Have you ever wondered why is DHgate so cheap compared to other marketplaces? DHgate is one of China’s leading B2B eCommerce marketplaces and one of the most popular destinations for bargain hunters.
But, how come items on DHgate are so cheap? And do these low prices come at a greater cost (pun intended)?
In this must-read guide, we’ll explore the reasons behind DHgate’s low prices and provide you with helpful tips on how to shop safely on the platform in 2025.
So, let’s dive in!
What Is DHgate?
DHgate.com is a leading cross-border B2B eCommerce marketplace that caters to medium and small-scale retailers worldwide.
Established in 2004, DHgate is headquartered in Beijing with offices located in several countries, including the US and UK. Their business model focuses on facilitating the purchase of wholesale goods by overseas buyers, particularly resellers.
DHgate offers a vast range of product categories, such as apparel, consumer electronics, shoes and accessories, bags, home, garden products, and more – all sourced from China.
Most sellers on DHgate are direct suppliers or factory owners, which is why prices are often much cheaper than on Western marketplaces. However, that also means product quality, shipping, and reliability can vary significantly between sellers.
Read more: Top 25 Sites Like DHgate: Best Alternatives
Why Is DHgate So Cheap?
DHgate is cheap because most sellers on the platform are factory owners or wholesalers based in China, which means you’re often buying directly from the source.
By cutting out middlemen and avoiding traditional retail markups, they can sell items at a fraction of the price you’d see elsewhere.
For example, you’ll find wireless earbuds listed for as low as $5, even though similar-looking ones on Amazon go for $25 or more.
That kind of price gap naturally makes people think, “This must be a scam,” but the reality is trickier.
Many DHgate sellers work with very thin margins, rely on bulk sales, and save costs in places like packaging, branding, and paid advertising.
Unlike big-name stores, they don’t spend on polished branding or fancy logos. Plus, labor and production costs in China are much lower, which directly reduces the item’s final price.
Also, DHgate itself charges fewer seller fees compared to platforms like Amazon or Lazada.
That gives sellers more room to offer competitive prices. Even if you’re buying just one unit, you’re often getting close to wholesale rates. Some products might take longer to ship or have variable quality, but the low price usually reflects the supply chain, not a scam.
Still, not every cheap item is a good deal, and some listings are misleading, so knowing how to spot trustworthy sellers is key (we’ll cover that shortly).
Why Does DHgate Have So Many Negative Reviews?
If you’ve searched DHgate online, you’ve probably seen a flood of negative reviews, people calling it a scam, complaining about fake items, or saying they never received their orders.
But the truth is, most of those bad experiences come down to inconsistent sellers, not the platform itself.
DHgate is a marketplace, not a store. That means you’re buying from thousands of different sellers, each with their own standards. Some are reliable manufacturers shipping legit products at wholesale prices.
Others cut corners, use misleading photos, or disappear after taking your money.
Unlike Amazon, DHgate doesn’t tightly control its sellers or listings. So it’s easier for low-quality products or shady sellers to slip through the cracks, especially if buyers don’t check ratings or feedback before ordering.
For example, look at this “designer shoes” listing. We can tell it’s shady right away, yet somehow they’ve sold 156 units.
And because the prices are so low, expectations can sometimes be unrealistic.
Even a $3 dress or $6 smartwatch might look great in photos but feel completely different in real life.
That’s not always “a scam”, just a reminder that you often get what you pay for.
Still, the platform could definitely do more to weed out bad sellers, and that’s a fair criticism.
Pros and Cons of Shopping on DHgate
Next, let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of buying from DHgate.
| Pros of DHgate | Cons of DHgate |
| DHgate offers very low prices on items, especially for bulk purchases. | The quality of products can vary significantly between sellers. |
| Buyers can purchase single items without needing to meet a minimum order requirement. | Some products, especially branded items, may be replicas or counterfeit goods. |
| The platform is easy to navigate, making it simple to find products. | Delivery times can be longer compared to local retailers, depending on shipping methods. |
| DHgate provides buyer protection policies, including escrow services and refund guarantees. | Response times from sellers can vary, leading to potential delays in resolving issues. |
| A vast range of products across various categories is available. | Sellers may not always adhere to quality standards, making it essential to check reviews. |
| Discounts are available for bulk purchases, making it cost-effective for businesses. | While DHgate has security measures, some buyers may still feel uneasy about online transactions. |
Is It Safe to Buy from DHgate in 2025?
It can be, if you know what to look for. DHgate is a legit marketplace, but it’s very different from Amazon or Shopee. You’re dealing directly with independent sellers, not the platform itself. Some are amazing. Others? Not so much.
Here’s how to protect yourself while shopping on DHgate:
1. Stick to Sellers with Good Reviews (and Lots of Them)
Look for suppliers that have completed hundreds or thousands of orders, ideally with a 95%+ positive feedback score. This is the number one rule of shopping from any eCommerce marketplace.
Scroll through their reviews, real photos, consistent ratings, and repeat buyers are good signs.
2. Read the Product Description Carefully
Some listings will show a flashy product photo, but the fine print reveals it’s only for the case, not the gadget inside.
Or the materials aren’t what they seem. Always read the full description and specs before clicking “buy.”
3. Don’t Be Fooled by Unrealistic Prices
Yes, things are cheap on DHgate, but if something seems too cheap (like $2 AirPods), it’s probably a knockoff or a scam. Use your gut. Compare listings across sellers.
4. Use Secure Payment Methods
Always pay through DHgate’s checkout system, never agree to pay directly through PayPal, crypto, or bank transfer. That’s how scammers bypass buyer protection.
5. Know the Buyer Protection Rules
You have a window to file a dispute if something goes wrong. Don’t delay. Take photos and videos when unboxing, and communicate through DHgate’s system for a clear dispute trail.
How to Spot a Trusted DHgate Seller
Not all sellers on DHgate are equal. Some are just middlemen trying to flip cheap goods, while others are actual manufacturers offering solid deals. The trick is knowing how to tell them apart.
Start by looking at how long they’ve been active. A seller with a store that’s been around for 2–3 years (or more) is generally more reliable than a new one with zero track record.
Also, check their seller rating on the page. DHgate shows feedback on things like item accuracy, communication, and shipping speed. If any of those are consistently low, it’s a red flag.
Next, check the number of orders and positive reviews. A product with 500+ completed orders and 4.7 stars means you’re not the guinea pig, others have tested the waters and were happy.
Even better if there are real customer photos and reviews in multiple languages.
Take a look at their product range too. If they only sell one weird item, like just electric razors or only designer bags, and it looks copy-pasted from Amazon, proceed with caution. A legit store usually has a niche and a consistent style across listings.
And lastly, don’t underestimate how they respond to questions. You can actually message sellers before buying. If they’re quick, polite, and give clear answers, that’s a great sign. If they’re vague or pushy? Move on.
What to Do If You Get Scammed on DHgate
First, don’t panic, getting scammed on DHgate isn’t common if you follow the right steps, and there are systems in place to protect you.
But if something does go wrong (like your item never arrives, or it’s completely different from what was advertised), here’s what to do:
Start by going to your DHgate order history and clicking “Open a Dispute.” You’ll be asked to choose a reason, like “item not received” or “item not as described” and upload proof (photos, tracking info, or chat screenshots if needed). Be polite, but clear about what went wrong.
Once you file the dispute, the seller has a chance to respond. Some will apologize and offer a refund or reshipment right away. Others might argue, which is why your proof matters.
If the seller doesn’t resolve the issue, you can escalate the dispute to DHgate. Their team will step in, review both sides, and decide who’s right. This usually takes 2–5 business days.
If DHgate rules in your favor, you’ll get a refund to your original payment method. If not, and you feel it’s truly unfair, you can contact your bank or PayPal and request a chargeback, especially if the item was never delivered.
Lastly, make sure to leave an honest review after it’s settled, this helps others avoid the same mistake. And if the seller was shady, report their store directly to DHgate.
Tip: Always try to communicate with the seller first before filing a dispute, sometimes a misunderstanding is easier to fix directly.
FAQs
Is DHgate Legit?
DHgate is a legit B2B eCommerce marketplace that connects global buyers and sellers from China. Keep in mind that, unlike Amazon, DHgate functions as an intermediary platform between buyers and individual sellers. This means that choosing the right seller is crucial!
So, while DHgate is unquestionably a legitimate platform, its reliability depends entirely on the credibility of the seller you choose to buy from.
Do You Get Your Money Back If Scammed on DHgate?
Yes, DHgate has a built-in Buyer Protection system. If your item doesn’t arrive or is very different from the description, you can open a dispute. If the case is ruled in your favor, you’ll get a full or partial refund. If that doesn’t work, you can also request a chargeback from your payment provider.
Is Everything on DHgate Fake?
Not everything, but you do have to be careful. DHgate is a marketplace, so the product quality and authenticity depend on the seller. You’ll find both original items and knockoffs. That’s why checking seller reviews, ratings, and product photos is key before placing an order.
Can You Dropship from DHgate?
Yes, many people use DHgate for dropshipping. It offers low prices and a wide range of products. However, it’s not built specifically for dropshipping like platforms such as CJdropshipping or Spocket, so you’ll need to manage shipping times and quality control carefully.
How Long Does DHgate Shipping Take?
It depends on the seller and shipping method. Standard shipping from China to most countries usually takes 2–4 weeks, while express options (like DHL) are faster but cost more. Some sellers also offer local warehouses for quicker delivery.
Why Are Some Products Cheaper Than Alibaba?
DHgate often caters to smaller buyers, so many products are available with no minimum order and can be priced competitively to attract single-unit purchases. Alibaba is more focused on bulk/wholesale pricing and factory-level deals, so prices there may only drop when ordering hundreds of units.
Is It Safe to Buy on DHgate?
If you do a fair amount of research into the seller and know what you’re doing, buying on DHgate can be safe. However, note that some of the most common complaints and reviews for DHgate products are the following:
- Product quality not as described
- Products arrived late or didn’t arrive at all
- High shipping costs
- Bad customer service
Are Things from DHgate Fake?
You can find some great products and deals on DHgate but also many replicas and even counterfeit products. So, if you see a brand name on a product with surprisingly low pricing, it’s most likely a replica. This is especially the case for most DHgate watches.
If you plan to resell your products, we recommend against buying counterfeit or replicas since this might cause customs clearance issues and harm your local business as well.
How Do I Know If a DHgate Seller Is Legit?
You can do a bit of research and dig through the seller’s profile to make sure they’re legit. Aim for sellers who:
- Sell products in one niche (or two related niches);
- Have over 95% positive feedback;
- Have been operating at least 2 years on DHgate;
- Have above-average product quality, customer service, and on-time delivery stats;
- Have badges displayed in the Buyer Protection section (Return Policy, Refund for No Delivery, Secure Payment);
- Are responsive and don’t take too long to get back to you;
Does DHgate Sell Illegal Items?
Although it’s definitely possible to find trustworthy DHgate sellers with legit products, many are not legit in terms of being replicas or counterfeit. If the seller has clearly stated that the product is a copy of the original (but not the actual original), then we’re talking about a replica.
However, if the seller lists the product and tries to deceive customers into thinking he’s selling an original brand, then it becomes a counterfeit product.
Which Is Safer – DHgate or AliExpress?
Both AliExpress and DHgate can be safe to use with some seller research in advance. However, in terms of quality control, buyer protection, and seller verification, AliExpress seems to be a better choice.
Note that AliExpress is a B2C platform while DHgate is mainly B2B. This means that bulk orders might be cheaper on DHgate than on AliExpress. However, the high shipping costs on DHgate almost always compensate for the difference.
Do You Get Your Money Back If You Get Scammed on DHgate?
In most cases, you will get a full or a partial refund if you get scammed by opening a dispute (as long as you didn’t deal with the seller outside of DHgate):
- A full refund if you agree to return the product;
- A partial refund if you keep the product;
Note that in most cases, the shipping costs for the return fall on the buyer. Considering how expensive this can be, it might be better to settle for a partial refund and keep the products.
You’ll need a valid reason for the refund request. For instance:
- The product did not arrive as described;
- The product didn’t arrive within the deadline;
- The product didn’t arrive at all;
- The product arrived damaged;
Final Words
By connecting Chinese manufacturers and wholesalers directly with buyers around the world, DHgate is able to offer products at wholesale prices, which are often significantly cheaper than what you’d find on other online marketplaces.
However, as with any online purchase, it’s important to be cautious and do your research before buying from DHgate. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can safely and successfully buy from DHgate while taking advantage of their low prices.
And, if DHgate is still too risky for you, get in touch with us and ask for a free quote! As a leading sourcing agent in China, we can also buy directly from factories and offer you the best price vs. quality ratio on the market – without any of the risks!
