Buying from Chinese online stores to resell products is an increasingly common strategy among entrepreneurs around the world. Platforms such as AliExpress, Alibaba, Shein, and Temu offer products at very low prices, allowing for attractive profit margins. But is it really worth it? What should you consider before jumping into reselling products imported from China?
In this article, we explain the benefits and risks and give you practical advice to help you make the right decisions.
Why do many entrepreneurs buy products from Chinese stores?
The reasons are simple:
- Very low prices compared to local suppliers.
- Wide variety of products, from technology to accessories and clothing.
- Some offer dropshipping, so you don’t have to manage inventory.
However, cheap can be expensive if you don’t do your research or work with reliable suppliers.
Is it a good idea to buy from stores like AliExpress or Alibaba?
It depends on your business model and how much you’re willing to invest. Here are the key points to consider:
1. Delivery times
Shipments from China can take anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months. This is a problem if your online store promises fast delivery or if customers expect immediacy.
Practical tip:
Buy stock in advance for products you already know sell well, so you can deliver them faster.
2. Product quality
Not all Chinese products are bad, but there is a lot of variability. It is best to order a sample before making large purchases.
Practical tip:
Check the ratings for each product and comments with photos from other buyers. Also, see if the supplier has a good reputation.
3. Customs and taxes
Some countries charge taxes or hold products at customs. This can directly impact your profit and delivery times.
Practical tip:
Find out about your country’s import limits. In some cases, it is better to make small, frequent purchases to avoid delays.
4. Real profit
If the product costs $1 and you can sell it for $10, it seems like a good deal. But keep in mind costs such as shipping, customs, commissions, and marketing.
Practical tip:
Calculate the actual margin with a simple spreadsheet that includes all expenses before deciding whether the product is profitable or not.
What products are worth reselling from China?
Some items work better than others. These are products that tend to sell well:
- Cell phone cases and accessories
- Toys and trendy items
- Clothing or fashion accessories
- Kitchen products or gadgets
- Decor and home goods
- Beauty and personal care items
Avoid complex electronic products or counterfeit brands. They are difficult to guarantee and can lead to complaints or legal problems.
Alternative: is it a good idea to dropship Chinese products?
Yes, but with caution. Platforms such as AliExpress or CJdropshipping allow you to sell products without having stock. The supplier ships the product directly to your customer.
Advantages:
- You don’t need to invest in stock
- You can try out many products quickly
Disadvantages:
- Shipments take a long time
- You have no control over packaging or quality
- If the customer complains, the responsibility falls on you
Practical tip:
Use this model only for non-urgent products or if you are just starting out and want to test the market without risk.
How to start with little money
A common strategy is to order a small quantity of inexpensive products, see what sells best in your store, and then invest more.
Recommended step-by-step guide:
- Choose a niche market (e.g., pet accessories or kitchen products).
- Search AliExpress or Alibaba for reliable suppliers.
- Buy 5 or 10 units to test quality and interest.
- Create your online store with a good presentation.
- Start selling, measuring which products have the highest turnover.
Use Neolo Shop to sell your products without commissions
Once you have products to resell, you need an online store. At Neolo Shop, you can easily create one with no sales commissions.
Why choose Neolo Shop?
- We don’t charge commission on your sales.
- We give you 30 days free to try it out.
- You can use your own domain (ideal for building trust).
- Immediate customer service via WhatsApp, with real people.
- Everything is easy to use, even if you don’t know how to program.
Having your own store gives you independence from marketplaces, where they do charge commissions and competition is tougher.
Conclusion: is it a good idea to buy products in China for resale?
Yes, it can be a good idea, but only if you do your math right, choose good products, take care of the customer experience, and have an online store that conveys trust.
Importing from China is not a get-rich-quick scheme. It requires analysis, strategy, and good customer service. If you are consistent, it can become an excellent business model.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What do I need to import products from China?
An account on platforms such as AliExpress or Alibaba, a credit card, and knowledge of your country’s import limits.
Which online store should I use to resell products?
We recommend Neolo Shop: no commissions, 30 days free, and immediate support.
What happens if the product never arrives?
Most Chinese platforms have buyer protection. Even so, there are risks if you don’t choose your supplier carefully.
Can I use dropshipping from China with Neolo?
Yes. You can connect your store to dropshipping platforms or manage orders manually.
What products should not be imported from China?
High-value electronics, brand imitations, perishable or very heavy products (due to high shipping costs).