Deciding on platforms and partners for your dropshipping store could be one of the most brain-draining tasks in growing your business. Therefore, in this blog post, we have compiled the ultimate comparison among some popular platforms used by Ecommerce store owners (AliExpress, Oberlo, CJDropshipping, and Xianchao Logistics - representing private dropshipping agents) to help you make an informed decision.
1. Overview
AliExpress
AliExpress is an online retail service commonly used by dropshippers to source suppliers, products, and do research for their business (e.g. finding winning products). This platform was originally set to facilitate business-to-business transactions but has now expanded into business-to-consumer and consumer-to-consumer.
Oberlo
Oberlo is an app developed by Shopify that allows store owners to source their products from AliExpress and integrate them into their eCommerce stores. It aims to create a seamless experience for dropshippers when managing their stores and connecting them to AliExpress.
CJDropshipping
CJDropshipping is a dropshipping company who develops their own system, assisting dropshippers to handle most back-end matters such as product sourcing and print-on-demand (POD).
Xianchao Logistics (Xianchao)
Xianchao is a private dropshipping agent who focuses on helping dropshippers to solve their pain points such as communication and negotiation with factories, logistics and shipping arrangements, and customisation options.
2. Compatibility with eCommerce platforms
AliExpress
AliExpress is not meant to be connected with ecommerce stores (although there are exceptions with paid plug-ins or applications), so it cannot be connected with other platforms. It is simply a place where dropshippers purchase products and have them shipped to the end consumers. However, this process is manual, which means store owners have to place individual orders to multiple customers. As a result, many dropshippers, especially those with a decent or large number of daily orders are discouraged from using AliExpress.
Oberlo
Although Oberlo makes dropshipping with AliExpress easier and more efficient, it only works with stores powered by Shopify. This means if you dropship on multiple or other platforms, you will not be able utilise their services.
CJDropshipping
CJDropshipping’s system works with Shopify, eBay, WooCommerce, ShipStation, API, Lazada, and Shopee.
Xianchao Logistics
Xianchao uses a third party services called Dianxiaomi (店小秘) to connect with dropshippers’ stores. The systems are compatible with 34 platforms, including the ones listed above, Amazon, and Magento, offering much flexibility and convenience for dropshippers, especially for those who operate on several entities.
3. User interface
AliExpress
AliExpress is easy to use since it is just like any other online marketplace, and almost everyone knows how to do it well.
Oberlo
As mentioned earlier, the purpose of Oberlo is to make dropshipping with AliExpress as simple and straightforward as possible, Shopify store owners should not have any problems familiarising themselves with the user interface and mastering it.
CJDropshipping
Generally speaking, CJDropshipping’s system is not user-friendly, and using it requires a deep learning curve. For the majority of users, they complained about having a hard time navigating through the system, and it takes a while for them to get used to the site before the process actually becomes efficient.
Xianchao Logistics
The software and tools that Xianchao uses are widely used, and people usually do not have any issues with them. In particular, we communicate with our clients mainly via WhatsApp, which allows us to address your concerns quickly and effectively. Regarding inventory management - an important aspect of running a dropshipping business, we encourage our clients to use Excel or Google sheets to keep track of their goods inflows and outflows, and we actively help them to monitor the lists.
4. Product sourcing: While you have to source your own products and ensure that they are up to your standards when using AliExpress, Oberlo, CJDropshipping, Xianchao Logistics will handle most steps for you, making sure that the products fulfill your requirements in terms of appearance, features, quality, materials, and functions. Furthermore, AliExpress and Oberlo have a finite product catalogue that is limited to what is listed on AliExpress, and Oberlo puts a restriction of 30,000 products for its ‘Boss’ users. On the contrary, you can request CJDropshipping and Xianchao Logistics to source a potential winning product from other sources, such as through direct communication with factories. As long as you provide a clear description, and preferably the images of the desired item, they will help you find it.
5. Pricing
AliExpress
Like the vast majority of online marketplace, AliExpress charges no membership fees. It is straightforward: you pay for the products that you purchase plus shipping fees, which varies depending on suppliers and shipping methods.
Oberlo
There are two subscription plans (as shown below). In order to enjoy premium features, you need to pay an upfront cost. Besides that, the price for goods and shipping is the same as AliExpress.
CJDropshipping
They have different ‘plans’ but do not charge a fixed monthly/yearly fee. Instead, it is a membership programme where you would enjoy more benefits if you place more orders with CJDropshipping and use more of their services (e.g. POD, video/photo shooting). With regards to the costs of goods sold (COGS), it is, on average, cheaper thanks to their sourcing team and their long-term relationships with factories and warehouses.
Xianchao Logistics
Although Xianchao does not charge any subscription fees, they prefer to work with dropshippers with a minimum of 5 daily orders. As long as you fulfill this requirement, you can use any of our services such as warehousing, customisation, and agency. At Xianchao, they value and practice transparency through their pricing model which has no hidden fees (simply COGS + shipping costs). Let’s take it one step further with customisation. If a mould is required, there will be an upfront mould creation cost, and you will be charged an agreed amount X per piece subsequently.
6. Support & Help
AliExpress
They do not offer much support since AliExpress itself does not get involved in the transactions. They are simply a platform facilitating the exchanges of goods and services.
Oberlo
With Oberlo, you would have premium access to books, guides, and courses created by industry leaders and experts.
CJDropshipping
CJDropshipping has their own customer support team to help clients solve their issues. However, due to their large customer base, they might not be as responsive as many expect. Moreover, high tier members would enjoy additional benefits of working with their own dedicated agent(s), who help clients to tackle the challenges more quickly and effectively.
Xianchao Logistics
With Xianchao, the response time would be much faster since all of our dropshipping partners are assigned to their own dedicated account managers who provide them with personalized advice. These personnel work exclusively with them, so they know what works best for the clients’ business.
For easier reference, we have summarised the analysis above into the table below. Hopefully it would be helpful in your decision making process.
With over 30 years of logistics experience, Xianchao Logistics began to branch out to serve the dropshipping industry in 2015. With our experience in logistics fulfilment and close relationships with suppliers, our company has risen to help different dropshippers grow their businesses over these years. We believe that our company’s success and growth will only come with helping our clients grow. Do you have a dropshipping business to grow? Discuss with us and let’s get started ASAP!
#dropshipping #dropshippingbusiness #shopifydropshipping #amazondropshipping #dropshippingtips #dropshippingsupplier #aliexpressdropshipping #dropshipper #dropshipagent #opendropshipper #dropshipperwelcome #agentdropshipwanted #dropshiper #dropshipwelcome #dropshipviral #opendropship #ecommerce #shopify #ecommercetips #shopifyexperts #shopifyseller #aliexpressbrasil #aliexpressalternative #dropshippingbrasil #dropshippingafrica #xianchaologistics #brandeddropshipping #customizationdropshipping #dropshippingusa #dropshippinguk #dropshippingeurope
