Navigating the vast marketplace of AliExpress can be daunting, especially when it comes to distinguishing between genuine suppliers and middlemen. While middlemen can be convenient, sourcing directly from manufacturers or their authorized distributors often leads to better pricing, more reliable stock, and higher quality control. This section will equip you with the knowledge to identify and vet suppliers, ensuring you build a resilient and profitable supply chain.

Key Supplier Verification Criteria

Before engaging with any supplier, it is crucial to conduct thorough due diligence. By evaluating suppliers against a set of key criteria, you can significantly reduce the risk of encountering scams, low-quality products, or unreliable partners. Here are the most important factors to consider:

Criterion	Recommended Benchmark
Feedback Score	A score of 2,000 or higher indicates a substantial sales history and a large number of transactions.
Positive Feedback Rate	Aim for a rate of 95% or higher. This reflects a high level of customer satisfaction.
Years in Business	A longer operational history suggests stability and experience in the market.
Response Time	Prompt and professional communication is a strong indicator of a reliable and customer-oriented supplier.
Product Range	Manufacturers typically specialize in a specific niche or a narrow range of products. A seller with an overly diverse and unrelated product catalog is likely a reseller.

Strategies for Finding and Verifying Manufacturers

Identifying direct manufacturers requires a more proactive approach than simply browsing product listings. The following strategies can help you uncover the original sources of the products you wish to sell.

Go Direct to the Source

If you are interested in a branded product, one of the most effective methods is to contact the brand manufacturer directly. Even if they do not sell directly on AliExpress, they can often provide a list of their certified distributors. This not only ensures that you are sourcing authentic products but also helps you secure the most competitive pricing by cutting out unnecessary intermediaries.

Cross-Reference with Alibaba

Alibaba, the parent company of AliExpress, is a B2B platform that primarily connects manufacturers with bulk buyers. By searching for the same product on Alibaba, you can often find the original manufacturer. Browser extensions with image search capabilities can be particularly useful for this purpose. Once you have identified a potential manufacturer on Alibaba, you can contact them directly to inquire about their wholesale or dropshipping options.

Analyze the Seller’s Profile

An AliExpress seller’s profile can reveal a wealth of information about their business. Pay close attention to the company information provided on the product page. Look for terms like “Manufacturer” or “Factory” in their business name or description. Additionally, a professional and well-designed storefront is often a sign of a legitimate and established business.

Request Additional Information

Do not hesitate to request additional information from potential suppliers. For example, you can ask for recent tracking numbers to verify their shipping history and warehouse location. A supplier located near the product’s factory is more likely to have faster restocking times. You can also request photos or videos of their factory or production process to further validate their claims.

Always Order Samples

Before committing to a large order or a long-term partnership, it is essential to order samples to test the product quality, packaging, and shipping times. This is the most reliable way to ensure that the products meet your standards and that the supplier is capable of fulfilling your orders in a timely and professional manner.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

As you evaluate potential suppliers, be on the lookout for the following red flags, which may indicate that you are dealing with a middleman or an unreliable seller:

By remaining vigilant and employing the strategies outlined in this guide, you can confidently navigate the complexities of AliExpress and build strong, lasting relationships with reliable suppliers.