Temu, SHEIN, AliExpress or DHgate: where to start

For a replacement part, start with an exact specification search on AliExpress. For clothing, compare SHEIN's garment measurements with an item you own. For a small household order, check Temu's final price, especially if you have credit to use. For a quantity purchase, compare DHgate's price tiers and shipping cost.

Those are starting points for a search. We have not run a matched test order across all four sites or measured a platform-wide winner on price, quality or delivery.

Choose by the purchase you need

A familiar logo will not resolve a wrong part number or a poor fit. Compare the individual listing and seller.

Temu: include your credit in the calculation

Review the same basket with and without the offer you plan to use. Temu's credit policy allows credit on eligible orders and allows credit with a coupon. Coupon and reward eligibility still depend on their terms.

Keep the amount you pay today separate from credit you might earn for a later purchase. A 50-unit basket that promises a future reward can cost more today than a 40-unit basket elsewhere. You need the reward amount, claim conditions and intended next purchase to compare the full sequence.

Read the wallet guide or cash-versus-credit calculation. For an eligible order you already intend to place: check Temu.

SHEIN: use the garment measurements

Measure an item that fits you and compare it with the listing. Check whether the chart describes body measurements or garment measurements. Review fabric details and customer photos for that item.

Before buying several sizes, check the return policy for your country and product category. Do not assume that a free first return covers every parcel, seller or item.

Browse SHEIN.

AliExpress: match the specification

Search with the exact model or part number. For electrical parts, check voltage, connector and any required certification. Seller descriptions can use similar photos for different variants; confirm the selected option before paying.

Compare delivery estimates and return conditions for that seller. A low item price can lose its advantage after shipping or a return to an overseas address.

Search AliExpress.

DHgate: compare at your actual quantity

Write down the quantity you need, then compare the unit price and total shipping charge at that quantity. Ask about specifications or samples before a larger purchase if the listing leaves those unclear.

Include any return cost in the decision. A bulk discount does not help if you need one item or cannot use the remaining stock.

Check DHgate listings.

Compare the delivered price

Use the same product specification and quantity, in the same currency and destination country. Record the item price, shipping, taxes or import charges shown at checkout, and discounts you qualify for. Save the date of the comparison.

For each order, check who handles a problem, the return deadline, the return address and who pays postage. Delivery windows and return offers can differ within one marketplace.

If customs charges change your total, consult the rules for your destination. Our EU customs guide covers that separate question. This page does not forecast tariff-driven price changes.

Before you choose

Prefer the listing that meets your specification at a delivered price you accept, with a return route you can use. If the price difference is small, a clearer seller description or easier return can be worth more than a coupon.

For Temu purchase rewards, use the promotion guide and credit calculator to check the extra spending a progress gap may require. A reward counter is no reason to add goods you do not need.

The shop links above are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you use them, at no extra cost to you. They do not affect the comparison criteria.

Shopping on any of these? Check the current offers: Temu · Shein · DHgate