Everything You Need To Know About AliExpress Before You Shop!

Online shopping platforms have made life easier than ever. AliExpress has become one of the world’s largest e-commerce shopping platforms for users worldwide. However, many people have been questioning the reliability and security of this platform. Some users have also posted their reviews about being scammed and tricked. Nonetheless, you don’t have to worry with the right tools, we’re here to tell you everything you need to know before ordering from AliExpress.

What is AliExpress, & Why Is It So Popular?

If you’re a shopping addict, we’re sure you have already heard about AliExpress. It’s one of the most popular Chinese e-commerce platforms, with countless sellers and buyers actively doing business every day. It has everything you could ask for: clothes, shoes, phone accessories, gadgets, home items, you name it, and you’ll probably find it on AliExpress.

Understanding AliExpress’s business model is quite easy. It allows users to order directly from manufacturers or suppliers in China, cutting out the middleman and offering lower prices as a result. This direct-to-customer approach is what keeps the prices so low, it’s almost hard to believe.

AliExpress has caught the world’s attention much faster than expected. That’s mostly because of their incredibly low prices and strong marketing strategies. The platform uses a browsing-history-based feed to recommend products that you’ve likely been searching for or interested in, making the shopping experience more tempting and personalized.

With AliExpress being so affordable and showing all the right items on your screen, it’s hard not to fill up your cart.

Common Security Concerns of AliExpress Users

AliExpress has definitely experienced a massive rise in popularity, and with that has come a fair share of concerns, especially around privacy and user safety. From data usage to fake listings, people are becoming more cautious. Here are the most common concerns you should know about before you place an order.

Data Collection and Privacy Risks

When you download AliExpress and accept the terms and conditions, you’re also giving the app access to a lot of your personal data. This includes your contact list, camera, microphone, and even your location, sometimes even when your location setting is turned off. It may sound concerning, but AliExpress claims it uses this data to improve your shopping experience.

Here’s the kind of data they may collect and use:

• Your shopping habits and history
• Device details and system info
• Payment methods and order history
• Location data even when the GPS is off
• Social media information (if connected)

Fraud and Scams to Look Out for on AliExpress

As AliExpress has become more popular but the scam reports have grown too. Some users have received fake versions of brand-name items, completely different products than what they ordered, or seen fake reviews. Others have gotten phishing emails pretending to be from AliExpress.

These scams can put your personal info at risk. To stay safer, it’s a good idea to use a trusted VPN like SaviourVPN. It hides your IP address and helps protect your activity from hackers and data trackers.

How To Shop Safely On AliExpress

AliExpress might have some privacy concerns, but let’s be honest, we’re not going to stop shopping on it, are we? To stay safe while using platforms like AliExpress, it’s important to follow a few smart practices. Here’s what you can do to protect yourself:

Using an Alternate ID for Shopping

It’s a good idea to use a separate email account just for shopping, especially on platforms like AliExpress. By doing this, even if your email is leaked, it won’t affect your personal or work accounts.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Turn on 2FA as soon as you create your AliExpress account. It adds a second layer of protection to your login and keeps your account and personal info much more secure.

Keep Screenshots of Conversations

Always take screenshots of important messages with sellers. If anything goes wrong, like a missing product or scam you can use these as proof to file a dispute and request a refund.

Read Seller Reviews

Before buying anything, check out the seller’s ratings and reviews. Look for real user feedback with photos. If the reviews feel fake or overly positive, it might be a red flag.