AliExpress Opens to U.S. Sellers Through AliExpressDirect

AliExpress launched its marketplace platform for US sellers just before the 2024 holiday season. This new initiative, AliExpressDirect, provides U.S. retailers with an exciting opportunity to reach an international customer base with 0% commission and zero onboarding costs during the introductory period.

"We're excited to support local businesses and are focused on reducing friction and risk in the onboarding process," said Jackie Lee, Head of Partnership and Business Development at AliExpress. "By leveraging our technology and resources, both growing and established businesses can easily explore a new channel that can help them increase visibility and boost sales."

Local retailers can shop on AliExpress via a simple and flexible process. The platform's functionalities are designed to enhance shop management, featuring tools for optimizing product listings, pricing, and promotions. Sellers can utilize a one-click store design template for quick and easy setup, as well as transparent tracking and multi-product listing capabilities, enabling them to upload thousands of stock keeping units (SKUs) simultaneously.

Win-Win for Consumers and US-based Retailers

For U.S. consumers, the ability to shop from local sellers affords an even greater diversity of products on AliExpress, including an increasing number of well-known brands and the latest trending products. Customers will also benefit from shorter delivery times, worry-free returns, and fast customer support.

"AliExpress provides a strong, scalable platform that allows us to connect with a large audience in the U.S. while maintaining control over our fulfillment and shipping processes. The platform's structure supports fast order processing, which complements our focus on delivering beauty products quickly to customers," said Piyush Golia, CEO, The PCA Companies. "AliExpress has helped us tap into a different segment of U.S. consumers who may not shop on other platforms, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. We anticipate continued growth as more consumers discover our offerings through AliExpress."

A new U.S. Consumer Insights Report by AliExpress and Censuswide found that U.S. shoppers prioritize value when shopping locally. More than half of respondents (65%) wanted to keep costs low. Other key factors when deciding to shop local included customer service benefits and the overall support of local businesses.

JemJem, one of the largest resellers of refurbished products in the USA, is excited to tap into AliExpress' large customer base. "We look forward to bringing our wide range of refurbished electronics to AliExpress and reaching the platform's unique customer base," said Jay Kim, CEO and President at JemJem. "We believe this winning combination will allow us to scale up our business significantly."

How to Sign Up as a Seller on AliExpress

Step 1: Account Setup and Store Registration

1. Visit the AliExpress registration page and click "AliExpress Global Seller Center."
2. Select your country, provide your company contact information, and create a password to get started.
3. Complete email verification and proceed to input detailed business information.
4. Upon verification, your seller registration becomes active within 2-3 business days.

Step 2: Category Enrollment

1. Choose relevant product categories for your store.
2. Download and install the product list relevant to your business.
3. Apply for business brand registration and trademark services if needed.

Step 3: Annual Repayment Fee

1. Pay an annual service fee which varies according to the product category.
2. The fee covers technical services provided by AliExpress.

Step 4: Shop Administration Page

1. Set up your store, choose a unique subdomain, and brand your store effectively.

Step 5: Publish Your Products

1. Upload product images and descriptions to make them appealing to potential buyers.
2. Ensure high-quality content to attract and convert customers.

Commission Structure

AliExpress generally charges a commission between 5% and 8%, depending on the product category. For U.S. sellers during the introductory period, there's a 0% commission rate, which provides a significant advantage. Additionally, there are no hidden charges, and the annual fee may be discounted based on sales volume achieved.

Benefits for U.S. Sellers

1. Access to a Global Market: With visitors from over 200 countries, AliExpress offers U.S. sellers an expansive customer base.
2. Cost-Efficient Selling: U.S. sellers can maximize their profits with the introductory 0% commission and no onboarding fees.
3. Support for Growth: Sellers can utilize AliExpress’s automated dropshipping solutions and API integrations, easing order management and inventory control.
4. Effective Marketing Tools: AliExpress provides robust marketing tools, including affiliate programs where sellers can earn commissions by promoting products.

Conclusion

Joining AliExpress as a U.S. seller is a strategic move to boost international presence and leverage the marketplace's extensive resources for significant business growth. Additionally, launching in 2025, application programming interface (API) integration will allow for seamless synchronization of product listings, inventory, orders, and returns with sellers' existing systems, enabling them to create a truly omnichannel business.