If you’re new to the dropshipping world, chances are you’ve explored Alibaba or AliExpress for product sourcing. But there’s another platform that often comes up in conversation among dropshippers—DHgate.
As a major B2B marketplace, DHgate connects Chinese manufacturers with buyers worldwide, positioning itself as a strong alternative to Alibaba and AliExpress. But the big questions remain: Is DHgate legit?
In this guide, we’ll answer all your concerns and help you decide if DHgate is the right platform for your business. Let’s dive in!
What Is DHgate?
DHgate.com is one of the largest eCommerce marketplaces, serving both B2B and B2C buyers worldwide.
It connects buyers to manufacturers, wholesalers, and suppliers in China, offering a vast range of products at highly competitive prices.
A standout feature of DHgate is that many suppliers are open to dropshipping, making it a great option for online sellers.
Plus, there’s often no MOQ on most products. This is ideal if you’re starting small or want to test products without a large upfront investment.
How Does DHgate Work?
DHgate works like eBay or Alibaba—it’s a marketplace where you buy products directly from sellers, while DHgate itself handles transactions and communication.
To choose a trustworthy seller, you can check seller reviews, ratings, and feedback from other buyers on the platform.
DHgate is commonly used for bulk orders, but you can also order single items. Many sellers are willing to dropship products directly to your customers if you communicate with them upfront.
When placing an order, you simply input your customer’s address as the delivery address. The seller will then ship the product directly to them.
However, if you don’t want the customer to see DHgate or pricing details—be sure to discuss this with the seller in advance.
Is DHgate Legit?
DHgate is a legit eCommerce marketplace that connects Chinese sellers with buyers from all over the world.
However, unlike Amazon, where you buy directly from the company, DHgate works more like eBay or Alibaba. You’re buying from individual sellers, not DHgate itself.
Another thing to keep in mind is that about 99% of the products sold as brands on DHgate are replicas. However, some sellers offer pretty high-quality replicas.
This means the reliability of your experience depends on the seller you choose. While DHgate provides tools like seller ratings and reviews to help you decide, it’s still important to do your research.
In our experience, it’s better to use DHgate for generic products (not branded). Or, if you do decide to order branded products, never assume you’re buying the original.
So, if you’re asking, “is DHgate real?” The answer is yes! However, “is DHgate reliable?” – depends exclusively on the seller you decide to order from.
The Pros and Cons of DHgate
| Pros of DHgate | Cons of DHgate |
| Offers low prices, especially for bulk orders, making it great for budget-conscious buyers. | DHgate is known for fake “branded” products, so due diligence is essential. |
| A massive catalog across categories, from electronics to fashion and home goods. | Product quality can vary significantly depending on the seller. |
| Most sellers ship worldwide, with free shipping often available (though slow). | Deliveries to Europe and the US can be lengthy due to international shipping |
| No minimum order quantities (MOQ) for many products, with options to buy single items. | Reviews on Trustpilot highlight mixed experiences with DHgate’s support team. |
| Many suppliers allow dropshipping directly to customers. | Reliability depends on the seller you choose, not DHgate itself. |
| Offers refund policies and dispute resolution for added safety. | |
| Seller reviews and ratings help identify trustworthy suppliers. | |
| Possible to integrate with Shopify via apps, making it easier for dropshipping businesses. |
How to Spot Scams and Choose Reliable Sellers on DHgate?
Scam 1: Counterfeit or Fake Branded Products
What happens?
Some sellers list counterfeit items that appear as branded products, but they’re often replicas or low-quality knockoffs.
How to Avoid It:
- Look for Red Flags: Genuine branded products are rarely sold on DHgate at unrealistically low prices. If a deal seems “too good to be true,” it probably is.
- Check Product Photos: Real sellers often display clear product photos, while scammers may use stock images or blurry visuals.
- Read Reviews: See what other buyers say about the product quality and authenticity.
Scam 2: Sellers with Fake Reviews or Low Ratings
What happens?
Some sellers manipulate reviews to look credible, but their ratings don’t reflect actual performance.
How to Avoid It:
- Verify Seller Ratings: Choose sellers with ratings above 95% and a significant number of transactions.
- Analyze Reviews: Look for detailed, genuine reviews with photos. Be cautious if reviews seem repetitive or generic.
- DHgate’s “Top Merchant” Badge: Trust sellers who have this badge—it signifies a solid track record.
Scam 3: Non-Delivery or Poor Shipment Practices
What happens?
You place an order, but the seller either doesn’t ship the item or provides inaccurate tracking details.
How to Avoid It:
- Check Delivery Terms: Always confirm estimated delivery times and shipping options. Sellers with reliable shipping will outline clear timelines.
- Track Shipments: Use the tracking information provided to monitor your package. Avoid sellers who can’t offer tracking.
- Use DHgate Buyer Protection: In case of non-delivery, you can open a dispute and claim a refund.
Scam 4: Misleading Product Descriptions
What happens?
The product you receive doesn’t match the seller’s description or images, leading to disappointment or unusable goods.
How to Avoid It:
- Ask Questions: Before buying, message the seller to clarify product details like material, size, or functionality.
- Request Real Photos: Reliable sellers will share actual product images on request.
- Read the Fine Print: Always review the product description carefully, especially dimensions and specifications.
What happens?
Some sellers may overcharge on shipping fees or add unexpected costs after you place the order.
How to Avoid It:
- Double-Check Costs: Confirm the total cost, including shipping, before finalizing your purchase.
- Compare Sellers: If one seller seems unusually expensive, look for similar products from other trusted sellers.
- Stick to Secure Payments: Always pay through DHgate’s platform—never send money directly to a seller outside the system.
Pro Tips for Finding Reliable Sellers
Beyond avoiding scams, here are additional tips to identify trustworthy sellers on DHgate:
- Choose Sellers with High Transaction Volume: A seller with many orders completed successfully is generally more reliable.
- Look for DHgate’s “Gold Seller” Badge: This badge indicates a seller’s credibility and consistent performance.
- Test with Small Orders First: If unsure, order small quantities to test product quality, communication, and delivery speed.
- Communicate Clearly: A reliable seller responds to inquiries promptly and addresses concerns professionally.
- Check Product Listings Regularly: Reliable sellers maintain detailed, up-to-date product listings with real images and specs.
Does DHgate Offer Buyers Protection?
Yes, DHgate offers a Buyer Protection Program to ensure that buyers have a safe and secure shopping experience.
This program is designed to protect your purchase from payment to delivery, providing a safety net in case anything goes wrong with your order.
Here’s how it works:
What Does DHgate Buyer Protection Cover?
The Buyer Protection Program covers two primary issues: First, it protects you in the event of non-delivery of products. If the seller fails to ship your order or you don’t receive the item within the promised timeframe, DHgate will offer you a full refund.
Second, it covers items not as described. If the product you receive is significantly different from what was advertised (wrong size, poor quality, missing components, etc.), DHgate allows you to request a refund or partial reimbursement.
How to File a Dispute Under Buyer Protection
If you encounter an issue with your order, start by contacting the seller through DHgate’s messaging system.
Many issues can be resolved directly with the seller. However, if the seller doesn’t resolve the issue or respond to your complaint, you can proceed to open a dispute.
To open a dispute, go to your Order Details page and click on “Open a Dispute”. DHgate may ask you to provide proof of the issue, such as product photos, tracking information, or screenshots of conversations with the seller.
Once your dispute is submitted, DHgate will mediate the issue. If they determine your claim is valid, you will be issued a refund.
Refund Timelines Under Buyer Protection
If the seller agrees to a refund, it usually takes 3–15 business days for the money to return to your payment method.
However, if DHgate is involved in the mediation process, the refund timeline may take longer, depending on the complexity of the issue and the evidence you provide.
Note: DHgate’s Buyer Protection is valid for 90 days after your purchase. This gives you ample time to assess the product, verify its quality, and file a dispute if needed.
Is DHgate Good for Dropshipping?
DHgate can be a viable option for dropshipping, but it’s important to understand the platform’s limitations before jumping in.
While it is possible to find suppliers that agree to dropship directly for you, the majority of sellers on DHgate primarily focus on bulk orders.
This means you may face challenges with managing inventory and shipping directly to your customers.
If you find a supplier on DHgate that doesn’t typically dropship, there are a few alternatives to consider. You could work with a dropshipping agent who manages their own warehouse and handles storage and shipping for you.
Another point to consider is the shipping times. Almost all products on DHgate are in China, which means dropshipping to a customer in the USA could take several days to weeks.
FAQs
Can I Trust Dhgate With My Credit Card?
Yes, DHgate uses secure payment methods and encryption to protect your credit card details. They offer options like credit cards, PayPal, and bank transfers. Always ensure the site is HTTPS-secured and check the seller’s reviews before purchasing for added security.
Is Dhgate Legit for Shoes?
DHgate is legit for buying shoes, but be cautious. Some sellers may offer counterfeit or low-quality products. Check seller ratings, reviews, and look out for deals that seem too good to be true, especially for branded shoes.
Is Dhgate Illegal in the US?
No, DHgate is legal in the US. However, be careful when purchasing branded items, as some sellers may offer counterfeit products, which could lead to legal issues if reselling. Always verify product authenticity and choose reputable sellers.
How Do I Get a Refund on DHgate?
Each seller has a refund deadline specified on their profile. For example, this can be a 3-day refund, 7-day refund, 15, or 30 days from when you received the product.
The buyer initially covers the shipping cost for the product return, but they’re reimbursed by the seller later on.
In the case a seller is not cooperative, you can either contact DHgate’s customer service center or open a “Return & Refund” case. But keep in mind that DHgate’s Buyers’ Protection is only valid for 90 days after your purchase.
What Payment Methods Does DHgate Accept?
While DHgate doesn’t accept PayPal, buying from DHgate is usually not an issue since it accepts the following payment forms: Moneybookers (Skrill), Credit & Debit Card, American Express, Bank Transfer, etc.
You can see the detailed DHgate payment options here.
What’s Better: DHgate, Alibaba, or Aliexpress?
Alibaba is a B2B, bulk order marketplace, and AliExpress is a B2C marketplace for single item orders. You can consider DHgate to be a mixture of both.
Even though technically, DHgate is a B2B marketplace, and many suppliers sell in bulk, there are a lot that will sell one piece only.
When it comes to product quality and shipping times, it all depends on the reliability of individual sellers on the platforms.
Regarding the product prices, when it comes to bulk orders, Alibaba and DHgate go hand in hand. However, for one piece orders, AliExpress might be cheaper than DHgate.
How Can I Automate Dropshipping Using DHgate and Shopify?
You can automate DHgate product listings with your Shopify store by using apps such as Importify, and Editorify.
Another way is to use a dropshipping agent with an app that automates your Shopify store and let them do the product sourcing for you.
What Product Categories Does DHgate Offer?
DHgate has a wide range of product categories to offer:
- Apparel
- Automobiles & Motorcycles
- Baby, Kids & Maternity
- Bags, Luggage & Accessories
- Cameras & Photo
- Cell Phones & Accessories
- Computers & Networking
- Electronics
- Food & Beverage
- Health & Beauty
- Home & Garden
- Shoes & Accessories
- Sports & Outdoors
- Toys & Gifts
- Jewelry & Watches
- Wedding, Party & Events
- and many more!
In Conclusion
If you were wondering whether DHgate is legit, the answer is yes! However, just like with any online marketplace, it’s important to do your homework and choose reliable sellers.
Now that you know how to identify trustworthy sellers on DHgate, you can confidently make informed decisions when sourcing products.
If you don’t feel that DHgate is the right choice for you, get in touch with us. We’ll help you source products from 1688, Taobao, or local markets in China with prices even lower than those on DHgate!
