How Can I Decrease Shipping Times When Dropshipping From Aliexpress?

Introduction.

If you’ve been dropshipping from AliExpress, you’ve probably noticed that shipping times can be frustratingly long.

The thought of your customers waiting weeks, sometimes over a month, for their orders isn’t exactly the best way to build a loyal customer base.

So, what can I do to speed things up? In this post, I’m diving into practical tips that can help me cut down shipping times while still keeping AliExpress as my supplier.

How Can I Decrease Shipping Times When Dropshipping From AliExpress?

There are several strategies I can use to decrease shipping times when dropshipping from AliExpress. Some of these methods involve selecting the right suppliers, while others revolve around optimizing logistics.

I’ll look at everything from supplier research to choosing the right shipping methods and even exploring alternative fulfillment options.

Let’s start by breaking down the specific approaches.

1. Choose Suppliers with Warehouses Closer to Your Customers.

Some AliExpress suppliers have warehouses located in countries outside of China, such as the U.S., Europe, and even Australia.

By choosing these suppliers, I can significantly reduce delivery times for customers in those regions. AliExpress usually indicates where the warehouse is located in the product listing.

Pros:

• Shipping can be as fast as 3–7 days for local deliveries.
• It’s easier to track items when they’re coming from a closer location.

Cons:

• Limited product selection compared to Chinese warehouses.
• Prices might be slightly higher, cutting into my profit margins.

2. Look for Suppliers Offering ePacket or AliExpress Standard Shipping.

ePacket is one of the faster and more reliable shipping options from China to various countries, offering delivery times ranging from 7 to 20 days.

Similarly, AliExpress Standard Shipping is a cost-effective alternative that often provides tracking information.

Pros:

• Relatively fast for international shipping (usually around 12–20 days).
• Customers can track their orders, improving their sense of security.

Cons:

• Still not as fast as local fulfilment options.
• ePacket isn’t available to all countries, and delivery times may fluctuate.

3. Work with a Dropshipping Agent.

A dropshipping agent acts as a middleman between me and AliExpress suppliers. They can help consolidate orders, ensure quality control, and use faster shipping methods than what is typically offered through AliExpress.

Pros:

• Agents often have connections with faster logistics providers.
• They can help with inventory management and quality control.

Cons:

• I may need to reach certain sales volumes before agents will work with me.
• Added costs for their services might cut into my profits.

4. Choose Suppliers Based on Processing Times.

Processing time is how long it takes the supplier to actually ship the product after I place the order. Some AliExpress suppliers are notorious for taking up to a week just to process an order, which adds unnecessary delays.

When selecting a supplier, I can check their processing time (usually displayed on the product page) and opt for those who ship within 24–48 hours.

Pros:

• Faster shipping without needing to change shipping methods.
• Keeps my customers happier, as they’ll receive products sooner.

Cons:

• It may limit my options to fewer products or suppliers.
• Suppliers with fast processing times might charge higher prices.

5. Use Private Label or Branded Dropshipping.

If I’m dealing with popular products that I consistently sell, I can look into private labelling or branded dropshipping.

This allows me to have the products packaged with my brand, and some suppliers offer premium shipping services for branded goods.

Pros:

• Potentially faster shipping since suppliers prioritize branded orders.
• Builds customer trust with more professional packaging.

Cons:

• Requires bulk purchasing, which adds financial risk.
• The setup process can take time and negotiations.

6. Consider Local Warehouses or Fulfillment Centers.

While AliExpress suppliers primarily ship from China, I can also explore working with third-party fulfilment centres in my target country.

These fulfilment centres can store my products, allowing me to fulfil orders domestically, and cutting shipping time dramatically.

Pros:

• Orders are delivered within a few days, which is similar to Amazon’s Prime shipping speed.
• Better customer satisfaction due to quicker delivery.

Cons:

• I’ll need to manage inventory, which involves upfront costs and risks of unsold products.
• It complicates my business model, requiring additional logistics coordination.

Conclusion.

Improving shipping times for AliExpress dropshipping can make a massive difference in customer satisfaction and repeat business.

Whether it’s working with suppliers who ship from local warehouses, using faster shipping methods like ePacket, or even considering dropshipping agents, I have plenty of options.

Each approach comes with its trade-offs, so it’s essential to balance speed, cost, and product availability to optimize my business.

Now that I’ve explored these strategies, which one do you think would work best for your business model, and are you ready to start making some changes?