Alibaba vs AliExpress: Which Marketplace Works Better for Affiliates?

If you already have an inventory of products or an audience ready to buy, and you’re thinking of stepping into affiliate marketing, chances are Alibaba and AliExpress has popped up on your radar as platforms worth exploring.. But the question lies, which one is better? Is it Alibaba, the B2B giant, or AliExpress, the online retail platform that caters to consumers’ needs? If you are currently trying to choose between the two, then you have come to the right place. We are about to dive into the nitty-gritty of both the marketplaces and figure out where your affiliate marketing would pay off.

AliBaba vs AliExpress: What is the Difference?

Before we get into the affiliate side of things, let’s break down how these two marketplaces are different from one another. 

• AliBaba is mostly a platform for business-to-business (B2B) transactions. It links companies looking to purchase goods in large quantities with suppliers, primarily manufacturers. Consider it the first port of contact for entrepreneurs and business owners looking to source huge volumes of goods for resale.
• AliExpress is a business-to-consumer (B2C) platform, in contrast. It enables individual customers to purchase products in smaller amounts, frequently without having to fulfil a minimum order requirement. For those searching for deals on anything from electronics to clothing, AliExpress has emerged as the preferred online marketplace.

While both are a part of the Alibaba group, they cater to different customer segments, and that is why the platforms offer different opportunities.

AliExpress Affiliate Programs: Why It Is a Good Option for Individual Affiliates?

AliExpress is most likely your best option if you’re a new affiliate marketer trying to earn a respectable income by promoting products to niche audiences. Depending on the kind of product you’re marketing, the affiliate program offers a range of commission models, and its dashboard makes it straightforward to track clicks, conversions, and payouts without needing any technical expertise.

Pros of the AliExpress Affiliate Program:

• • Low Barriers to Entry: As an affiliate, you can start promoting AliExpress products without having to invest upfront, which makes it an accessible platform for beginners.
  • A Huge Range of Products: AliExpress sells millions of items in a wide range of categories, including toys, electronics, cosmetics, and more. This implies that you may target different niches and use different affiliate programs based on the interests of your audience.
  • International Reach: AliExpress is a marketplace that attracts customers from all over the world. Particularly if you’re aiming for a worldwide audience, this international exposure raises the possibility that leads may be converted.
  • One of the biggest advantages of working with AliExpress is the trust it has built as part of the Alibaba Group. Being a highly trusted platform gives affiliates confidence that they’re promoting products from a marketplace recognized worldwide. Pair that credibility with the sheer variety of in-demand products – from gadgets and fashion to beauty and home goods – and you have a recipe for consistently strong conversions. Affiliates benefit not only from the platform’s global reach but also from its ability to attract shoppers who are ready to buy, making promotional efforts more effective.

The Numbers: Is AliExpress Really That Profitable?

Commissions are paid to AliExpress affiliates based on the products they promote. The commission structure varies depending on the product category. For example, categories like fashion and cosmetics generally offer higher commissions, while others, such as electronics, may have lower rates.

With remarkable sales of $51.8 billion in 2024, AliExpress had a notable 25–30% increase in sales from the year before. This expansion highlights the platform’s growing worldwide presence and its allure for customers and affiliates looking for lucrative prospects. Notably, by the end of 2023, AliExpress’s order volume had increased by 60% year over year, indicating a robust upward trajectory in platform activity and user engagement.

Indeed, some affiliates who own YouTube channels or blogs devoted to AliExpress items claim to make over $10,000 a month. For instance, experienced affiliate marketers with over three years of consistent effort have reported earnings ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 or more per month via Shopify. This highlights the significant income potential within the AliExpress affiliate program, especially for those who strategically target high-converting niches and effectively engage their audiences.

A Drawback: Heavy Competition

The overwhelming number of affiliates vying for the same clients is AliExpress’s biggest problem. Since everyone is marketing the same goods, you’ll need to either discover a specialised market or provide original content to stand out. However, this is clearly surmountable with the correct approach.

Alibaba Affiliate Program: Bigger Orders, Bigger Commissions?

Let’s now discuss Alibaba. Alibaba’s affiliate program targets companies and entrepreneurs who want to purchase items in bulk because it uses a business-to-business (B2B) business model. So, what opportunities actually lie ahead for affiliates who choose to promote Alibaba?

Pros of Alibaba Affiliate Program:

• Higher Priced Products: Alibaba deals with bulk orders, hence the prices of the items are typically higher. As a result, affiliates may receive more commissions for a single transaction. Depending on the quantity and value of the order, a successful affiliate may get a commission of $50 to $500 for each transaction.
• Targeting Businesses: If your audience is business owners or entrepreneurs looking to buy products in bulk, then Alibaba is the platform! It is a perfect platform for affiliate marketers who want to work in a B2B space.
• Commission Based on Bulk Orders: Even though the commission rates are lower than those on AliExpress (usually between 1% and 5%), you may still turn a healthy profit when you’re working with large transactions. Even with a lower percentage, a larger order results in a higher commission payment.
• Similarly, Alibaba carries its own strengths. It, too, is a highly trusted platform, particularly in the B2B sector where reputation matters most. Businesses flock to Alibaba because of its massive catalog of in-demand products available for bulk purchase. That demand, paired with competitive pricing directly from manufacturers, drives high conversion potential for affiliates targeting wholesalers or entrepreneurs looking to source products at scale. For marketers who can tap into this audience, Alibaba offers a unique edge in affiliate promotions.

The Numbers: How Much You Can Make From Alibaba?

Affiliate commissions are usually based on the total sale value because Alibaba focuses on large orders. For instance, you would receive $300 in compensation if you promoted a $10,000 transaction and received 3%.

Although Alibaba is a very reliable marketplace with popular products that have a high conversion rate, it’s vital to remember that conversions might not occur as frequently as they do on AliExpress. Alibaba’s sales cycle is inherently longer due to its emphasis on large orders and business-to-business transactions, and customers frequently take longer to haggle and complete deals. However, the value of the order is usually significantly higher after a conversion occurs, so for affiliates who are targeting the correct audience, it may be worth it.. You’re working with companies that frequently require time to make decisions on significant purchases, and the purchasing process entails additional logistics and negotiations. However, there is undoubtedly room for profit for those who are able to successfully link suppliers and buyers.

A Drawback: A Lengthy Sales Cycle

The duration of the sales cycle is something to keep in mind when promoting Alibaba products. Since it’s a B2B marketplace, transactions often take longer to close,  sometimes a week or even a month, before a commission is confirmed. This isn’t necessarily a drawback, as higher-value bulk orders are common on Alibaba, while on AliExpress, individual purchases usually move faster. Both models have their advantages, depending on the audience you’re targeting.

Sources from: Affiliate Fix, Tech Crunch, and Affiliate Summit

Alibaba vs AliExpress for Affiliates: Which One Is It?

After breaking down both the Alibaba and AliExpress affiliate programs, the real question becomes: which platform is actually more suitable for your inventory and audience type? Both platforms offer unique opportunities, but which one works better for you depends on your niche and marketing approach.

Let’s dig a little deeper and see how they stack up against each other in the affiliate marketing space.

AliExpress is an excellent choice if you’re new to affiliate marketing or if your inventory or audience is geared toward individual consumers seeking affordable, everyday products. Its accessible affiliate program, wide product range, and global appeal make it easy to start promoting with minimal upfront investment, while allowing you to see results and benefits relatively quickly.

Alibaba could be a better fit if your inventory or audience is geared toward businesses, entrepreneurs, or buyers looking to make large or bulk purchases. While the commissions per sale may be lower and the sales cycle longer, often taking anywhere from 15 to 80 days depending on the transaction, the higher order values can translate into substantial earnings over time. This platform is especially suitable for affiliates promoting e-commerce solutions worldwide through channels like web, mobile, content platforms, Telegram, or media buying across social, native, and display networks.

Final Thoughts

If you’re just starting out or want higher conversion rates because of its extensive product selection, widespread appeal, and simpler sales cycle, then go for AliExpress. On the other hand, AliBaba offers larger commissions per sale but a longer conversion time, making it more appropriate for seasoned affiliates aiming to reach enterprises and large purchasers.

Regardless of whatever platform best suits your approach, you may improve your effectiveness by collaborating with affiliate networks like vCommission, which provides strong tools and committed assistance. Affiliates are free to advertise one or both of these campaigns at the same time to increase their reach and revenue. Both are presently active on vCommission.

Ready to turn clicks into commissions? Join Vcommission and start earning today!