| 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
