European vs Chinese Dropshipping: Quality and guarantees for your business

In recent years, dropshipping has won over thousands of digital entrepreneurs. The idea of selling without stock and without logistical complications seems, at first glance, a rounded model. However, not all paths are equally safe to develop a successful business with guarantees.

Some dropshippers and ecommerce companies have opted for Chinese platforms such as AliExpress, Temu or Shein, attracted by their low prices and extensive catalogue of references. But behind these apparent advantages, there are hidden risks that can undermine customer confidence, profitability and, in the worst case, jeopardise the continuity and reputation of the business.

Why is it key to choose quality and products with a European guarantee?

In recent months, the European Union has detected a significant increase in products that do not comply with its safety, labelling or composition regulations. This is a problem not only for the consumer, but especially for the seller, who in Europe is always legally responsible for the product. In fact, the new Directive 2024/2853 EU extends product liability to online platforms and retailers, including digital products and services.

According to European Commission data, 61% of dangerous non-food or cosmetic products detected on the European market originate from China currently .

For all these reasons, more and more businesses are turning to the European dropshipping model, which allows them to operate with full guarantees, offering a flawless and risk-free customer experience.

BigBuy is the European dropshipping reference, offering a wide catalogue and technologies to grow your online business with EU certified products and top brands that will provide the extra quality and differentiation that your ecommerce needs to function today.

Do Chinese platform products comply with European regulations?

The short answer: in many cases, no.

Platforms such as AliExpress, Shein or Temu allow any manufacturer, without prior checks, to offer their products directly to Europe. The result? Products without CE certification, electronic goods that do not comply with basic safety standards, toys without child safety controls, or cosmetics without health registration.

And the worst thing is that when the customer has a problem, he will not go to the Chinese supplier to complain. They will come to you, to your online shop, and it will be up to you to give them an answer.

What risks are you taking if you opt for the Chinese dropshipping model?

• Fines and penalties for placing products on the market that do not comply with European legislation.
• Seizure at customs, with added costs and delays.
• Massive returns, with the consequent financial loss for your business.
• Legal claims that place you solely responsible.
• Deterioration of your online reputation, something that takes years to build and minutes to destroy.

European regulations: the ones you can’t ignore

In Europe, products must comply with clear and demanding regulations. The most common ones you need to be aware of if you sell online are:

• CE marking: mandatory for electronic products, toys, sports equipment, etc.
• RoHS regulation: limits the use of hazardous substances in electronic products.
• Specific regulations for child safety, cosmetics, textiles, etc.

On Chinese platforms, it is common that these requirements are not met or are falsified. And the risk is 100% for you.

What measures has the European Union put in place?

The European Union has tightened its control policies with:

• Reinforcement of customs and systematic blocking of uncertified products. In fact, 92% of the products checked by European customs in the last year were unfit for sale and were denounced.
• RAPEX system, for the urgent removal of hazardous products.
• Direct responsibility of the seller, even if the product comes from outside, the seller is ultimately responsible for the sale.
• Greater traceability and transparency in the real origin of the product.

These measures are intended to protect consumers and shops that do things right, but they are also a clear warning: selling without following the rules is expensive.

What are the real advantages of European dropshipping compared to Chinese dropshipping?

When we talk about European dropshipping versus the traditional Chinese model, we are not just talking about geographic location. We are talking about a shift in focus to quality, customer experience and, above all, the sustainability and scalability of the business.

European dropshipping is not just another alternative; it is the option that allows you to build a solid, legal brand, with professional processes adapted to the expectations of today’s European consumer.

The three main axes that mark the differentiation of the models are as follows:

• Compliance with regulations
• Delivery deadlines
• Customer service and support
• Product and brand differentiation

Full compliance with regulations

One of the big differences in European dropshipping is the strict compliance with EU regulations. This is not a minor detail.

More and more consumers are prioritising safety, sustainability and transparency in their purchasing decisions.

Working with European dropshipping suppliers ensures you:

• Products with mandatory CE certification in categories such as electronics, toys, health or cosmetics.
• Compliance with regulations such as RoHS, child safety or environmental regulations.
• Correct labelling in the relevant language and clear traceability of origin.

The advantage?
Your business operates within the legal framework, without fear of inspections, sanctions, customs blockades or legal claims. And above all, you gain the trust of your customers, who know that your shop offers safe and responsible products.

In short: selling within the rules is not an option; it is the only way to build a future-proof ecommerce business.

Realistic and reliable delivery deadlines

One of the biggest headaches in Chinese dropshipping is the long delivery times and logistical unpredictability.
It is not uncommon for a customer to wait 15, 30 or even 40 days or more for an order that can get stuck in customs or even get lost along the way.

This type of experience generates mistrust, bad ratings and, worst of all, loss of customers.

By opting for European dropshipping, these problems disappear:

• Shipments are faster and more predictable, often with delivery within 24/48 hours.
• No surprises from customs, tariffs or hidden fees.
• Optimised logistics from warehouses within the EU, with reliable logistics partners.

This control of the supply chain allows you to offer a premium experience to the end customer, comparable to the big brands, without compromising your profitability.
Today, immediacy and reliability are key elements in building loyalty among European consumers.

Close and professional customer service

Another of the weaknesses of the Asian model is customer service.
When a problem arises with an order on platforms such as AliExpress, Temu or Shein, handling returns, exchanges or complaints can become a nightmare for both the seller and the customer.

With BigBuy’s European dropshipping model, this changes radically:

• Simple and local returns management, no need to send the product to China.
• Customer service in the same language and similar time slots, which streamlines communication and enhances the experience.
• Clear, direct and secure guarantees, in accordance with European regulations.

Such smooth processes not only save time and costs, but also strengthen the credibility of your online shop. A customer who feels that he or she is listened to, receives a quick response and can return a product without hassle, is a customer who will repeat and recommend you.

In addition, thanks to European support, you avoid having to act as an intermediary between the client and an inaccessible Chinese supplier, reducing the operational burden and focusing on what is important: growing your business with peace of mind and legal security.

Greater differentiation and access to leading European brands

One of the biggest challenges for ecommerce today is to differentiate itself in an ocean of online shops selling the same low-cost products imported from China.

If you bet on Chinese platforms such as AliExpress or Temu, you will enter a price war in which it is very difficult to stand out and grow.

The result? Minimal margins, low loyalty and low brand value. Many dropshippers who opt for the Chinese model are forced to close their online shops due to poor performance, or even with debts and investments to pay off.

European dropshipping, on the other hand, gives you access to exclusive catalogues and top brands recognised in Europe, which is virtually impossible to obtain with Chinese suppliers.

Working with specialised European suppliers not only ensures you comply with regulations, but also opens the door to products with higher added value, European design, local trends and exclusive collections that are not saturated in marketplaces.

This translates into:

• Improved margins by offering products with a higher perceived value.
• Increased customer loyalty, who are looking for quality, design and products with personality.
• Premium or niche positioning, moving away from the perception of a “cheap shop with Chinese products”.
• Access to recognised brands and local partnerships, which bring immediate credibility and trust to your ecommerce.

For example, at BigBuy we work with established European brands in sectors such as home, health, wellbeing, sport and technology, allowing you to offer your customers quality products that they won’t find in any low-cost shop.

In short: differentiation in ecommerce is not a luxury, it is a necessity. Going for European dropshipping helps you stand out, build a unique value proposition and sell more… without getting into the dangerous price war with cloned products from Chinese platforms.

BigBuy: European dropshipping with all guarantees

At BigBuy we know that, in today’s ecommerce, it is not enough to sell products. It’s about building brands that generate trust, offering an impeccable shopping experience and, above all, sleeping easy knowing that all your business is within the law and with professional processes behind it.

That’s why we at BigBuy have been helping online shops scale their business for over a decade thanks to a reliable, agile and smooth European dropshipping model.

How do we do it?

• We work with selected European suppliers. Each product that enters our catalogue undergoes a validation process and complies with the quality and safety standards required in the European Union.
• Clear guarantees and no small print. All our products have certifications, quality labelling and guarantees adapted to each market. This means you can sell with peace of mind, knowing that your customer is receiving a safe and compliant product.
• Local and efficient after-sales service. We know that the difference between an amateur shop and a professional one is in how they handle incidents. That’s why our customer service team is based in Europe, speaks your language and offers quick solutions, avoiding endless paperwork or cultural barriers.
• Stress-free logistics. With our centralised warehouse in Spain and that of our partners, we cover the whole of Europe with competitive delivery times and no customs scares. You focus on selling, we take care of the rest.

In short, with BigBuy you not only have access to a diversified and quality catalogue, you have access to a structure designed to make your business sustainable, scalable and competitive in the demanding European market.

Do you want to find out in detail why more and more ecommerce companies are choosing the European dropshipping model over the Chinese one? We tell you in this article: Why dropshipping with China is not a good idea.

Frequently asked questions about European dropshipping

How does EU legislation affect products sold online?
European legislation is one of the most demanding in the world in terms of product safety, labelling and guarantees. Whether the product is manufactured in China, the United States or Spain, if it is sold in the European Union, it must comply with EU regulations.

This directly affects any ecommerce, as the legal responsibility always lies with the seller, not the supplier or the platform. That is why it is key to work with European dropshipping, where you know that the product complies with all regulations and you are not exposed to sanctions, blockages or legal problems derived from working with the Chinese dropshipping model.

What happens if I sell an uncertified product in Europe?
The consequences can be serious and go beyond a simple return. You can face:

• Administrative fines.
• Blocking of goods at customs.
• Civil claims for damages.
• Irreversible reputational damage to your online shop.

In addition, platforms such as Amazon or eBay are tightening their controls, and selling non-compliant products can lead to the suspension or closure of your account.

Is it more profitable to work with a European supplier?
Although the unit price of the products may be somewhat higher than that of Chinese suppliers in some cases, the reality is that working with European dropshipping gives you access to higher quality products, greater differentiation and better margins that are sustainable in the long term.

In addition, you save on paperwork, returns, logistics and after-sales service, offering a superior customer experience. And that, in ecommerce, is synonymous with more sales, more loyalty and a more solid and professional business.

Does European dropshipping allow you to sell top brand products?
Yes, unlike the Chinese model, where most products are generic or imitations, European dropshipping gives you access to recognised brands and exclusive products that add value to your online shop. This is key to differentiate yourself, offer premium products and avoid competing on price alone.

Can I scale my business with European dropshipping?
Yes, you can. In fact, many entrepreneurs who start with Asian dropshipping end up migrating to European suppliers when they want to make the leap to a more professional, stable and profitable ecommerce. European dropshipping is more sustainable in the medium and long term, both in logistical and commercial terms.

Is it compatible with selling on marketplaces such as Amazon, Cdiscount or eBay?
Yes, in fact, working with European suppliers makes it easier to sell on marketplaces, as they require certified products, correct labelling and regulatory compliance. With BigBuy, for example, you can easily integrate your sales on multiple European marketplaces, with the peace of mind of knowing that you comply with all local requirements.