Last Updated on October 24, 2022
There are plenty of online retail platforms available on the market nowadays. Even though there are tons of reviews of Alibaba vs. AliExpress vs. DHgate and other famous sites, picking the right one can still be quite a challenging task.
Generally speaking, the main things that you should pay attention to when selecting a platform are:
- Type of procurement
- Financial capabilities
- Logistics
This article is devoted to the comparison of two famous retail sites. It will describe the main features of DHgate and AliExpress and help you choose the one suitable for your needs.
Definition of AliExpress
AliExpress is a Chinese retail e-commerce giant that is popular all over the world. Customers may purchase diversified products from different suppliers.
This platform is owned by Alibaba Group. Its main office is located in Hangzhou, China.
As mentioned above, AliExpress ships goods to almost any place in the world. Nevertheless, the main countries that order from this platform are:
- Russia
- United States
- Italy
- Spain
- Brazil
Definition of DHgate
Like its rival, DHgate is an online B2B marketplace that also offers multiple goods from various suppliers.
The company was founded by Diane Wang and was launched in 2005. Its main office is located in Beijing.
People from over 222 countries use this online platform on a regular basis. However, the main countries that order from DHgate are:
- Russia
- USA
- Turkey
- Italy
Difference Between DHgate and AliExpress
We’ve checked both Aliexpress and DHgate and collected the most relevant and useful information. The data is placed in the table, and a thorough explanation of all the facts will be presented in this article:
| AliExpress | DHgate | |
| Pricing | Fixed; can be reduced by negotiation | Fixed; discounts are available for bulk orders; possible to bargain |
| MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) | No | No |
| Startup Costs | Low | Low |
| B2B/B2C | B2C | B2B |
| Dropshipping | Yes | Yes |
| Shipping Cost | Free and paid options | Free and paid options |
| Private Labelling | No | No |
| Buyer Protection | Yes | Yes |
| Wholesaling | Yes | Yes |
| Lead Time | Varies | Varies |
Methods Of Evaluation
We’ve based our research on the main methods which are always taken into consideration when picking an online platform you want to work with:
- Pricing – shows if the prices are fixed or stipulated
- MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) – shows if there is a minimum purchase size
- Startup Costs – states the amount of initial investment
- B2B/B2C – shows whether a service is B2B or B2C oriented
- Dropshipping – states if drop shipment is available
- Shipping costs – shows the cost of shipment
- Private Labeling – describes if it is possible to brand items
- Buyer Protection – states the availability of the option and main rules
- Wholesaling – shows if wholesale available and states limitations
- Lead Time – mentions a lead time
- Service – describes the ones who are in charge of orders and logistics
Pricing
One of the main things that customers pay attention to is obviously the affordability of items. Let’s compare AliExpress vs. DHgate and check which service suggests better options.
AliExpress
This platform is famous for its relatively low prices to popular products. For example, look at a famous fitness bracelet that is available for $30 with a coupon for newcomers:
AliExpress has lots of suppliers, and it is possible to find other suggestions for better prices. Moreover, there is a special extension that helps customers:
- Find cheaper options
- Check sellers’ trust levels
- Search for real reviews
It supports various languages and makes shopping online easier.
DHgate
This online marketplace is also widely-known for reasonable prices. If we find the same item, we will see that the price is almost identical:
But, if we compare DHgate vs. AliExpress in terms of prices, it may seem that the second platform wins due to a wider range of suggested options.
Nevertheless, DHgate makes it easier to get a discount if you order more than 10 pieces at once.
MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity)
Another essential point that should be taken into consideration is surely the minimum order quality.
AliExpress
This marketplace doesn’t have any limitations. Users may purchase one item or buy in bulk. It makes it attractive for both customers and enterprises.
DHGate
This service also doesn’t have a minimum order quantity. Nevertheless, it may be better for companies as there is a discount if you purchase in bulk. Moreover, it is quite easy to bargain.
Startup Costs
Do you want to use one of these online shopping platforms for your startup? But which one is better?
AliExpress
This marketplace can be a good choice for a startup project. It is possible to order several items and check their quality before making a huge purchase. Furthermore, it is possible to bargain or find lower prices as there are plenty of suppliers.
DHgate
Even though this online trading platform has fewer suppliers, it is still good for startups as it doesn’t require large investments. More importantly, a discount is automatically counted if you purchase in bulk. Obviously, it is possible to reduce the price by negotiating with suppliers.
B2B/B2C
One of the questions that are usually asked when comparing DHgate vs. AliExpress vs. Alibaba is whether these platforms are customer or business-oriented.
AliExpress
AliExpress is popular among customers all over the world. Lots of people order diverse items for personal use.
This platform states for both. But, it is customer-oriented mainly. And those who prefer to order lots of items usually use Alibaba.
DHGate
It is definitely a B2B e-commerce platform that helps suppliers sell their products to small and medium retailers. Although it is possible to purchase single items, the marketplace is more suitable for vendors and companies.
Dropshipping
Is this option available on these marketplaces?
AliExpress
Yes. AliExpress is suitable for dropshipping. It is a reliable place where various products can be sourced from.
DHgate
This marketplace also has this option. All you need to do is to register and start your dropshipping journey there.
Paid Shipping options
It is undoubtedly one of the most vital points when selecting a marketplace.
AliExpress
The service provides both free and paid shipping options. The prices depend on the location and delivery time. For instance, there are some options for the UK:
DHGate
As well as its competitor, this platform has both free and a paid options. It also depends on delivery time and method of shipping.
Private Labeling
Is there an option of private labeling?
AliExpress
Alibaba group provides this option. Here you can find the ultimate guide on how to use it and what its main advantages and disadvantages are. However, AliExpress doesn’t suggest this option.
DHGate
Private labeling is not available on DHgate. It means that if you are looking for such an option, this marketplace won’t be the one you need.
Buyer Protection
One of the most frequently asked questions is what guarantees buyers have.
AliExpress
This service takes care of its users and provides excellent customer support. There are a clear money-back policy and an option of returning goods for free. A supplier doesn’t get the money until customers receive their orders and confirm that they are satisfied with the products.
DHgate
This marketplace also provides buyers protection; however, it may take some time to get a response from customer support. The service suggests some tips that may help you save money and time.
Wholesaling
Is wholesaling available on these platforms?
AliExpress
Yes. It is possible to buy wholesale on this platform. However, there are some things that should be taken into consideration. It is better to negotiate and discuss all the details with the seller before purchasing in bulk.
DHgate
It is considered to be one of the best platforms for wholesaling. There are tons of products available for comparatively low prices. Plus, the more you buy, the better discount you get.
Lead Time
As mentioned above, delivery time depends on the type of shipment you choose.
How Long Does AliExpress Take To Ship?
Lead time is based on such things as:
l Type of shipment (free or paid)
l Location
The average delivery time for free shipping to the USA, for example, is 2-4 weeks.
How Long Does DHgate Take To Ship?
Like AliExpress, this online store also provides two options of shipment. Delivery time depends on the location and chosen shipment method. The lead time for free delivery to the USA is about 1 month.
Service
Who is responsible for orders and what to do in case you aren’t satisfied with the product?
AliExpress
The service guarantees the quality of goods and ensures that a customer gets products on time. Aforementioned, it is possible to ask for full or partial refund or return poor quality items.
DHgate
Even though the service offers some guarantees, sometimes it is difficult to get replies from customer support. Not all the suppliers are honest, and it is quite easy to come across those who sell fakes or products of low quality.
Conclusion
All in all, it is difficult to answer which platform is better comparing DHgate vs. AliExpress. But there are some points that can help you make the right choice:
– DHgate vs. AliExpress for Drop Ship: Both platforms are suitable for dropshipping. However, it is challenging to state which marketplace is better as both of them have positive reviews.
AliExpress vs. DHgate shipping times: Do you wonder which platform has faster shipping when comparing DHgate vs. AliExpress? If you are looking for fast delivery, AliExpress will surely win.
It may seem that AliExpress has more points. It has a good rating and is quite popular all over the world nowadays. But, if you need a service that will provide good bargains for wholesale, DHgate will be the best option.
FAQ
Is DHgate a reliable company?
All in all, DHgate is a reliable company that is quite popular nowadays. However, customers need to check suppliers before ordering items. Pay attention to ratings and reviews, and don’t hesitate to ask questions.
Unfortunately, it is possible to come across unscrupulous sellers and get products of low quality. Nevertheless, in this case, users may rely on customer support that takes care of customers and solves different issues.
Does DHgate sell fake brands?
Customers may find plenty of replicas and copies on this marketplace. So, if you are searching for original products only, this platform is undoubtedly the wrong choice.
Which one is better AliExpress or DHgate?
AliExpress and DHgate are both online marketplaces where you can buy products from Chinese suppliers. They both have their pros and cons, so it really depends on what you’re looking for.
AliExpress is a little newer than DHgate, and tends to have a smaller selection of products. However, AliExpress is known for having good quality products and low prices. DHgate has a larger selection of products, but the quality of the products can vary significantly from supplier to supplier. Additionally, DHgate sometimes has hidden fees that aren’t always made clear upfront.
So overall, if you’re looking for high-quality products at the best prices, AliExpress is probably your best bet.
Which is more reliable DHgate or AliExpress?
In general, however, DHgate is considered to be more reliable than AliExpress. This is because DHgate is a more established company, and it has a better reputation for customer service.
That said, AliExpress does have some advantages over DHgate. For example, AliExpress offers a wider selection of products, and its prices are usually lower than those on DHgate. So it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each site before making a decision.
Why is AliExpress cheaper than DHgate?
There are a few reasons why AliExpress is cheaper than DHgate. First, AliExpress is a Chinese-based company, and DHgate is based in the United States. The cost of doing business is higher in the United States than it is in China, so this naturally leads to higher prices on DHgate.
Second, AliExpress has a much larger selection of products than DHgate does. This means that buyers on AliExpress have more choices, and they can find lower prices on products that they’re looking for.
Finally, AliExpress offers lower shipping costs than DHgate does. This makes it more affordable for buyers to purchase items from AliExpress, which leads to even lower prices as competition among sellers increases
