CJdropshipping vs. DSers: Which One is Better for You?

In 2025, the dropshipping landscape is more crowded and competitive than ever. Global e-commerce sales are projected to hit $8.1 trillion by 2026, and Shopify sellers need reliable tools to thrive. Two of the most popular dropshipping solutions are CJdropshipping and DSers. Both aim to streamline product sourcing, order processing, and shipping – but they take different approaches. In this post, we’ll break down each platform in detail and help you decide which fits your needs. Whether you’re a beginner learning “how to choose a dropshipping platform” or an experienced seller seeking better tools, this comparison of CJdropshipping vs. DSers in 2025 will guide you through their features, strengths, and downsides.

Overview of CJdropshipping

CJdropshipping is an all-in-one dropshipping supplier and platform based in China. It offers a huge product catalog, global warehousing, and many value-added services. In practice, CJ serves as “a one-stop solution” for dropshippers: you can source products (often at lower prices than AliExpress), import them to your store, and let CJ handle fulfillment and shipping.

Key features of CJdropshipping include:

Free product sourcing and listing – You can search CJ’s catalog (over 6.4 million items) and import products with one click. CJ also offers a sourcing request service: if you can’t find what you need, their team will find suppliers on 1688.com, Taobao, or elsewhere.
Global warehouses and shipping – CJ has warehouses in over 26 countries and has recently expanded in the U.S. Its U.S. inventory allows orders to reach American customers in just a few days, competing with Amazon Prime. The platform supports major carriers (USPS, UPS, FedEx, etc.) and its own fast line (CJPacket) for expedited shipments.
Integration with many platforms – CJ connects to Shopify, WooCommerce, eBay, Etsy, TikTok Shop, Temu, and more than a dozen other channels. This means you can use CJ whether you sell on your own Shopify store or on marketplaces.
No subscription fees – The core CJ service is free to use. You only pay for the products and shipping. There are optional paid plans (Plus, Prime, Advanced) that give perks like more daily sourcing requests and coupons, but you can run CJdropshipping without any monthly fee.
Branding and customization – CJ offers many custom services. You can add logos or designs to products via print-on-demand and white-label services, and order branded packaging, inserts, or gift boxes. There are also quality inspections and product photography for your listings.
Order automation and support – Once your store is linked, CJ automatically syncs orders. Its system can process batches of orders and handles fulfillment from start to finish. CJ promises 24/7 support and an online help center for any issues.

In short, CJdropshipping acts like a combination of AliExpress and Oberlo, but with extra services and warehouses. It’s especially strong for sellers who value product variety and fast logistics. As one review notes, CJ is for those seeking “a single solution for shipping products manufactured in China to the US.”. Its direct sourcing from Chinese markets (1688, Taobao) can mean lower prices and unique items.

Overview of DSers

DSers is a dropshipping app specifically designed around AliExpress and e-commerce platforms. It is the official AliExpress dropshipping partner on Shopify and other stores. Essentially, DSers makes it very easy to import products from AliExpress, manage them, and place orders in bulk.

Important points about DSers:

AliExpress integration – DSers connects directly to AliExpress, giving you access to tens of millions of products. It adds features like a Supplier Optimizer that compares multiple AliExpress vendors for the same product (by price, reviews, etc.), so you can pick the best source. In practice, DSers is ideal if most of your products come from AliExpress.
Multi-store management – With DSers you can manage multiple Shopify (or WooCommerce/Wix) stores from one account. This is great if you run more than one niche site, as you don’t have to juggle different logins or tools.
Fast order processing – DSers automates the tedious part of dropshipping. It auto-syncs new orders, lets you fulfill hundreds of AliExpress orders in a few clicks, and automatically sends tracking info to your stores. Bulk order placement can cut out days of manual work.
Shopify, WooCommerce, and Wix support – DSers plugs into popular platforms (Shopify, WooCommerce, Wix, and even Jumpseller). It’s built to be user-friendly, with an intuitive dashboard and a Chrome extension for importing products directly from AliExpress.
Pricing model – DSers has a free tier (3 stores, 3,000 products, bulk ordering allowed) and paid plans up to $499/month for large businesses. The free plan is quite generous for beginners, and paid plans add more products, stores, and features.
24/7 support and reviews – DSers boasts around 4.9/5 stars on the Shopify App Store and many positive user reviews. It offers 24/7 live chat and email support, plus a comprehensive help center.

In essence, DSers excels as a streamlined AliExpress dropshipping tool. The Shopify blog describes it as an app that “connects online stores with AliExpress suppliers,” with automated features to quickly add products and place multiple orders. It’s highly rated for ease of use – especially for beginners – and is well-suited to selling on Shopify stores. However, because DSers is built around AliExpress, it doesn’t provide its own warehouse or special branded packaging. It’s basically a powerful order management engine for AliExpress products.

Side-by-Side Comparison of Key Areas

Let’s compare CJdropshipping and DSers in the most important areas for dropshippers:

Product Sourcing & Supplier Access

DSers: All products come from AliExpress (and some AliExpress-affiliated suppliers). DSers excels at finding the best AliExpress deal for you. It features an AI-powered Supplier Optimizer that shows multiple suppliers for the same product, along with their ratings, prices, and shipping speeds. You import products via the DSers Chrome extension or in-app search. With DSers you get the massive AliExpress catalog (over 100 million items), but it means competing with anyone else selling the same items. If you need a specific product not on AliExpress, DSers alone can’t help – you’d have to add it manually elsewhere.
CJdropshipping: Offers an extensive catalog (over 1.4 million products) and the ability to request new items. If you can’t find a product in CJ’s listings, you can submit a sourcing request for free. CJ’s team will then find a supplier on Chinese marketplaces (1688, Taobao, etc.) and add it to your store. This means you have access to products beyond what AliExpress shows. CJ leverages a network of 200+ factories in China for sourcing. In short, CJ gives you more ways to find products (including unique or hard-to-find items) often at lower cost, but those products may come with minimum order quantities (no MOQ for dropshippers) and may require more customization steps.

Bottom Line: DSers focuses on AliExpress sourcing with great search and supplier comparison tools. CJ provides broader sourcing, including private sourcing and direct-from-factory options. If your strategy is purely AliExpress-based (or you love the breadth of Ali’s catalog), DSers is straightforward. If you want unique products or lower pricing via 1688/Taobao, CJ has an edge.

Order Fulfillment & Automation

DSers: Once connected, DSers automatically syncs orders from your store. It has a simple dashboard where new orders appear, and you can fulfill them in bulk. In practice, you can select 50+ pending orders and let DSers place them all at once on AliExpress. DSers then updates tracking numbers in your store automatically. The process is highly automated: you rarely have to click each order individually. DSers even sends tracking info to PayPal/Shopify so your customers can see it. Overall, DSers greatly reduces manual work (processing hundreds of orders “in seconds”).
CJdropshipping: CJ also syncs orders automatically from authorized stores. Every CJ product has a connection to a CJ warehouse or supplier, so when an order comes in, CJ’s system can fulfill it. CJ handles everything from packaging to shipping for you. Because CJ has its own warehouses, it often packs and ships from local stock. CJ also supports manual order upload (CSV/Excel or manual entry) if needed. The automation is very good for the standard workflow: just click to fulfill synced orders, and CJ does the rest. One plus: CJ offers bulk ordering and a “bulk purchase” service if you need more control or to stock inventory. The downside is that CJ’s automation is focused on its own ecosystem – so if you source something outside CJ, you might need manual steps or alternative fulfillment.

Bottom Line: Both tools automate the order process. DSers excels at batch-processing AliExpress orders instantly, which saves tons of time. CJ automates fulfillment through its warehouses, which means orders just get sent out without you chasing suppliers. In practice, CJ’s approach can offer more stability (since CJ handles quality checks and shipping), while DSers gives you flexibility to pick any AliExpress supplier quickly.

Shipping Times & Logistics

DSers: Shipping speed is determined by the AliExpress supplier and shipping method. Many AliExpress shipments still take 10–20 days (or more for ePacket, etc.). DSers does let you choose or pre-set preferred shipping methods for each country, aiming for a balance of cost and speed. However, there is no inherent warehouse network – most products ship directly from China. Some AliExpress sellers have overseas warehouses (US/EU), but that’s hit-or-miss. In general, DSers orders can be slower unless you specifically filter for “4–7 day shipping” options on AliExpress.
CJdropshipping: CJ’s big advantage is faster logistics. With warehouses around the world (USA, Germany, China, etc.), many CJ products can be shipped from local stock. CJ reports that US customers can get orders in 3–6 days thanks to its U.S. warehouses. Even products shipped from China benefit from CJ’s specialized lines (CJPacket, ePacket alternatives) which are often faster than standard AliExpress post. CJ also provides a shipping calculator so you can compare costs and transit times across carriers. In short, CJ is built for speed and offers multiple carrier options (USPS, DHL, etc.), whereas DSers relies on whatever the AliExpress vendor uses.

Bottom Line: CJdropshipping generally wins on shipping speed and reliability. Its local warehouses and dedicated shipping services mean shorter delivery times (especially in the US). DSers can’t match that out-of-the-box – it’s limited by AliExpress logistics. If fast delivery (and U.S. warehouse availability) is a priority, CJ is the clear choice.

Pricing & Margins

DSers: The platform has a subscription model. There’s a useful free plan (3 stores, 3,000 products). Paid tiers range from $19.90 to $499 per month, depending on how many products, stores, and premium features you need (like priority support). DSers offers a 14-day free trial and discounts for annual billing. Aside from the app fee, you pay AliExpress product cost + shipping. AliExpress often has low wholesale prices, so profit margins can be good if you price right. However, DSers itself does not add extra product fees.
CJdropshipping: CJ’s core service is free to use – you pay only for products and shipping. There are no mandatory monthly fees or setup charges. CJ does offer optional membership plans (Plus $15.99/mo, Prime $19.99, Advanced $59.99) that provide coupons, more sourcing requests, and order priority. You can ignore those if you like – many users stick with the free plan. In terms of product pricing, CJ’s products are sometimes cheaper (direct from factories) and sometimes a bit higher than generic AliExpress items; it varies. Because CJ can store items in bulk, shipping costs (from local warehouses) are often lower, which can improve margins. Overall, CJ’s pricing is more about no overhead costs and paying only product + shipping.

Bottom Line: CJdropshipping is free to start, with optional upgrade plans for perks. DSers has a free tier but charges for higher usage. In either case, you set your own product prices to establish profit margins. DSers users need to factor in the subscription if they outgrow the free tier, while CJ users mainly consider shipping vs. membership perks. For many beginners, CJ’s no-cost model is very attractive to keep margins high.

Branding & Customization

DSers: Being an AliExpress-focused tool, DSers does not provide physical branding services. You can edit product titles, descriptions, and images before pushing to your store, and DSers allows you to add custom notes for the supplier (e.g. “no invoices in package”). It also supports adding simple branded inserts or stickers via AliExpress sellers who offer them. But there’s no dedicated print-on-demand or private-label program. In practice, DSers lets you brand the online listing, but any physical branding (like boxes or labels) must be arranged separately with suppliers on AliExpress.
CJdropshipping: CJ shines in the customization department. They offer print-on-demand and white-label services on many products, so you can add your logos and designs. CJ’s Custom Packaging Service lets you design branded boxes, bags, tape, and inserts through their interface. Once ordered, CJ stocks your packaging in their warehouse and automatically uses it for your orders. CJ also provides coupons, VIP product lists, and other tools via its membership that can help personalize your offerings. In short, CJ is built to help you create a branded customer experience, while DSers is more “bare-bones” dropshipping.

Bottom Line: For branding and presentation, CJdropshipping has the edge. It explicitly supports private labeling, custom inserts, and your own packaging. DSers mainly handles the digital side (product listings), but offers limited physical branding options. If creating a unique brand image is important to you, CJ provides more tools to do that out of the box.

Platform Integrations & Ease of Use

DSers: DSers integrates with all the major store platforms you’d expect: Shopify, WooCommerce, Wix (and its own AliExpress service and PayPal tracking). It’s designed to be simple: once installed, you authorize your store(s) and start importing. The interface is clean and focuses on AliExpress products and orders. Many users find DSers very easy for Ali dropshipping – the learning curve is mainly about AliExpress sourcing and DSers’ dashboard.
CJdropshipping: CJ supports 14+ platforms, including Shopify, WooCommerce, eBay, Etsy, Temu, TikTok Shop, and more. The connection process is similarly straightforward: install the CJ app or plugin for your store and authorize it. CJ’s dashboard is a bit more complex, reflecting its broader feature set (warehouses, services, etc.). New users might need a short learning period to grasp sourcing requests and packaging, but CJ provides many tutorials. In terms of automation, CJ also offers integration with workflow tools (like Pabbly Connect) to connect with 1,500+ apps, making it scalable.

Bottom Line: Both platforms are user-friendly, but DSers is more streamlined for Ali-based stores, whereas CJ offers wider compatibility. If you only sell on Shopify/Woo, DSers plugs in easily. If you sell across multiple channels (eBay, TikTok, etc.) or need advanced workflow automation, CJ’s broader integration portfolio is an advantage.

Customer Service & Support

DSers: DSers highlights 24/7 live chat and email support. It has a large help center with articles, and Shopify reviewers often praise the support responsiveness. Given its large user base (millions of stores), DSers maintains a professional support team. Users report quick help via live chat.
CJdropshipping: CJ also offers extensive support, but it’s structured a bit differently. CJ provides email and social media support (live chat on their site) and a Help Center with FAQs and guides. CJ’s team is based in China (GMT+8), and generally available 24/7 as well. The experience can vary; some users find CJ’s support thorough but occasionally slower depending on time zones. CJ does emphasize “24 Hours Online Support” on its site.

Bottom Line: Both DSers and CJ offer round-the-clock support channels and knowledge bases. DSers has an edge in instant live chat (and has thousands of top reviews praising it). CJ’s support is solid but may require patience or waiting when it’s late night in Asia. In practice, both have robust help resources and active communities.

Honest Pros and Cons of Each

CJdropshipping Pros:

Fast shipping from local warehouses, especially to the US and EU.
Extensive services: product sourcing team, custom branding, photography, inspection, etc..
No mandatory fees: free core service with optional upgrades.
Global platform support: not limited to Shopify – works with many channels.
Large supplier network: direct access to Chinese factories via 1688/Taobao for unique items.
Positive for scaling: good for growing brands that want more control and less manual work on sourcing.

CJdropshipping Cons:

Potential extra fees: For warehousing and custom packaging, there may be inbound/outbound fees.
Slower support at times: Though 24/7, response times can vary (time zone differences).

DSers Pros:

Seamless AliExpress integration: Official partnership means reliable syncing of orders and payments.
Ultra-fast order placement: Can fulfill hundreds of AliExpress orders in seconds, saving huge time.
Multi-store management: Run many Shopify/Woo stores from one dashboard.
Beginner-friendly: Simple interface and top-rated support make it easy to pick up.
Free tier available: Great for new stores to get started without cost.

DSers Cons:

Limited to AliExpress: You can only source what’s on AliExpress. No private inventory or non-Ali suppliers.
No warehousing: Orders ship from wherever the Ali seller is, often China, leading to longer shipping times.
Less product customization: No built-in print-on-demand or packaging services (apart from generic notes).
Fewer platform integrations: Only Shopify, Woo, Wix for now (plus Jumpseller). Not as many as CJ.

Which Platform Fits Your Profile?

Choosing between CJdropshipping and DSers depends on your store’s priorities:

If you focus on AliExpress products and use Shopify: DSers is tailored for that. It’s straightforward and efficient for AliExpress-based dropshipping, with strong Shopify integration. Beginners especially may appreciate DSers’ simplicity and bundled AliExpress features.
If you want global reach and branding: CJ’s wide integration and branding tools give you more room to grow. US-based sellers will benefit from CJ’s local warehouses and 3–6 day shipping. If you plan to sell on platforms like eBay, TikTok Shop, or expand beyond Shopify, CJ’s flexibility helps.
If fast shipping is critical: CJ usually wins because of its warehouses and special shipping lines. Customers impatient for quick delivery (especially in the US/EU) will thank you.
If you prefer lower startup costs and ease: Both have free plans, but CJ’s has no fees at all, so it’s risk-free to start. DSers’ free plan is good too, but its higher tiers get costly as you scale.
If you run multiple stores: DSers lets you handle several stores from one account, which is convenient for multi-niche sellers. CJ also allows multiple store connections, but DSers’ interface is geared to multi-store management.

Ultimately, CJdropshipping is great if you want a comprehensive service that handles as much as possible for you (sourcing, branding, fast shipping). DSers is perfect if you have an AliExpress-centric business and just want a powerful tool to streamline orders and supplier choice.

Final Recommendation

Both CJdropshipping and DSers are excellent tools, but for most Shopify dropshippers we lean toward CJdropshipping in 2025 – especially if you value fast delivery and brand control. CJ’s global warehouses and full suite of services give it an edge in today’s competitive market. That said, DSers remains a strong choice for AliExpress dropshipping. In fact, many seasoned entrepreneurs use both: DSers to tap AliExpress efficiently, and CJdropshipping to fulfill orders and build their brand. By weighing your priorities (AliExpress focus vs. broad features), you can “choose the platform” that best aligns with your goals.

FAQ

Q: Do I need both CJdropshipping and DSers?
A: You can use both tools together. DSers handles AliExpress sourcing and bulk ordering, while CJdropshipping can fulfill orders (even AliExpress orders) from its own warehouses and handle custom packaging.
Q: Which offers faster shipping?
A: CJdropshipping. Because of its US/European warehouses and special shipping lines, CJ can often deliver in 3–6 days in the US. DSers relies on standard AliExpress shipping, which typically takes longer.
Q: Which is better for branding?
A: CJdropshipping. It provides custom packaging, white-label services, and print-on-demand on many products. DSers offers minimal branding (mainly allowing custom notes or inserts).
Q: Is CJdropshipping really free?
A: Yes – CJ’s core dropshipping features (sourcing, listings, order sync, warehouses) are free to use. You only pay for product cost and shipping. Optional CJ membership plans can give you extra perks, but they are not required.
Q: Which is easier for beginners?
A: Both are beginner-friendly, but in different ways. DSers has a simpler focus (AliExpress to Shopify), which may be easier if that’s your niche. CJdropshipping has more features overall, which can feel more complex at first. Many find CJ’s comprehensive service helpful once you get the hang of it.
Q: What if my store isn’t on Shopify?
A: CJdropshipping supports many platforms (WooCommerce, eBay, Etsy, TikTok, etc.). DSers officially supports Shopify, WooCommerce, and Wix. If you plan to expand beyond Shopify, CJ has more integration options.
Q: How do I choose between them?
A: It comes down to your needs. If you need fast US shipping, custom branding, and wide platform support, CJdropshipping is likely the better fit. If you mainly sell AliExpress products on Shopify and want a plug-and-play order tool, DSers will do the job. Consider your product sources, shipping priorities, and budget to decide which aligns with your business.

Each dropshipping business is unique, but armed with this information, you can choose the platform that best matches your goals and customer expectations.