Alibaba and AliExpress are part of Alibaba Group but serve different purposes in e-commerce. Alibaba mostly focuses on B2B (business-to-business) serving wholesalers, while AliExpress is a marketplace B2C (business-to-consumer) targeting individual consumers. In this guide, we will explore the Alibaba vs AliExpress affiliate programs, examining their features, commission structures, and overall efficacy for prospective affiliates.
Alibaba vs AliExpress Affiliate Programs
Alibaba Affiliate Program
Business Model and Target Audience
Alibaba affiliate program is designed for businesses or individuals interested in advertising bulk products from vendors on this platform. Affiliates earn a commission for sending traffic to Alibaba’s marketplace, where buyers are typically wholesalers or businesses that source products in larger quantities. This is a particularly appealing model for those already serving an audience on the wholesale side.
Commission Structure
- Commission Rate: Up to 7% of any sale made through affiliate links.
- Cookie Duration: The cookie duration for referral tracking is usually longer than the one from AliExpress, giving affiliates more time to earn commissions from referred sales.
- Payment Method: Affiliates can receive payment through various means, including bank transfer and PayPal, depending upon their location.
Key Features
- Variety of Products: Affiliates can promote various products, including raw materials and finished goods.
- Negotiable: Alibaba promotes negotiation between buyers and sellers, so affiliates can focus on this point to attract businesses looking for customized deals.
- Bulk Purchase Support: The platform suits affiliates focusing on companies requiring massive volumes.
AliExpress Affiliate Program
Target Audience and Business Model
AliExpress affiliate program is better for individual consumers and small businesses looking for retail without buying wholesale. Since the affiliate program is focused on single items instead of wholesale quantities, it’s directed toward a larger audience.
Commission Structure
- Commission Rate: 4% to 9% (by product category)
- Cookie Duration: The cookie duration is fairly short at 3 days, meaning affiliates have a limited period to earn commissions once a user clicks their link.
- Minimum Threshold: The minimum payout threshold is low at $16, less than other affiliate programs.
Key Features
- User Friendly: Affiliates can readily post product links on multiple platforms, including blogs, social media, and websites.
- Huge Product Selection: Affiliates can pick from millions of products in many categories.
- Dropshipping Compatibility: AliExpress is a popular choice for dropshippers, making it easy for affiliates to promote products without storing them.
Aliexpress vs Alibaba Affiliate Programs: Full Comparison
| Feature | Alibaba Affiliate Program | AliExpress Affiliate Program |
| Target Audience | B2B (wholesalers) | B2C (individual consumers) |
| Commission Rate | 7% | 4% – 7% |
| Cookie Duration | 15 days | Up to 3 days |
| Minimum Payout Threshold | $16 | $16 |
| Product Types | Bulk products | Individual retail items |
| Payment Methods | Bank transfers, PayPal | Bank transfers, PayPal |
| Ease of Use | Requires more effort in terms of negotiation | User-friendly with easy link sharing |
| Flexibility in Orders | High (negotiable pricing) | Low (fixed prices) |
Alibaba vs AliExpress Affiliate Programs: Pros and Cons
Understanding the pros and cons of each program can help potential affiliates choose the right platform for their business model.
Alibaba Affiliate Program
Pros
- Bulk Price: Affiliates can purchase stock directly from manufacturers at much lower prices, resulting in better profit margins.
- New products to motivate affiliates: Affiliates can access different products that can suit their business and audience.
- Varied Supplier Network: An expansive supplier network that gives affiliates options from various product categories.
- Price Negotiation potential: Alibaba prices are negotiable based on order volume, which allows better deals.
Cons
- MOQs (Minimum Order Quantities): Alibaba is bulk purchase-based and may not be applicable for all affiliates, notably beginners.
- Complicated User Interface: The platform is designed around business transactions, so navigating it for the first time can feel daunting for users not familiar with B2B transactions.
- Increased Shipping Costs: Affiliates will need to manage and coordinate shipping logistics, potentially increasing the complexity and cost of their operations.
AliExpress Affiliate Program
Pros
- No Minimum Order Requirement: Affiliates can promote individual products without needing to purchase in Bulk, making it accessible for smaller businesses or those just starting out.
- High Commission Rates: AliExpress offers commission rates up to 50% on certain items, although the average is around 4%. This can be competitive compared to other platforms.
- Wide Product Range: With millions of products available, affiliates have a diverse selection to promote.
- User-Friendly Interface: The platform is designed for consumers, making it easier for affiliates to navigate and market products effectively.
Cons
- Lower Average Commission Rates: While some items offer high commissions, many fall below the average rate, limiting potential earnings for affiliates.
- Long Shipping Times: Products are often shipped from China, leading to longer delivery times that frustrate customers and impact sales conversion rates.
- Quality Perception Issues: Due to the association with Chinese manufacturing, consumers may have skepticism regarding product quality, which can hinder sales efforts.
Choosing the Right Program
Potential affiliates looking to promote Alibaba and AliExpress should consider their target audience and marketing strategy when deciding which affiliate program is the right fit.
Audience Type
The Alibaba affiliate program might work better if your audience primarily comprises businesses or entrepreneurs looking for bulk purchases. If you are targeting direct consumers or small businesses looking for retail items to buy, the AliExpress affiliate program will be a better choice.
Marketing Approach
Alibaba may be a better fit for affiliates who focus on content marketing or niche blogs related to wholesale goods. On the other hand, if you are exploiting social media channels or e-commerce sites targeting retail consumers, advertising AliExpress products may be more advantageous.
Commission Goals
If you want larger commissions, Alibaba is a good choice. For simplicity, and potential quick sales through individual product promotions, AliExpress may be more appealing, despite its lower commission ceiling.
5 Alibaba and AliExpress affiliate programs alternatives
Here are five Alibaba and AliExpress affiliate program alternatives you might want to try:
Amazon Associates
Amazon’s affiliate program lets you promote a huge variety of products to receive commissions on qualifying sales, from 1% to 10% (depending on the product). They have millions of items which makes it easy for affiliates to find products to promote to their audience.
Check out the Amazon Associates program requirements page to apply for the program.
Shopify Affiliate Program
The Shopify affiliate program allows you to earn commissions for promoting the e-commerce platform. Affiliates receive commissions for each customer directed through their links. It can be a fast-growing source of income for those in the e-commerce industry.
Joining is simple! Go to the Shopify affiliate program requirements.
Etsy Affiliate Program
Etsy specializes in handmade and vintage products and gives affiliates a 4% commission on sales brought in through their links. It’s perfect for individuals with an audience that appreciates unique, artisanal products.
Head over to the Etsy affiliate program page and use our step-by-step guide to join this program.
Doba
Doba is a dropshipper that connects you with suppliers, enabling you to list products with no inventory on your part. It facilitates the dropshipping process and gives access to many products.
Wish to join? Visit our Doba affiliate program review
SaleHoo
SaleHoo gives users access to a directory of more than 8,000 verified dropshipping and wholesale suppliers. The platform includes tools for market research and supplier vetting, which makes it a safe and reliable choice for businesses searching for products.
Prospective applicants should refer to the SaleHoo affiliate program post.
This list of alternatives gives affiliates more options for monetizing their platforms with different kinds of products and commission structures.
Final Thoughts on Alibaba vs Aliexpress Programs
Both Alibaba and AliExpress offer unique opportunities through their affiliate programs. Understanding the differences in target audience, commission structures, and product types is crucial for affiliates aiming to maximize their earnings. By aligning your marketing strategy with the right platform’s strengths, you can effectively tap into the vast potential of these e-commerce giants.
Don’t forget to read our Temu vs AliExpress affiliate programs comparison. Also, take a look at our Retail Affiliate Programs section for similar opportunities. Finally, follow us on social media for affiliate tips and the latest affiliate programs:
