Aliexpress

--- name: Aliexpress slug: aliexpress version: 1.0.0 description: Navigate Aliexpress as buyer, seller, or dropshipper with vendor evaluation, price comparison, and scam detection. metadata: {"clawdbot":{"emoji":"🛒","requires":{"bins":[]},"os":["linux","darwin","win32"]}} ---

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