👋 If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably faced the dilemma of finding a reliable AliExpress seller when their review count is tiny or the feedback seems all over the place. I’ve lost money on sketchy listings and learned the hard way—so today I’m sharing my go-to strategies for spotting the gems in the rough.

1. Dive into Seller Details

First things first, don’t be intimidated by a low review count. Instead, click through to the seller’s page and look for these clues:

• Store Age: How long have they been on AliExpress? A 1-year old shop with 50 orders can be more reliable than a brand-new account with 100 “bot” reviews.
• All-around Rating: Check their overall star score, not just on the product page. Consistent 4.8–5.0 stars across all items is a great sign.
• Product Range: Sellers specializing in one product category often care more about quality control. If they have dozens of unrelated items, proceed with caution.

2. Examine Buyer Feedback—Beyond the Stars

Reviews can be misleading if you just skim the star rating. Instead:

• Photo & Video Reviews: Genuine buyers often upload images or short clips. These are your golden nuggets.
• Recent Comments: A seller with mostly old feedback but no recent orders may not be actively fulfilling new sales.
• Language & Detail: Reviews that mention specifics (e.g., “Color was slightly off but shipping was fast”) tend to be real.

3. Send a Quick Message

Trust me, a quick chat can save you headaches later. Ask about:

• Stock availability
• Custom packaging or small customization requests
• Estimated shipping times

If they respond promptly and courteously, you’re already off to a good start. Ghosting you before purchase? Red flag!

4. Check Off-Platform Signals

Sometimes the best insights come from outside AliExpress:

• Social Media Presence: Does the seller have an Instagram or Facebook page? Active, well-maintained social accounts suggest legitimacy.
• Web Reviews & Forums: A quick Google search for “[store name] AliExpress review” can reveal hidden horror stories or rave testimonials.

5. Start Small with a Test Order

When in doubt, place a low-cost order (under $5). You’ll see firsthand how they package, ship, and communicate. If that goes smoothly, you’ve earned their loyalty for bigger purchases.

6. Leverage AliExpress Buyer Protection

Remember, AliExpress holds payments in escrow until you confirm receipt. If something’s off, open a dispute within the specified window. It’s not foolproof, but it’s your safety net.

Wrapping It Up

AliExpress can feel like a minefield, but with these simple checks—digging into seller info, reading reviews closely, chatting directly, and doing a small test run—you’ll dramatically reduce your risk. Personally, I’ve turned countless “maybe” sellers into my go-to trusted shops by following this routine.

Happy shopping, and may your next haul arrive on time and in perfect condition! 🎉