How to buy on AliExpress safely: a short checklist

Why check

On an affiliate site we link to the product page, but the purchase and the shipping are done with the seller. A few simple checks reduce surprises.

What to check on the product page

• **The seller:** how long they have been active and what their rating is.
• **Reviews:** give weight to reviews with photos from customers.
• **Shipping:** the estimated shipping time to Israel and its cost, if any.
• **Final price:** including shipping and taxes, if any. The final price is the one shown at checkout.
• **Dimensions and material:** read the specifications and not only the picture.

After you order

Save the order number and follow the shipment in your account. If there is a problem, contact the seller or open a dispute through AliExpress, according to their terms.

About our site

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How to read reviews properly

Reviews with photos from buyers are more useful than one-line reviews. Look for reviews about size, color and the quality of the material, because those are the points where the product that arrives usually differs from the picture. A review without details, or one written entirely in general praise, carries little weight.

Final price and taxes

The price shown on the product page is not always the final price. Before paying, check what is included: shipping, VAT if any, and whether the amount passes the duty-free threshold for personal imports. For an estimate: the [customs and VAT calculator](/tax-calculator) and the [customs guide](/blog/import-tax).

Buyer protection and disputes

Platforms such as AliExpress have a buyer protection mechanism: if the product didn't arrive or is materially different from the description, you can open a dispute within the protection period shown in your account. Save screenshots of the page and your correspondence with the seller, because they serve as evidence.

A few last tips

• Order a small quantity first to check quality before a large order.
• Don't share payment details outside the platform's checkout.
• Avoid a seller who asks to close a deal outside the site.

Signs of suspicion

A very low price compared with similar products, pictures that look like professional catalog photos only, or a new seller with no reviews are signs to stop at. Don't click links that arrive in private messages promising a discount outside the platform. If something looks too good, check it once more before paying.

Protecting your buyer account

Use a unique password for the account, and keep your device up to date. Don't save credit card details in a shared browser.