How To Connect Aliexpress To Shopify in 2025

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How To Connect Aliexpress To Shopify in 2025

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If you’re looking to start a dropshipping business in 2025, connecting AliExpress to Shopify is one of the easiest ways to source products and automate your store. With millions of affordable products available and seamless integration tools, AliExpress remains a top choice for Shopify entrepreneurs.

In this guide, we’ll show the best methods to connect AliExpress to Shopify, including manual imports and powerful automation tools. Let’s dive in!

Why Connect AliExpress to Shopify?

AliExpress dropshipping on Shopify is a promising venture, offering entrepreneurs an easy way to launch an e-commerce business with low startup costs and minimal risk. Here’s why connecting AliExpress to Shopify remains a top choice:

Wide Product Variety

Shopify users who use AliExpress gain unlimited access to products through this integration. The AliExpress platform shows millions of items that span multiple categories, such as fashion items and tech gadgets, as well as home decor and beauty products. The large number of competitive suppliers on AliExpress enables you to develop a store that satisfies customer needs and sustains desired profit margins.

Simplifies Product Import & Listing

Instead of manually adding product details, AliExpress-Shopify integration automates the process. Simple click-based tools from dropshipping apps allow sellers to import products with full details such as descriptions and images as well as price elements. This saves time, reduces errors, and ensures product listings are optimized for your store’s branding and target audience.

Easy Order Tracking & Management

Managing orders manually can be overwhelming, but when AliExpress is connected to Shopify, everything is streamlined. Orders placed on your Shopify store are automatically synced with AliExpress suppliers, and tracking information is updated in real time. For a consistent customer experience, users that shop through Shopify admin have full insight into inventory management, processing, and delivery updates.

Efficient Automation and Seamless Integration

If you don't have technical skills, don't worry! Shopify and AliExpress work seamlessly together, allowing you to automate pricing, inventory updates, and order fulfillment. This means you spend less time on logistics and more time scaling your business, focusing on marketing, and improving customer service.

Reliable & Scalable E-commerce Solution

Shopify’s robust hosting and security features ensure your store runs smoothly, even during high-traffic periods. In the meantime, before listing suppliers' products on AliExpress, you can screen them by looking at ratings, reviews, and comments.  You can reduce risks, guarantee product quality, and create a long-lasting, scalable company by collaborating with reputable suppliers.

Prerequisites Before Connecting AliExpress to Shopify

You need specific requirements as the first step for launching dropshipping with AliExpress on Shopify. You should obtain the required tools in advance because they will both simplify setup and minimize standard setup complications.

1. A Shopify Store 

First, you need to have a Shopify store up and running. If you haven't signed up yet, head over to Shopify and choose a Shopify plan that suits your needs. Shopify offers 3 days free trial so you can explore the platform before committing. If you haven't made up your mind after the 3-day trial, you can opt for the Shopify $1 for 3 months plan, which lets you use any Shopify plan for 3 months for just $1.

Read more: How to Create a Shopify Store?

2. An AliExpress Account 

Since AliExpress will be your primary supplier, you’ll need an AliExpress account. Signing up is free and easy. Just visit AliExpress.com, create an account, and start browsing products that fit your niche.

3. A Dropshipping App to Automate Imports & Orders

To link AliExpress with Shopify you require a dropshipping application that supports product importation as well as order fulfillment and automation functions. The best options for this process are:

  • DSers: The official and most popular AliExpress dropshipping app. It allows bulk ordering, automated tracking, and seamless integration.
  • Ali Orders: Another Shopify app that simplifies product imports and order fulfillment.
  • Spocket: While not exclusive to AliExpress, Spocket allows you to source products from both AliExpress and U.S./European suppliers.

Read more: Top 8 Shopify AliExpress Dropshipping Apps.

4. A Payment Gateway to Accept Orders 

To process payments from customers, set up a payment gateway on Shopify. Common options include Shopify Payments, PayPal, and Stripe. Make sure your chosen gateway supports transactions in your target market.

Read more: Top 10 Best Payment Gateways for your Shopify stores

5. A Clear Understanding of Your Niche & Target Audience 

Items that list on AliExpress alongside other products do not commonly succeed in the market. Market and customer research should be performed before linking to verify that your selected products will engage discriminating shoppers. Consider:

  • What products are trending?
  • Who is your ideal customer?
  • What selection of prices best fits your audience group?

The research outcomes allow you to create a product catalog which matches customer choices.

6. Knowledge of AliExpress Suppliers 

Since you won’t be handling inventory, choosing the right suppliers is critical. Before selecting a product, check the supplier’s reviews, ratings, and shipping times. Look for sellers with:

  • High ratings (4.5 stars and above)
  • Consistent positive reviews
  • Reliable shipping methods (ePacket, AliExpress Standard Shipping)

7. A Well-Defined Return & Refund Policy 

Dropshipping has its challenges, and handling returns and refunds is one of them. Since AliExpress suppliers have different policies, establish clear return and refund terms on your Shopify store. Communicate this transparently to customers to build trust.

8. A Marketing Strategy to Drive Traffic & Sales 

No store can succeed without traffic. Before launching, prepare a marketing plan that includes the following:

  • Social media marketing (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest)
  • Paid advertising (Facebook Ads, Google Ads)
  • Influencer collaborations
  • SEO & content marketing to drive organic traffic

From day one, a solid marketing plan will help you get clients and make sales.

9. Time & Patience 

Dropshipping is not a get-rich-quick scheme. It requires time to find winning products, test suppliers, optimize pricing, and manage orders. Be patient, keep learning, and stay consistent to see long-term success.

How To Connect Aliexpress To Shopify (3 Common Ways)

Connect AliExpress To Shopify Manually (Manual Import via CSV/URL)

Using Shopify to import products from AliExpress demands manual work and specified attention over numerous steps. A small number of managed products could possibly be handled through manual manipulation. The best method for bulk imports involves using a CSV file.

Step 1: Gather Product Information from AliExpress

The first step of manual product transfer from AliExpress to Shopify begins with visiting the AliExpress product page that contains the desired item for sale. To gather the needed information you must perform collection manually.

  • The product title should be obtained directly from AliExpress.
  • Rephrase the initial product description according to the brand identity of your shop.
  • Note down fundamental specifications for products which should include weight measurement alongside dimensions together with material composition.
  • The record includes variations such as size and color along with style information.
  • The product images can be obtained in high-resolution quality from the AliExpress product display.

Step 2: Manually Add the Product to Shopify

Once you have the necessary product information, log into your Shopify admin panel and follow these steps:

  • Navigate to Products > Add product.
  • Enter the Product Title and Description copied from AliExpress.
  • Upload the Product Images downloaded earlier.
  • Set your Pricing, ensuring you account for profit margins.
  • Enter Inventory Information (since Shopify won't sync stock levels automatically).
  • Add Product Variants (size, color, etc.).
  • Set up Shipping Details.
  • Click Save to publish the product on your store.

Step 3: Bulk Import Using CSV (More Efficient for Large Catalogs)

If you're importing multiple products, using a CSV file is much faster than manually entering each one.

Export Product Data from AliExpress:

  • Some third-party Chrome extensions can help export AliExpress product data into a CSV file. However, these may not always be reliable.
  • If you're able to export, ensure that the file format matches Shopify’s CSV import requirements.

Import the CSV File into Shopify:

  • In your Shopify admin, go to Products > Import.
  • Upload the CSV file.
  • Map the CSV columns to match Shopify’s product fields.
  • Click Import to upload products in bulk.

Connect AliExpress to Shopify Using DSers

The dropshipping app DSers provides effortless connections between AliExpress and enables bulk order handling as well as self-operating order fulfillment systems. The process for connecting AliExpress with Shopify through DSers consists of these steps.

Step 1: Install the DSers App on Shopify

  • Go to the Shopify App Store and search for DSers.
  • Click Install and create an account.
  • Choose a pricing plan to get started (a 14-day free trial is available for testing basic features).

Step 2: Link DSers with Your AliExpress Account

  • Open DSers and click “Link to AliExpress”.
  • You’ll be redirected to AliExpress to log in and authorize DSers.
  • Once connected, DSers can import products and process orders automatically.

Step 3: Import Products via DSers

DSers offer three ways to import AliExpress products to Shopify:

Option 1: Import by AliExpress Product URL

  • Copy the URL from an AliExpress product page.
  • Open DSers and go to “Import List”.
  • Paste the URL into the search box. The product will appear in the Import List for review.

You can install the DSers Chrome extension to quickly add products from AliExpress directly to your DSers dashboard.

Option 2: Import Products Using ‘Find Products’

  • Go to ‘Find Products’ in DSers.
  • Search for products using keywords, images, categories, or country of origin.
  • Hover over a product and click “Add to Store”.

DSers’ Product Research tool helps sellers discover trending TikTok products for better dropshipping decisions.

Option 3: Import Products Using ‘Supplier Optimizer’

  • Copy the URL of a product from your supplier.
  • Open DSers and go to ‘Supplier Optimizer’.
  • Paste the URL into the search box, then find the best supplier for that product.
  • Click ‘Add to Store’ to import the product.

Bulk Import allows you to add multiple products at once and categorize them for better store management.

Step 4: Customize Product Details & Set Pricing Rules

After importing, customize product details to align with your brand:

  • Open ‘Import List’ in DSers.
  • Select a product and click ‘Edit’ to modify: Product title; Description; Images; Pricing rules.

With just a few prompts, DSers' AI tool creates SEO-optimized product titles and descriptions, saving you time and enhancing the appeal of your products.

Connect AliExpress to Shopify Using Other Apps

In addition to DSers, various other apps deliver smooth processing capabilities for AliExpress-Shopify integration. These tools operate to automate product imports combined with inventory management and order fulfillment simplification. You can check out the following well-known apps.

Spocket

Spocket is a dropshipping platform that specializes in US and EU suppliers, offering fast shipping times and high-quality products. It is a flexible option for international dropshipping because it also allows sourcing from different nations.

Outstanding Features:

  • US & EU Supplier Access: Source high-quality products beyond China.
  • Ali Scraper Extension: Import AliExpress products seamlessly.
  • Branded Invoicing: Send invoices with your store’s branding.
  • Fast Shipping: US orders can be delivered in 1-3 days.
  • Private Labeling: Available for select cosmetics & beauty products.

Pricing: 

  • FREE
  • Starter - $39.99/month
  • Pro - $59.99/month
  • Empire - $99.99/month

Rating: 4.7/5 (6,818 reviews)

CJDropshipping

CJDropshipping operates as a complete dropshipping platform which presents an extensive selection of products at production cost levels. CJDropshipping enables fast fulfillment through local warehouse delivery along with product customization that provides dropshippers an efficient and flexible service.

Outstanding Features:

  • Big-data powered product recommendations: Helps identify trending products.
  • Custom branding: Offers POD (Print on Demand) and OEM customization.
  • Fast fulfillment: Local warehouse delivery with 2-3 day shipping times.
  • Order automation: Seamless order syncing and fulfillment services.
  • Product sourcing: Import from 1688, Taobao, and AliExpress via a Chrome extension.
  • Shipping optimization: Automatically selects the best shipping method for cost and speed.

Pricing: 

  • FREE
  • Plus - $59/month
  • Prime - $299/month
  • Advanced - $599/month

Rating: 4.9/5 (9,679 reviews)

Zendrop

Zendrop is a professional dropshipping platform designed by experienced dropshippers. It offers access to over 1 million products, automated fulfillment, fast shipping, and custom branding. Zendrop helps eliminate common issues faced when working directly with suppliers from platforms like AliExpress or Amazon.

Outstanding Features

  • Automated fulfillment: Manage your dropshipping business with minimal manual effort.
  • Fast shipping: Localized warehouses ensure quicker delivery times.
  • Custom branding: Add your brand elements to orders for a professional touch.
  • Product variety: Access to 1M+ dropshipping and print-on-demand products.
  • Dedicated support: Expert team available to assist with business growth.

Pricing: 

  • FREE
  • Beginner: $29/month
  • Pro: $49/month
  • Plus: $79/month

Rating: 4.7/5 (10,414 reviews)

AutoDS

Through its automated app AutoDS enables business sellers to simplify operations dealing with product acquisition and order completion while managing their online stores. Users gain simplicity through combination of AI-enabled automation tools and Amazon and Alibaba and AliExpress supplier connections which AutoDS provides.

Outstanding Features

  • One-click product import: Quickly add products to your Shopify store.
  • Automated order fulfillment: Orders are processed even when you’re offline.
  • Smart product optimization: AI-powered edits for images, pricing, and descriptions.
  • Custom branding options: Source branded products from top suppliers.
  • AutoDS Academy: Access free courses, mentorship, and eBooks.

Pricing: 

  • Dropship Starter: $26.9/month
  • Starter: $39.9/month
  • Advanced: $66.9/month

Rating: 4.9/5 (11,741 reviews)

How To Manage Your Shopify Store After Connecting to AliExpress

Manage Returns and Customer Service with AliExpress Suppliers

Providing exceptional customer service and handling returns and refunds efficiently are crucial for the success of your Shopify store. Fortunately, when you connect AliExpress to Shopify, these processes become more streamlined.

How AliExpress Supplier Returns Work

Customers who wish to get money back or returns have their requests sent straight to the AliExpress supplier handling their order fulfillment process. Retailers are not required to handle product returns the same way traditional stores do thanks to this arrangement. To address the issue, discussions will be held with the supplier.

The majority of AliExpress vendors provide prompt assistance, guaranteeing a seamless and effective resolution procedure for returns, reimbursements, or issues pertaining to products.

How Shopify & AliExpress Improve Customer Service

To maintain high customer satisfaction, leverage the following support tools:

  • FAQ Pages: Address common customer inquiries proactively.
  • Email & Phone Support: Keep customers informed about order updates and important notices.
  • Live Chat: Provide real-time assistance to boost customer confidence and trust.

Beyond offering premium products a highly efficient customer service approach generates trust together with customer loyalty which translates into maintained customer relations and increased buyer frequency. The process of quick customer service communication and quick issue resolution with AliExpress suppliers establishes customer satisfaction which leads to repeat purchases.

Automating Orders & Inventory

Once you’ve connected AliExpress to Shopify, managing orders and inventory manually can be time-consuming and prone to errors. Fortunately, automation tools can handle most of the heavy lifting, ensuring seamless order fulfillment and inventory management.

How Order Automation Works

With the right dropshipping app (like DSers, Ali Orders, or similar tools), you don’t need to place orders with AliExpress suppliers. Instead, when a customer purchases your Shopify store

  • Your AliExpress supplier automatically receives the order data.
  • The order is processed and shipped straight to the customer by the supplier.
  • Tracking information is automatically updated in your Shopify store.

This eliminates the need for manual order processing, reduces errors, and saves you valuable time.

How Inventory Management Works

Keeping track of product availability is essential to avoid overselling. When you automate inventory management:

  • Your dropshipping app syncs stock levels with AliExpress in real time.
  • If a product goes out of stock, it’s automatically updated in your Shopify store.
  • Price changes from suppliers can trigger automatic adjustments to your pricing.

This ensures your store only displays available products and prevents disappointing customers with out-of-stock items.

Payment & Shipping Considerations

When running a Shopify store that does dropshipping with AliExpress proper management of payment methods and shipping solutions remains essential to achieve a smooth operation and profitable business results. You need to establish appropriate payment methods together with shipping solutions because you deal with international suppliers for dropshipping on AliExpress.

Payment Processing on Shopify

You need a trustworthy payment gateway in order to receive payments from customers. Shopify supports multiple options, including:

  • Shopify Payments (recommended for lower transaction fees)
  • PayPal (widely used and trusted by customers)
  • Stripe
  • Authorize.net

Alternative options like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services

Make sure your payment provider supports your target market to avoid transaction issues.

Understanding AliExpress Shipping Options

AliExpress suppliers offer various shipping methods, each with different delivery speeds and costs. Some of the most common ones include:

  • AliExpress Standard Shipping (affordable, moderate speed, tracking available)
  • ePacket (faster than standard shipping, good for small parcels)
  • DHL, FedEx, UPS (premium express shipping, but costly)

When setting up your store, consider these key factors:

  • Set Clear Shipping Expectations: Display estimated delivery times on product pages to avoid customer complaints.
  • Choose Reliable Suppliers: Some suppliers offer faster processing and better shipping options than others.
  • Offer Free or Flat-Rate Shipping: Many dropshipping stores build shipping costs into product prices to offer “Free Shipping,” which increases conversions.
  • Use Tracking Numbers: Ensure your supplier provides tracking so customers can monitor their orders.

4 Tips To Optimize Profits & Minimize Risks

Implementing the connection between AliExpress and Shopify marks only the first step. Establishing a successful and profitable dropshipping business requires customers to select proper suppliers then define appropriate prices while steering clear of common pitfalls coupled with strong marketing plans.

Finding the Best AliExpress Suppliers

Your supplier directly impacts product quality, shipping times, and customer satisfaction. A poor supplier can lead to refunds, bad reviews, and lost sales. Follow these steps to find the most reliable AliExpress suppliers:

  • Check supplier ratings & feedback: Look for suppliers with at least 95% positive ratings and read customer reviews.
  • Analyze order volume: High order volume usually indicates reliability.
  • Test order fulfillment times: Choose suppliers who process orders within 1-3 days to avoid long shipping delays.
  • Order samples first: Always test the product yourself to check quality before listing it in your store.

Pro Tip: Use the AliExpress Dropshipping Center to analyze supplier performance, best-selling products, and potential profit margins.

Setting the Right Product Pricing & Margins

Pricing your products correctly ensures profitability while staying competitive. Here’s how to set the right pricing strategy:

  • Apply the 3x Markup Rule: A common strategy is to set your price at 3x the product cost (e.g., if an item costs $5, sell it for $15).
  • Factor in hidden costs: Consider shipping fees, transaction charges, and advertising costs when determining prices.
  • Use psychological pricing: Prices like $14.99 instead of $15.00 often convert better.
  • A/B test pricing strategies: Experiment with different price points to see what generates the best conversions.

Pro Tip: Use Shopify apps like  EcomRise: Upsell & Bundles to increase your average order value (AOV) by offering product bundles and upsells.

Avoiding Common Dropshipping Mistakes

Many Shopify dropshippers fail due to avoidable mistakes. Here’s what to watch out for:

  • Selling oversaturated products: If a product is everywhere, it’s harder to stand out. Use tools like Google Trends or Ecomhunt to discover trending but less competitive products.
  • Not optimizing product pages: Low-quality images, weak product descriptions, and missing trust signals can hurt conversions.
  • Ignoring customer service: Poor communication and slow response times lead to chargebacks and negative reviews. Have a clear refund policy and automate responses using Shopify chatbots.
  • Not setting up legal pages: Make sure your website includes Terms & Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Return Policy to avoid compliance issues.

Pro Tip: Use automated tracking apps like 17TRACK or Parcel Panel to provide real-time shipment updates to customers.

Using the Right Marketing Strategies

Driving traffic to your store is essential for sales. Here are the best ways to market your dropshipping business:

  • Facebook & TikTok Ads: Video ads showcasing product benefits tend to perform best.
  • SEO & Content Marketing: Rank for keywords related to your products by optimizing product descriptions and creating blog content.
  • Influencer Marketing: Partner with micro-influencers (10k–100k followers) for affordable promotions.
  • Retargeting & Email Marketing: Use tools like Klaviyo or Omnisend to re-engage visitors who didn’t complete their purchases.

Pro Tip: Install Facebook Pixel & Google Analytics to track conversions and optimize ad campaigns effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can products be imported into Shopify from AliExpress?

To import products from AliExpress to Shopify, follow these steps:

  • Select one of the available Shopify dropshipping applications including DSers or Spocket or AutoDS for process streamlining.
  • Users can browse the AliExpress platform through the app for importing store products.
  • Modify your product listings through edition of titles and descriptions and image replacement to fit your distinct brand.
  • Adjust your pricing structure together with shipping conditions to reach maximum profitability goals.

2. Does Shopify place AliExpress orders automatically?

No, Shopify does not automatically order from AliExpress. Although it does not directly manage order fulfillment, Shopify is an eCommerce platform that houses your web business.

To automate ordering from AliExpress, you need to use a third-party dropshipping app like DSers, AutoDS, or Zendrop. These apps process orders automatically, syncing them with AliExpress suppliers and handling fulfillment on your behalf.

3. How do I link my dropshipping to AliExpress?

The easiest way to link your dropshipping store to AliExpress is by using a dropshipping app like DSers, AutoDS, Zendrop, or Spocket. Many of these apps offer free plans, and you only need to subscribe to a paid plan if you want additional features.

These apps allow you:

  • With just one click, import your goods from AliExpress into your Shopify store.
  • Automate order fulfillment so that when a customer places an order, it is processed directly through AliExpress.
  • Set pricing and shipping rules to streamline your dropshipping operations.

4. How do I connect with a supplier on AliExpress?

You can connect with a supplier on AliExpress by sending them a message directly through the AliExpress platform. If you're using a dropshipping app like Spocket, DSers, or AutoDS, many of these platforms have built-in features that allow you to communicate with suppliers within the system.

This makes it easier to:

  • Ask questions about products, shipping times, and bulk pricing.
  • Negotiate better deals for your dropshipping business.
  • Resolve any issues related to orders or product quality.

5. Can you connect Ali Baba to Shopify?

Yes, you can connect Alibaba to Shopify using the Alibaba Dropshipping App or other third-party dropshipping tools. Shopify allows integration with Alibaba suppliers, making it easy to:

  • Import products directly from Alibaba to your Shopify store.
  • Customize product listings, pricing, and descriptions.
  • Automate order fulfillment with select Alibaba suppliers.

If you're sourcing bulk products from Alibaba (which is a B2B marketplace rather than a typical dropshipping platform like AliExpress), you may need to negotiate with suppliers for lower MOQs (minimum order quantities) or use a fulfillment service to handle shipping.

6. Can AliExpress products be copied on Shopify?

You can copy AliExpress products to Shopify using dropshipping apps such as:

  • DSers
  • Spocket
  • AutoDS
  • Zendrop
  • CJDropshipping

7. Is dropshipping legal with AliExpress?

Yes, it is entirely legal to dropship from AliExpress.  To guarantee a positive client experience, it's crucial to adhere to regional laws and be open and honest regarding delivery schedules.

Final Thoughts

Businesses may use a variety of effective dropshipping apps to set up their Shopify business with AliExpress. Shopify's evolution in eCommerce requires correct tools and strategies to enable successful store expansion. Now that you know how to connect AliExpress to Shopify, it's time to take action and start growing your dropshipping business!

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