExpress supplier to your customer.

Regularly monitor your Shopify orders and promptly place them on AliExpress to ensure timely delivery and customer satisfaction.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use multiple dropshipping apps with Shopify?

While technically possible, it’s generally not recommended. Using multiple dropshipping apps for AliExpress can lead to conflicts, duplicate product listings, and confusion in managing inventory and orders. Stick to one primary app (like DSers) for managing your AliExpress dropshipping operations to maintain a streamlined workflow and avoid potential issues.

Q2: Do I need to pay for a Shopify plan to dropship with AliExpress?

Yes, to operate a live, functional Shopify store that can accept orders and integrate with dropshipping apps, you will need to subscribe to a paid Shopify plan after your free trial ends. The basic Shopify plan is usually sufficient for starting out. The dropshipping apps themselves may also have free tiers or paid subscriptions depending on the features you require.

Q3: How do I handle returns and refunds with AliExpress dropshipping?

Returns and refunds in AliExpress dropshipping can be complex as you are an intermediary. Generally, if a customer wants to return an item, they would send it back to you (your business address), and then you would assess the situation. For defective or wrong items, you might open a dispute with the AliExpress supplier to get a refund or replacement. For buyer’s remorse, you might offer a refund and absorb the cost, or have the customer return to you. Clearly define your return policy on your Shopify store to manage customer expectations.

Q4: What are the typical shipping times from AliExpress to customers?

Shipping times from AliExpress can vary significantly depending on the supplier, the shipping method chosen, and the customer’s location. Standard shipping often takes 2-4 weeks, but can sometimes be longer (up to 60 days) or shorter (7-14 days with ePacket or AliExpress Standard Shipping to certain regions). Always communicate realistic shipping expectations to your customers on your product pages and in your shipping policy to avoid complaints. Consider offering faster, albeit more expensive, shipping options if available from suppliers.