E-commerce has revolutionized the way people shop and do business, providing vast opportunities for entrepreneurs to make money online. Websites like AliExpress, Alibaba, and Taobao have become global marketplaces that allow individuals and businesses to source, sell, and profit from various products. But how exactly can you make money using these platforms?
In this blog post, we will explore seven of the best ways to make money from AliExpress, Alibaba, or Taobao. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or looking for a side hustle, these methods can help you generate a steady income.
1. Dropshipping Business
One of the most popular ways to make money using AliExpress, Alibaba, or Taobao is through dropshipping. Dropshipping is a business model where you sell products online without holding inventory. Instead, you purchase the product from a third-party supplier, who then ships it directly to the customer.
How to Get Started:
- Choose a niche (e.g., pet accessories, electronics, fashion, etc.).
- Create an e-commerce store using Shopify, WooCommerce, or another platform.
- Import products from AliExpress (or Taobao, if targeting Chinese customers).
- Market your store via social media ads, SEO, and influencer marketing.
- When a customer places an order, you purchase the item from AliExpress and enter their shipping details.
Why Dropshipping is Profitable:
- No need to invest in inventory.
- Low startup costs.
- Ability to scale quickly with marketing strategies.
Potential Earnings:
Successful dropshipping businesses can generate anywhere from $1,000 to $100,000+ per month, depending on marketing, niche selection, and execution.
2. Importing and Selling Locally
If you prefer to hold inventory and sell products in your local market, you can import items from Alibaba, Taobao, or AliExpress and sell them at a profit.
How to Get Started:
- Research trending and high-demand products in your country.
- Order products in bulk from Alibaba (for wholesale purchases) or Taobao (for unique Chinese products).
- Sell them through local e-commerce platforms, marketplaces, or physical stores.
- Use Facebook Marketplace, Instagram Shops, Lazada, Shopee, or Amazon to list your products.
Why Importing and Reselling is Profitable:
- Higher profit margins when buying in bulk.
- Control over inventory and product quality.
- Ability to build a strong local brand.
Potential Earnings:
Depending on the product and demand, profits can range from 20% to 300% per item.
3. Print-on-Demand Business
Print-on-demand (POD) is a business model where you design custom products like t-shirts, mugs, phone cases, and hoodies, then have them printed and shipped when a customer places an order.
How to Get Started:
- Design unique and trendy prints.
- Partner with print-on-demand suppliers that source blanks from Alibaba or Taobao.
- Sell through a custom website or platforms like Etsy, Redbubble, or Amazon.
- Promote your designs using Facebook and Instagram ads.
Why Print-on-Demand is Profitable:
- No inventory is needed—products are created only after an order is placed.
- Easy to test new designs without financial risk.
- Can charge a premium for unique designs.
Potential Earnings:
Some POD businesses make $5,000 – $50,000 per month, depending on niche selection and marketing strategies.
4. Affiliate Marketing with AliExpress
Affiliate marketing allows you to earn commissions by promoting products from AliExpress, Alibaba, or Taobao.
How to Get Started:
- Sign up for the AliExpress Affiliate Program.
- Create a blog, YouTube channel, or social media page focused on a niche.
- Write product reviews, create video demonstrations, or run comparison articles.
- Share your affiliate links and earn commissions on each sale.
Why Affiliate Marketing is Profitable:
- No inventory or customer service required.
- Can be passive income once content is ranked or viral.
- Unlimited earning potential—more traffic equals more commissions.
Potential Earnings:
AliExpress affiliate commissions range from 3% to 9% per sale, but high-volume traffic can generate thousands of dollars per month.
5. Private Labeling & Branding
Private labeling involves purchasing generic products from Alibaba or Taobao, adding your own brand logo, and reselling them as premium products.
How to Get Started:
- Research products that can be branded (e.g., skincare, fitness gear, accessories).
- Find OEM manufacturers on Alibaba.
- Design custom packaging and branding.
- Sell on Amazon FBA, Shopify, or local e-commerce sites.
Why Private Labeling is Profitable:
- Higher perceived value allows for better profit margins.
- Builds long-term brand recognition.
- Less competition compared to dropshipping.
Potential Earnings:
Many private label businesses make $10,000 – $500,000 per month, depending on the brand’s success.
6. Wholesale B2B Trading
If you want to buy in bulk and resell to other businesses, Alibaba is the best platform to source products at wholesale prices.
How to Get Started:
- Find bulk buyers in your country or through B2B platforms like Global Sources or ThomasNet.
- Order large quantities of high-demand products.
- Offer competitive pricing and create bulk discount packages.
- Sell through business websites, LinkedIn, and e-commerce marketplaces.
Why B2B Trading is Profitable:
- Higher sales volumes mean larger revenue.
- Recurring orders from long-term business customers.
- Direct negotiations allow for better pricing and profits.
Potential Earnings:
Established B2B traders can generate $50,000 – $1,000,000 per year, depending on product category and market demand.
7. Arbitrage (Buying Low and Selling High)
Arbitrage is a simple yet profitable business model where you buy products at a lower price from AliExpress, Taobao, or Alibaba and sell them at a higher price on Amazon, eBay, or local marketplaces.
How to Get Started:
- Find undervalued or discounted products.
- Purchase in small quantities to test the market.
- Resell at a higher price on Amazon, Facebook Marketplace, or eBay.
- Optimize your listings with high-quality images and descriptions.
Why Arbitrage is Profitable:
- Quick turnaround if you choose trending products.
- Low upfront costs compared to traditional businesses.
- Works well with seasonal products and limited-edition items.
Potential Earnings:
Some resellers earn $2,000 – $20,000 per month, depending on volume and strategy.
Conclusion
Making money with AliExpress, Alibaba, or Taobao is not only possible but highly profitable if done correctly. Whether you choose dropshipping, wholesale trading, affiliate marketing, or private labeling, each method offers different levels of risk and reward. The key to success is choosing the right strategy, researching market trends, and continuously optimizing your business.