I still remember the first time I stumbled across an unbelievable deal on AliExpress. The price was so low, I thought, this has got to be a mistake! Fast forward to a dingy package filled with cheap knockoffs, and I learned the hard way that not every bargain is worth it. Over the years, I’ve picked up a few telltale signs of trouble that can help you dodge disappointing purchases and, in some cases, outright scams.

Below are the seven red flags I look for before hitting “Buy Now.” Bookmark this post, and you’ll thank yourself the next time a too-good-to-be-true deal pops up.

1. Unbelievable Discounts (Seriously Too Low)

I get it—who doesn’t love a discount? But when a $5 phone case is marked down from $50, alarm bells should go off. If the price is more than 70–80% off retail without a clear reason (like a flash sale or liquidation), the product is likely counterfeit, poor quality, or a total scam.

Tip:

Always compare prices on multiple sites. If you see wildly different numbers, it’s time to move on.

2. Zero Reviews or Only 5-Star Ratings

When I shop, I look for a healthy mix of praise and criticism. Listings with no reviews or, conversely, nothing but 5-star glowing feedback often signal fake accounts or manipulated ratings. Even the best products get a few bumps in the road.

Tip:

Scroll through the Q&A or photo reviews. Genuine buyers often leave images that show the real item.

3. Suspicious Seller’s History

Your first stop should be the seller’s profile. If they’ve been on AliExpress for only a week or have very few completed orders, proceed with caution. Legitimate stores build their reputations over time.

Tip:

Check seller badges and years of operation. A “Top Brand” or “Top-Rated Seller” badge is a good sign—but don’t skip the small guys if they have detailed feedback.

4. Vague or Poor Product Descriptions

Ever read a description that seems like it was run through a translator three times? If details like material, dimensions, or specs are missing or confusing, the seller may be hiding flaws.

Tip:

Message the seller with questions. If they’re slow to respond or give vague replies, consider it a yellow flag.

5. Lack of Shipping or Return Information

I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve abandoned a cart because the shipping info was missing, or the returns policy was non-existent. If it’s unclear how long shipping takes, or worse—“all sales final”—avoid risking your money.

Tip:

Always look for tracked shipping options and a reasonable return window (at least 15 days).

6. Too-Good-To-Be-True “Freebies”

Sometimes a listing will tack on “free gifts” or “free shipping” that significantly delay delivery, using delays as “proof” of authenticity. There’s no such thing as a free lunch—especially when you’re waiting months for a “gift.”

Tip:

Pay for expedited, tracked shipping if you need the item quickly. Free shipping often means weeks of uncertainty.

7. Generic or Stock Photos Only

Real sellers showcase their actual inventory. If all you see are manufacturer stock photos or images pulled from Google, you have no idea what you’ll receive.

Tip:

Favor listings that include customer-uploaded photos. They give you a realistic expectation of color, size, and build quality.

Final Thoughts

AliExpress can be a treasure trove of deals—when you know what to watch out for. By staying alert to these seven red flags, you’ll make smarter purchases, avoid scams, and feel confident every time you click “Buy Now.”

If you’ve had your own AliExpress horror story (or a pleasant surprise!), drop a comment below. Let’s help each other shop smarter!

Happy (and safe) shopping,