Zendrop Vs Aliexpress – Which Is Better For Dropshipping?

Are you planning on trying Zendrop or Aliexpress but, don’t know which one to pick?

In this article, I’ll give you an in-depth comparison of two prominent dropshipping platforms: Zendrop and AliExpress. 

Let’s get into it. 

What is Zendrop?

Zendrop is an automated fulfillment service and dropshipping platform that connects dropshippers, with reliable suppliers.

These suppliers are primarily based in China. Founded in 2019, it offers a user-friendly interface, access to over 1 million products, and emphasizes high product quality and fast shipping times. 

Zendrop handles the fulfillment process, ensuring efficient order completion and providing customer support.

Related: Zendrop Review (Worth or Not?)

What is Aliexpress?

AliExpress is more heard about because of its global presence and it makes sense why most people tend to gravitate towards it. 

It is a global online marketplace that offers a wide range of products at competitive prices, making it a popular choice for dropshippers. 

Based in China, AliExpress connects buyers with sellers and suppliers from around the world. It features millions of products across various categories, affordable inventory and free shipping options.

Key Differences Between Zendrop And Aliexpress

Here are the notable differences between Zendrop and Aliexpress at a glance:

Zendrop And Aliexpress: Deep Dive Comparison

Have a look at how both these platforms compare based on various factors: 

Product Quality and Range of Products:

Zendrop: 

What I appreciated and noticed about Zendrop was how its strict criteria for suppliers ensure better product quality. It offers a diverse catalog of over 1 million products from recognized merchants in China. 

I agree if you think that it is not as extensive as AliExpress, but keep in mind that Zendrop still provides a wide range of options for dropshippers to find winning products.

AliExpress: 

AliExpress has a massive product range covering almost every category imaginable. But with their range, I would often not be satisfied with the quality. 

Surely, the product quality can vary significantly, but there is a risk of receiving subpar or defective items due to the platform’s vast number of suppliers and manufacturers.

Winner: Zendrop (for better product quality and strict supplier criteria), Aliexpress (for its unparalleled product range and diversity). 

Customer Service:

Zendrop: 

I was impressed with Zendrop’s customer service. They offer world-class customer support with 24/7 email and chat assistance. 

The support team is responsive, knowledgeable and can guide you through.

AliExpress: 

AliExpress’ customer service has received mixed reviews, with some customers reporting difficulties in resolving issues and long response times from the support team. 

I did reach out to them once with an order fulfillment issue, to which they had delayed and uncertain responses. I eventually managed to fix it with their customer service help, but I’d appreciate a faster service like Zendrop’s. 

Winner: Zendrop (for its excellent customer service and availability)

Pricing and Cost Comparison:

Zendrop: 

Zendrop offers four membership plans with varying features and costs. 

Related: Zendrop Pricing Plans

AliExpress: 

AliExpress itself is free to use. 

Winner: Aliexpress (It’s much cheaper)

Affordability of Products: 

Zendrop: 

While Zendrop offers curated products and a higher standard of suppliers, this often comes with higher product prices compared to AliExpress. 

AliExpress:

AliExpress is renowned for its rock-bottom prices, often offering products at wholesale rates. 

Winner: AliExpress (for its lower product prices)

Supplier Vetting:

Zendrop: 

Zendrop focuses on curating high-quality products from reputable suppliers. 

They carefully vet suppliers to ensure fast shipping, order completion, and a good reputation.

AliExpress: 

The lack of strict vetting can lead to a mix of high-quality and low-quality suppliers. Dropshippers may need to do more research to find reliable suppliers.

Winner: Zendrop (for its curated product selection and vetted suppliers)

Automated Fulfillment:

Zendrop: 

Zendrop’s core USP is its automated fulfillment system, which takes care of order processing, shipping, and communication with suppliers. 

This feature significantly reduces the dropshipper’s workload and allows them to focus on business growth.

AliExpress: 

While AliExpress doesn’t have an integrated automated fulfillment system. 

Dropshippers may need to use third-party tools.

Winner: Zendrop (for its built-in and efficient automated fulfillment system)

Returns and Refund Policies:

Zendrop: 

Zendrop’s return policies are designed to effectively solve refund disputes, and the platform takes responsibility for refunds when needed. Dropshippers have clear terms and conditions to handle return requests.

AliExpress: 

AliExpress has a buyer protection guarantee, but some customers have reported difficulties in returning items and receiving refunds. The return process may be more complex compared to Zendrop.

Winner: Zendrop (for its more straightforward and effective return policies)

Support for Custom Branding:

Zendrop: 

Zendrop offers custom branding options. 

This allows dropshippers to build their brand identity through packaging and thank-you cards. It also provides private labeling services for those who want to create their own brand.

AliExpress: 

AliExpress doesn’t offer direct support for custom branding or private labeling, as it mainly serves as a marketplace for various dropshipping suppliers. 

Winner: Zendrop (for its focus on custom branding and private labeling)

Profit Margins:

Zendrop: 

While Zendrop’s higher product quality and faster shipping times can justify the higher product prices, it may impact dropshippers’ profit margins. 

With higher costs, dropshippers may need to set higher prices to maintain profitability.

AliExpress: 

Due to its lower product prices, dropshippers on AliExpress have the advantage of more generous profit margins. 

Winner: AliExpress (for its ability to offer higher profit margins)

Shipping Options and Delivery Times:

Zendrop: 

Zendrop offers relatively fast shipping times from its warehouses in the US and China, ensuring quicker delivery to customers in these regions. 

However, its shipping options are currently limited to these locations. I noticed a time period of 1 to 3 days with each delivery. 

AliExpress:

While AliExpress offers free shipping for most products, it may come with longer delivery times, especially for standard or free shipping options from China. 

However, AliExpress also provides expedited shipping options through FedEx or DHL for faster delivery.

Winner: Zendrop (For way faster shipping)

Pros of Zendrop:

• High-quality products: Zendrop ensures strict supplier criteria, resulting in reliable and trustworthy suppliers and products.
• Fast shipping: The platform prioritizes fast shipping, providing quicker delivery times to customers from China and the US.
• Automated fulfillment: Zendrop’s auto-fulfillment tool streamlines order management, saving time and effort for dropshippers.
• Custom branding: It offers custom branding options, allowing dropshippers to create a unique brand identity and enhance customer loyalty.

Cons of Zendrop:

• Limited product range: Compared to other platforms like AliExpress, Zendrop has a smaller catalog of products available for dropshipping.
• Higher pricing: Some dropshippers may find the product prices on Zendrop to be relatively higher compared to other alternatives.
• Limited global reach: Zendrop’s warehouses are primarily in the US and China, which can lead to longer shipping times for international customers.

Pros Of Aliexpress

• Low-cost products: AliExpress offers very low prices, making it an attractive choice for dropshippers looking for affordable inventory.
• Extensive product catalog: With millions of products available across various categories, AliExpress provides a wide range of options for dropshippers.
• Free shipping: Many products on AliExpress come with free shipping, allowing dropshippers to offer competitive prices to customers.
• No minimum orders: AliExpress doesn’t require minimum order quantities, making it easy for dropshippers to test products without committing to large quantities.

Cons of AliExpress:

• Longer shipping times: As most suppliers are based in China, standard shipping can take weeks or even months, which may lead to customer dissatisfaction.
• Quality issues: Some products may have lower quality or defects, and knockoff items can cause problems with customers and brand infringement.
• Complex return process: Returns can be challenging, and dropshippers may end up bearing the cost of defective products, impacting profit margins.

Zendrop or Aliexpress: Which is Better For Dropshipping?

Zendrop because it has high-quality products, fast shipping, and excellent customer service. It has all that and offered something Aliexpress doesn’t: custom branding options.

If you can’t for some reason afford Zendrop, you can still use Aliexpress but, know a lot more people have access to Aliexpress so, you are now competiting with many other dropshippers.

What Users Think About Zendrop And Aliexpress For Dropshipping

Users of the platforms give their two cents in various chat forums and groups. From what I have come across, there are loyal users to both platforms. 

Few people, ones who started drop shipping before the world quite knew about it, have used Aliexpress all these years. Zendrop has fewer complaints about shipping time and product quality of course. 

Users often appreciate Zendrop’s consistency but wish it had Aliexpresses’ range of products available. I’ve also come across discussions on how many chose Aliexpress and continued with it for better price points.

How to Use Aliexpress to Dropship

Here are the steps to get started with dropshipping through AliExpress:

1. Start by signing up for an AliExpress account.
2. Use AliExpress’s vast product catalog to research and select products you want to sell.
3. Choose suppliers with good ratings, reviews, and a history of prompt shipping.
4. Create an eCommerce website or use a platform like Shopify to set up your store.
5. Install dropshipping apps like Oberlo or AliDropship to streamline the process.
6. Use the apps to import the products you’ve chosen into your store.
7. When order placements happen, order the products from your AliExpress suppliers. They will ship products directly to your customers. 

How to Use Zendrop to Dropship

As for Zendrop, you can do the following: 

1. Sign up for a Zendrop account.
2. Browse Zendrop’s product catalog and select items you wish to sell.
3. Integrate Zendrop with your eCommerce platform (e.g., Shopify).
4. Use the Zendrop integration to import the selected products into your store.
5. Order through Zendrop fulfillment when it’s time. They handle product sourcing, packing, and shipping directly to your customers.

Final Thoughts

Zendrop’s focus on delivering quality over quantity and its fast shipping make it superior choice. When choosing between Zendrop and AliExpress for your dropshipping business, it’s essential to evaluate your own priorities.

I hope this review helps you choose the right platform for you.

Happy Dropshipping!

Related: CJ Dropshipping Vs Spocket Vs Zendrop