If you are interested in starting a dropshipping business, you’ve probably come across AliExpress, a popular platform that helps thousands of beginners start dropshipping businesses for free with zero inventory. However, if you’re in India, you may have already noticed that AliExpress is no longer available in your region.
In this guide, we have compiled the most frequently asked questions about AliExpress dropshipping from across social media platforms.
We’re here to clarify them, especially for the Indian market. From why AliExpress is banned in India to what are the possible ways you can still use or work around it, we’ll explore the options, legal considerations, and the best platforms you can use to start your dropshipping business.
Key Takeaways
- AliExpress is Banned in India: Direct dropshipping from AliExpress is not possible in India due to government restrictions; workarounds are risky and unreliable for business.
- Alibaba is a Viable Alternative: As part of the same group, Alibaba offers similar products and suppliers willing to drop ship, serving as a strong alternative for sourcing.
- Pick Smart Products: Say goodbye to AliExpress. Many trendy items that were once available are now easily accessible on other platforms. Focus on what’s popular to sell well.
- Local Indian Platforms are Key: For selling within India, platforms like Qikink offer the required advantages, such as faster shipping, easy returns, and Cash on Delivery options.
- Qikink for Your Brand: Qikink lets you sell products with your brand name, even if you’re starting with one item. It easily integrates with your online store, such as Shopify and WooCommerce, and ships quickly from India and internationally, giving your business a professional look.
What is AliExpress Dropshipping India?
AliExpress dropshipping is a business model where online store owners source products from AliExpress and sell them to customers without holding inventory.
It’s popular because there are many products to choose from, and prices are low, which makes it an excellent option for beginners who want to start dropshipping.
Entrepreneurs use platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce to build stores that offer AliExpress products, targeting global markets with minimal upfront investment.
This low barrier-free entry made AliExpress a go-to starting point for thousands looking to enter the dropshipping world.
Can You Make Money Dropshipping from AliExpress?
Yes, it is possible to make money dropshipping from AliExpress if you are operating outside India. However, it’s crucial to approach it with realistic expectations and a strategy.
Profitability in dropshipping, particularly with AliExpress, depends on several key factors, including your niche, product selection, marketing efforts, and customer service
The Profitability of AliExpress Dropshipping
Dropshipping, in general, offers a low-barrier-to-entry business model, and AliExpress, with its vast product catalogue and low prices, is a free-to-use platform that makes it accessible to many.
Pros of Profitability with AliExpress Dropshipping for non-Indian markets):
- Low Startup Costs: You don’t need to purchase inventory upfront, which significantly reduces your initial investment and financial risk. This means you can start with a minimal budget.
- Wide Product Selection: AliExpress offers millions of products across almost every niche imaginable. This allows you to test various products and niches without committing to large stock purchases.
- Potential for High Margins: With low product costs, you can set your retail prices, enabling healthy profit margins ranging from 15% to 40%, depending on the product and level of competition.
Cons and Challenges to Profitability:
- Long Shipping Times: Many products often ship from China, resulting in extended delivery times. This can lead to impatient customers, higher refund requests, and negative reviews.
- Intense Competition: The low barrier to entry means many people try dropshipping, leading to high competition, especially for popular products. This can lead to lower profit margins and higher advertising costs.
- Returns and Refunds: Handling returns and refunds can be complex and costly, especially when dealing with international suppliers.
- Rely on Paid Advertising: To stand out in a crowded market, many dropshippers rely heavily on paid advertising, For example, Facebook Ads and Google Ads, which can quickly cut your profits if not managed effectively.
Is AliExpress banned in India for dropshipping purposes as well?
Yes, dropshipping via AliExpress is not possible in India. In 2020, the Indian government banned over 267 Chinese apps in multiple phases, citing national security and data privacy concerns, particularly following a rise in border tensions with China.
Apps like TikTok, SHAREit, WeChat, CamScanner, and AliExpress were among those affected by these bans. AliExpress was included in one of the significant app wave bans due to its Chinese origin and the government’s decision to reduce dependence on platforms that might pose data risks.
How Does Dropshipping from AliExpress Work?
While the short answer to “How does AliExpress dropshipping work?” is that it’s no longer a viable option in India due to the ban, it’s still helpful to understand how the model works, especially because you can apply the same concept to alternative platforms.
One of the best alternatives for Indian drop shippers is Alibaba.
Alibaba is a global wholesale platform owned by the same company as AliExpress, the Alibaba Group. The main difference is:
- AliExpress was made for small orders and direct-to-customer sales.
- Alibaba mainly supports bulk buying and B2B (business-to-business) deals.
But the good news: In recent years, Alibaba has also started supporting dropshipping through suppliers who offer low MOQs and fulfillment options.
Many of the best items to dropship on AliExpress, like gadgets, home goods, accessories, and more, are also available on Alibaba, often at better wholesale prices. That’s because most sellers on both platforms are based in China, and they usually work with the same factories and manufacturers.
If you’re in India and can’t access AliExpress, Alibaba is an excellent alternative for sourcing high-quality products for your dropshipping business.
How Does Dropshipping Work with Alibaba (Instead of AliExpress)?
- Find Suppliers: On Alibaba, you’ll connect directly with manufacturers. Look for suppliers who mention “drop shipping” or “low MOQ”. Also, look for the Gold or Verified badges to identify trusted sellers.
- Negotiate with suppliers: Chat with suppliers about you’re dropshipping and ask if they can ship single items. Discuss prices, shipping options, and whether they can send products without their branding.
- List Products on your store: Once you agree to the terms, add the product details from Alibaba to your online store, such as Shopify or WooCommerce. Set your prices to ensure a good profit.
- Customer Order & Supplier Shipments: When a customer places an order with your store, you submit the order to your Alibaba supplier, providing them with the customer’s address. The supplier then ships the product directly to your customer.
By understanding how Alibaba works, Indian dropshippers can effectively find products and suppliers, following a similar path to how AliExpress dropshipping used to operate.
👉 Want to learn more? Explore our comprehensive guide on Alibaba dropshipping.
How to Find the Best AliExpress Suppliers (If You’re Outside India)
Disclaimer: Please note that the information in this section is specifically for dropshippers operating outside of India, as AliExpress is not available for dropshipping within India.
Finding a supplier on AliExpress is crucial for your dropshipping success. A good supplier ensures product quality, timely shipping, and good customer service, which directly impacts your business’s reputation.
- When searching for a product, always sort the results by ‘Orders’. This indicates products that are popular and have a high sales volume, suggesting a potentially reliable supplier.
- Use the Filter by Rating feature to find sellers with a high positive feedback score, ideally 95% or higher. You can also filter search results to only show products from sellers with 4-star ratings and above.
- Utilising AliExpress’s Dropshipping Centre can help you find trending products and analyse supplier performance, including shipping efficiency and reliability.
- Check how long the supplier has been on AliExpress. Older, established sellers have more experience and a good track record.
- On each product page, you’ll find estimated delivery times for different shipping methods to your target country. Pay close attention to these, as long shipping times can lead to customer frustration.
- Don’t just look at the overall star rating. Read through actual customer reviews, especially those with photos. These provide fundamental insights into product quality, packaging, and exact delivery times.
- Customer experiences can change, so prioritise recent feedback.
- Understand how AliExpress’s buyer protection works. It generally covers situations where you don’t receive your product.
- Before placing large orders, send a message to the supplier with questions, for example, ‘What is the average shipping time to my country?.’
Elevate your offering with the latest trendy t-shirts from Qikink
Is there a way we can use AliExpress in India?
With the Indian government’s ban on AliExpress, many individuals and businesses in India naturally wonder if there’s a workaround to accessing the platform.
The most discussed Workaround Question about Aliexpress on social media:
Technically, some users might try to access AliExpress by:
- Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN): A VPN can mask your IP address, making it appear as if you are browsing from another country where AliExpress is not banned.
- Using Package Forwarding Services: Some services in countries where AliExpress operates might allow you to ship products to their warehouse, and then they forward them to your Indian address.
They said you can still run a dropshipping business from India. You need to target a different country where AliExpress and similar platforms are accessible.
Why These Methods Are Not Recommended for Dropshipping in India:
These methods come with significant drawbacks and risks for a dropshipping business:
1. Legal Implications and Risks: While the use of VPNs in general is not illegal in India, using them to avoid government bans on specific platforms can put you in a legally dangerous position.
2. Unreliable Access: Making consistent access through a VPN is impossible. This creates a volatile environment for running a business that relies on daily access for sourcing and order fulfilment.
3. Payment Processing Issues: Even if you can access the site, making payments for dropshipping orders can be problematic. Indian payment gateways are likely to block transactions to AliExpress, and using international cards may trigger security flags, resulting in payment failures.
4. Complex Logistics and High Costs (for Forwarding Services): If you use a forwarding service, you’re adding an extra layer of complexity and cost. You’ll pay for shipping to the forwarding service, their handling fees, and then additional international shipping and customs duties to India. This significantly lowers your profit margins and increases delivery times.
5. No Buyer Protection/Support: If something goes wrong with a dropshipped order when using workarounds, you’ll have no recourse through AliExpress’s official buyer protection. Your business reputation would be questionable.
6. Not Scalable for Business: Dropshipping requires consistent product sourcing, rapid order processing, and reliable shipping. Relying on unstable workarounds makes it virtually impossible to manage these aspects efficiently or to scale your business.
Can’t Use AliExpress in India? Here’s What You Should Do Instead
Instead of trying to find ways around the ban, the most innovative and reliable path for drop shippers in India is to focus on the platforms that are openly and legally available. These alternatives offer everything you need, from finding products to shipping them without the constant worry of bans or legal issues.
What Are the Best AliExpress Alternatives for Indian Dropshippers?
Since AliExpress is no longer available for dropshippers in India, it is wise to look for other reliable platforms.
For those selling within India, choosing local suppliers is a huge win. They offer:
- Much faster deliveries: Your customers get their products quickly.
- Easier returns: Handling returns is less of a headache.
- Cash on Delivery: This is a popular payment option in India that many customers prefer.
- Some also offer international shipping services. If you plan to sell globally from India, many local platforms are now providing international shipping as well.
By choosing these accessible and local options, you can establish a strong and trustworthy dropshipping business in India and even reach global customers.
Want to learn more about these platforms and choose the right one for your business?
Check out our detailed blog guide on the 25 Best AliExpress Alternatives for Dropshipping in India for everything you need to know.
Best Dropshipping Platforms in India
For dropshippers targeting the Indian market, these local platforms offer a distinct advantage: significantly faster shipping times, easier returns, and cash-on-delivery options, which are crucial for success in India.
- Qikink: Qikink is a popular Indian print-on-demand and dropshipping platform. Perfect for custom-designed products, such as T-shirts, mugs, and phone cases. This is an excellent option if you want to sell unique, custom-designed products without managing inventory.
- Baapstore: Offers a wide range of products, ready-made websites, and automated processes to simplify dropshipping across India.
- IndiaMART: India’s largest B2B marketplace. You can find many Indian manufacturers and suppliers that offer drop shipping services; however, you’ll need to discuss their terms directly with them.
Dropshipping Platform Comparison: AliExpress vs. Indian Alternatives
|
Feature
|
Aliexpress
|
Qikink
|
Baapstore
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Platform Access
|
Accessible globally, but Banned in India.
|
Fully accessible and designed for dropshippers.
|
Fully accessible
|
|
Platform Fees
|
Shopify, WooCommerce, etc..
|
Direct integration with Shopify, WooCommerce
|
Provides website, Amazon, Shopify, and WooCommerce integration based on the plan
|
|
Product Catalog
|
Wide variety of products
|
Specialising in print-on-demand (apparel, mugs, phone cases, home & living, accessories and more).
|
Wide variety across electronics, fashion, and home goods
|
|
Fast Shipping
|
Generally, it takes weeks to months for international orders.
|
Fast shipping within India (typically 2-7 days). Also, have rush order processing. Qikink delivers products internationally within 6–12 days.
|
Fast shipping within India (often 4-6 days),
|
|
RTO Charges
|
It can be complex and costly for international returns.
|
No RTO charges
|
Returns are accepted in all scenarios.
|
|
Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)
|
Generally No MOQ
|
There is No MOQ. You can place a single order. Additionally, we can fulfil bulk orders tailored to your specific requirements.
|
Generally No MOQ
|
|
Branding
|
Limited
|
Yes, offers free custom branding, white-label products, custom neck labels, Hangtags, Thank you card etc.
|
Yes, they offer white-label solutions with brand-name printing on covers.
|
|
Discount/Cashback
|
Focus on low direct product cost
|
Yes, offers excellent discounts and cashback programs.
|
Offers discounts on products based on the subscription plan
|
|
Customer Support
|
Email Support, Call Support, Online Chat Support (Can be slow and challenging.)
|
Excellent customer support via WhatsApp messages, Email Tickets, Call Support.
|
Good (Ticket, Phone support).
|
Best Products to Dropship from AliExpress Alternatives
Even though you can’t use AliExpress directly in India, the good news is that many of the “best items to dropship on AliExpress” are readily available through its alternatives, especially platforms like Alibaba and the Indian-based suppliers we discussed.
Here are some popular and trending product categories to consider, keeping in mind that local Indian alternatives offer faster shipping for customers within India
1. Consumer Electronics & Accessories
Source: IBEF(India Brand Equity Foundation)
India’s demand for consumer electronics and durable goods is rising fast. This growing demand has created intense competition among brands across the country, making India a key market for global companies seeking future growth.
The Appliances and Consumer Electronics (ACE) market in India is set to nearly double, reaching around ₹1.48 lakh crore (US$ 17.9 billion) by 2025.
This makes it one of the best opportunities to start a dropshipping business in this niche, particularly with the rise of online shopping trends and growing consumer interest in innovative gadgets, home appliances, and affordable electronics.
- Headphones
- Smartwatches
- Speakers
- Security Camera
- Air Conditioner
- Portable lights
- Electronic appliances like refrigerators
- Digital Cameras
- Mobile accessories such as Phone cases, Screen protectors, and chargers
- Video game accessories
2. Beauty & Personal Care
Source: Statista Market Insights
The global Beauty & Personal Care market is expected to reach around ₹56.88 trillion this year, and it’s still growing at a rate of approximately 3.37% annually.
The largest segment of this market is Personal Care, valued at approximately ₹24.62 trillion. A significant factor contributing to this growth is the rise of online shopping. By 2025, almost 38.4% of all beauty product sales will happen online.
That means starting your beauty dropshipping business gives you a great chance to earn money without holding any stock.
- Face washes and Sunscreen.
- Moisturisers and hydrating creams
- Lipsticks and lip balms
- Kajal, mascara and eyeliner
- Body Sprays & Mists
- Unisex and long-lasting perfumes
- Handmade or cold-pressed soap bars
- Herbal and Ayurvedic soaps
- Facial roller massagers (jade, rose quartz, or vibrating)
- Facial steamers and Face Towels
3. Apparel & Fashion Accessories
In 2025, the Accessories market in India is expected to earn around ₹9.52 trillion, with a steady growth rate of 6.37% per year until 2030.
The largest segment of this market is Watches & Jewellery, accounting for ₹8.17 trillion in revenue. Additionally, online sales are expected to account for 10% of all accessory sales, indicating strong potential for e-commerce growth.
At the same time, the Apparel market in India is expected to reach ₹9.19 trillion by 2025, growing at a rate of 3.26% per year until 2029. Women’s apparel leads the way, with a market value of ₹4.46 trillion.
This makes it one of the best times to start a dropshipping business in fashion and accessories. With rising online shopping habits and increasing demand for trendy, affordable items, it’s a perfect niche for new e-commerce sellers.
- Men’s Polo T-shirt
- Printed Kurta
- Jersey T-shirts
- Regular fit T-shirts
- Cargo Pants
- Kids clothing
- Crop top
- Track pant
- Tank Tops
- Sports bra
- custom sunglasses dropshipping
- Scrunchies
- Phone case
- Trucker cap
- Smart Watches and Jewellery
Want more niche ideas and trending products?
Check out our 200+ Best Dropshipping Products blog guide to discover top-performing items from AliExpress alternatives.
How to start a dropshipping business with AliExpress Alternative platforms
Since AliExpress is no longer an option for Indian dropshippers, it’s time to build your business using powerful, local alternatives. Among them, Qikink stands out as an excellent platform to start your dropshipping journey in India, especially if you’re interested in custom-designed products.
It’s India’s number one print-on-demand and dropshipping platform, offering a wide variety of trending dropshipping products in various niches. It provides a comprehensive solution that makes dropshipping efficient and straightforward.
Start Your Dropshipping Business Using Qikink
1. Choose Your Niche Products:
Think about what you’re passionate about or what problems you can solve for customers. With Qikink, you can focus on trending on-demand products in various niches, such as:
2. Sign Up for Qikink:
Go to the Qikink website and create your free account. Qikink does not charge any signup fee or minimum deposit. You can sign up and start placing orders by paying for them.
3. Decide What to Sell & Design Your Products:
Qikink specialises in print-on-demand and dropshipping items. This means you can sell products with your unique designs.
Consider popular items such as T-shirts, hoodies, phone cases, mugs, and other merchandise. Use Qikink’s mockup to upload your designs and see how they’ll look on the products.
4. Set Up Your Online Store:
Qikink makes this easy. We integrate seamlessly with top e-commerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce.
Install the Qikink app on your store platform. This connection lets you push products directly from Qikink to your website and automatically sends customer orders back to Qikink.
5. Add Products to Your Store:
From your Qikink dashboard, select the products you want to sell. With your designs applied, push them to your connected Shopify or WooCommerce store.
6. Market Your Store:
Once your products are live, start promoting them using social media, Paid ads, or other marketing strategies to attract customers to your store.
7. Qikink Handles Everything Else
When a customer purchases from your store, the order is automatically sent to Qikink.
Qikink handles custom printing, quality checks, packaging, and fast shipping directly to your customers anywhere in India.
If you’re thinking bigger, Qikink also provides international shipping services. A significant benefit is that if a package is undeliverable (RTO – Return to Origin), Qikink incurs no RTO charges, which saves you money
8. Dedicated support
Qikink offers excellent customer support through WhatsApp messages, Email Tickets, Call Support, and Instagram chat support if you have any questions or issues.
Qikink also offers discounts and cashback programs to help you increase your profits.
By following these steps with Qikink, you can build a branded, efficient, and profitable dropshipping business right here in India without needing to deal with banned platforms.
Conclusion
While AliExpress being unavailable in India may feel like a setback, it’s an excellent chance for Indian sellers to switch to better, local dropshipping options. By utilising platforms designed for the Indian market, you can address earlier challenges and provide your customers with a smoother, faster shopping experience.
One of the best platforms out there is Qikink. It offers:
- Custom printing services
- No minimum order quantity
- Free branding and white-label products
- Fast shipping across India, plus international delivery
- No RTO charges
- Easy integration with Shopify and WooCommerce
- Cashback and discount programs
- Excellent support team
With Qikink, you can create a unique brand, deliver faster, and keep customers happy with must-have features like Cash on Delivery.
The future of dropshipping in India is full of opportunities, and Qikink makes it easier than ever to get started.
👉 Ready to launch your own brand?
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AliExpress allowed in India now?
No, AliExpress is still banned in India. The platform was blocked by the Indian government in 2020 due to national security and data privacy concerns, and it remains inaccessible as of now.
Can I do dropshipping with AliExpress in India?
No, you can’t do dropshipping with AliExpress in India due to the ban. Instead, you can focus on reliable alternatives like Alibaba, Qikink, IndiaMART, and other Indian-based dropshipping platforms.
Can you dropship branded products from AliExpress?
No, you should not dropship branded products from AliExpress.
Many branded items listed there are unauthorised replicas or counterfeit, and selling them can lead to legal issues, store bans, and payment gateway restrictions. It’s always safer to dropship unbranded or white-label products or source from verified suppliers with proper brand authorisation.
Is AliExpress good for dropshipping?
AliExpress is a great choice for dropshipping, especially if you’re just starting and live outside of India. They have a large selection of products at low prices. However, keep in mind that shipping can take a long time, and the quality of products can vary. So, make sure to pick trustworthy suppliers.
