How To Import Products From AliExpress To Shopify Step-by-Step Tutorial

Importing products from AliExpress to Shopify can be challenging because neither of the two systems offers built-in integration possibilities. Therefore, this process can be done by operating various methods, including manually adding products to your catalog or using third-party apps designed to streamline the process. This step-by-step guide shows how to import products from AliExpress to Shopify in two cases: when you prefer spending time with the platform’s built-in functionality and when you choose automation of the Import & Export Tool for Shopify. 

Step-by-Step Guide for Manual Product Import from AliExpress to Shopify

Let’s see how to connect AliExpress to Shopify if you don’t want to install third-party apps. Luckily, it is still possible to manually import products from the popular marketplace to your e-commerce website. Since it is a time-consuming method, we recommend choosing it only if you need to transfer a small number of products. 

Follow these steps to import products from AliExpress to Shopify manually: 

1. Find Products on AliExpress. Browse AliExpress and choose the products you want to import.
   
2. Save Product Information. Copy the product title, description, and specifications. Download product images to your computer.
3. Add Products to Shopify. Follow these steps to add the selected products to your website:
   
   
   • Log in to your Shopify admin panel.
   • Go to “Products” > “Add product“.
   • Paste the copied product information and upload the saved images.
   • Set your price, inventory, and shipping details.
   • Click “Save“.
     You can find more information here: How to Add a Product on Shopify.
4. Update Inventory and Orders Manually:
   • Monitor your inventory and update stock levels manually.
   • Place orders on AliExpress manually and enter tracking information in Shopify when you fulfill orders.

As you can see, it is possible to connect AliExpress to Shopify for dropshipping and other purposes without using third-party apps. Since this approach consists of numerous time-consuming processes, it doesn’t suit companies with relatively big catalogs. 

Even if your product portfolio is small, we recommend going with a third-party connector as it dramatically simplifies your daily data sync routine between Shopify and AliExpress.

How To Import Products From AliExpress To Shopify With Automation & Mapping

The easiest and most efficient way to import products from AliExpress to Shopify is introduced in third-party apps, such as the Import & Export Tool for Shopify. This app automates the process and offers additional features like mapping. However, you need to export products from AliExpress first. 

Export Product CSV from AliExpress

You can use the AliExpress CSV Export Chrome extension by toriox.dev or any similar solution to export products from AliExpress. This handy tool lets you export selected products or all items from a page. Another good thing is that it can export a CSV file suitable for Shopify!

Follow these steps to export a product SCV from AliExpress:

1. Install the AliExpress CSV Export Chrome extension or any similar solution designed to create a CSV output with AliExpress Product data.
   
2. Export products you want to add to your Shopify website using the extension’s instructions.
   
3. That’s it! Now, you have a CSV file with AliExpress products.

Product CSV Requirements

At this stage, you need to edit your product CSV from AliExpress following the Shopify requirements.

Note that Shopify needs the Title column to create new products via import. If you deal with a product update, Handle is another attribute that you should add to your CSV file. 

The detailed exploration of a product CSV file suitable for Shopify is available here: Shopify Product CSV Template Described. 

Import Product CSV from AliExpress to Shopify

Now, follow these 5 steps to import products from AliExpress to Shopify:

Create A Product Import Profile

You can create a new import profile to connect Shopify with AliExpress under Apps -> Firebear Import & Export Tool -> Import. Just click the “New Profile” button.

Select A Product Import CSV 

Now, you are on the “Select File” screen. It’s a place where you can automate your Shopify product imports from AliExpress. Follow these steps:

1. Specify your profile name, such as Shopify AliExpress Product Import.
2. Choose the entity – Products.
3. Create a schedule of updates to automate repetitive product imports. For instance, you can set up our app to import products to Shopify once a week automatically.
4. Configure email notifications if necessary. It’s a useful feature for regular automated updates.
5. Select your file format as “CSV”.
6. Opt for File as the import source of your Shopify product update and browse the file generated with the help of the AliExpress CSV Export Chrome extension in the Downloads folder of your computer.
7. Specify separators if your update contains unusual separators. You can use the Auto Detect delimiter feature to let your app detect the delimiters used in your product update.
8. Click “Continue” to proceed to the next screen. 

Configure Mapping For AliExpress Product Data

On the mapping screen, indicate which columns from the imported file should match the product properties of Shopify. If your update still contains AliExpress namings, replace unsupported column names with the ones Shopify uses. For instance, you need to specify Shopify’s attribute title below AliExpress’ column name Product Title. Provide Shopify attributes instead of AliExpress attributes where it is possible. Save your mapping template for further imports – it will help you automate further product data uploads.

Click “Continue” to proceed to the next step. 

Preview Results of Shopify AliExpress Product Import

The app provides a preview of the product data you are about to transfer to Shopify from AliExpress. Here, you can spot any mistakes or inconsistencies, and return to previous steps to address them.

We’ve successfully mapped a product title, vendor, and media so that they are displayed on the preview. Keep in mind that the more precise your product CSV is, the better the import results are.

Import AliExpress Products to Shopify

Finally, click the “Save” button to save your Shopify AliExpress product import profile. When you’re ready to import, click the “Import” button. The app will initiate the data transfer.

You will be informed regarding the import errors and the number of products that were successfully imported from AliExpress to Shopify.

For more detailed information on how to import and export data in Shopify, refer to our Improved Import & Export Tool Manual.

Comparison of Methods

So, these were the two ways to import AliExpress products to Shopify. Let’s compare them side-by-side:

Conclusion

Using a third-party app like the Import & Export Tool by Firebear is the most efficient and effective way to import products from AliExpress to Shopify. This app automates the process, saving you time and reducing the risk of errors. However, if you only need to import a few products, the manual import method is also viable. Choose the method that best suits your needs and start building your Shopify store with products from AliExpress. Contact us regarding other aspects of the AliExpress product import to Shopify and the synchronization of the two systems. 

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Shopify AliExpress Product Import FAQ