Opening an AliExpress store has become a popular way to tap into global e-commerce, but many new sellers struggle to understand the platform’s fee structure. From registration costs to transaction commissions, this guide breaks down AliExpress store fees and answers the critical question: “What are the mandatory and optional expenses for sellers?”
1. AliExpress Store Registration Costs
Your first expense is the AliExpress store registration fee. The platform offers two store types:
- Basic Store: Free to open, ideal for small sellers testing the market.
- Flagship Store: Costs $299 annually, offering advanced branding tools and priority visibility.
All sellers must pay a one-time $20 deposit, held as collateral for policy compliance. This deposit is refundable if you close your store without violations.
2. Product Listing Fees on AliExpress
Listing products incurs AliExpress product publishing fees. Costs depend on:
- Category: Electronics and luxury items often have higher fees than apparel.
- Listing Duration: 30-day listings are cheaper than 90-day options.
For example, a basic 30-day listing might cost $0.50 per item, while extended durations or premium categories could reach $3 per listing. Budget for at least $50–$100 monthly if listing 100+ products.
3. Transaction Fees and Sales Commissions
AliExpress charges a 5–8% transaction fee on every sale. This commission covers:
- Payment processing
- Platform maintenance
- Buyer protection programs
Example: Selling a $100 item means paying $5–$8 in fees. High-volume sellers can negotiate lower rates by contacting AliExpress support.
4. Advertising and Promotion Costs
Boosting visibility requires a promotional budget. Key options include:
- Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Ads: Average $0.10–$2 per click, depending on keyword competition.
- Featured Listings: $50–$200 per campaign to highlight products in search results.
Seasonal events like Black Friday may require additional fees to participate in platform-wide sales.
5. Logistics and Fulfillment Expenses
Shipping costs vary by destination and weight. For example:
- Shipping a 1kg package to the U.S. costs $8–$12.
- Tracking services add $2–$5 per order.
Many sellers use AliExpress’ partnered logistics providers for discounted rates. Packaging materials (boxes, tape) add $0.50–$1 per order.
6. Additional Costs for Store Management
Optional tools to streamline operations include:
- Store Design Templates: $20–$100/month for premium themes.
- Analytics Tools: $30/month for advanced sales reports.
- Customer Service Software: $50/month for chatbots and ticketing systems.
Conclusion: Budgeting for Your AliExpress Store
Opening an AliExpress store involves one-time fees (deposit, registration) and ongoing costs (listings, transactions, ads). A Flagship Store with 500 listings and moderate advertising could cost $1,500+ annually. However, strategic budgeting and using free tools can minimize expenses for new sellers. By understanding these fees upfront, you’ll avoid surprises and focus on growing your global customer base.
