These are typically legitimate product listings that sellers make harder to find on purpose. The reasons include:
Bypassing Marketing Costs: To avoid AliExpress' fees for promoted listings.
Offering Discounts: To provide special deals to specific customers (e.g., from YouTube reviews or coupon sites) without lowering the public price.
Testing New Products: To gauge interest in a new item without a full public launch.
Selling Restricted Items: Sometimes, they are used to sell items that might be in a gray area of AliExpress' policies.
How People Find Them
These links are usually shared in specific online communities:
Deal/Frugality Websites and Blogs: Sites dedicated to finding online bargains.
Social Media Groups: Facebook groups, Telegram channels, or Reddit communities (like r/Aliexpresshiddendeals).
YouTube and TikTok Videos: Influencers often share links in their video descriptions.
Coupon/Affiliate Sites: Some sites specialize in collecting and sharing these links.
Very Important Warnings and Risks
While finding a great deal can be exciting, you should be aware of the significant risks involved:
No Buyer Protection: The main risk is that if the product listing is "hidden" because it violates AliExpress' policies, you may not be covered by AliExpress' standard buyer protection if something goes wrong.
Potential for Scams: It's easier for a scammer to operate a hidden listing. The product you receive might be completely different, much lower quality, or you might receive nothing at all.
Difficulty Finding the Item Again: If you need to contact the seller or open a dispute later, finding the original product page can be challenging since it doesn't show up in searches.
Misleading "Secret" Hype: Often, these are just standard products with a small discount. The "hidden" aspect is used as a marketing tactic to create a false sense of exclusivity and urgency.
How to Proceed Safely (If You Choose To)
If you decide to use a hidden link, follow these steps to protect yourself:
Check the Seller's Reputation: Before buying, always look at the seller's store rating, positive feedback percentage, and their transaction history. Avoid new sellers with no feedback.
Use Secure Payment Methods: Always pay through the official AliExpress system. Never agree to pay through an external link or direct transfer.
Screen Record the Process: When placing the order, use a screen recording app to record yourself clicking the link, viewing the product description, adding it to your cart, and completing the checkout. This is your best evidence if the item is not as described.
Read the Description Carefully: Pay close attention to the specs, materials, and size charts. Scammers often use generic or stolen images.
Understand What "Hidden" Means: Often, the link isn't truly "hidden" but is just a standard product ID that isn't being promoted. The real risk is the reason why it's not being promoted.
In short, while "hidden links" can sometimes lead to genuine discounts, they also come with increased risks. The safest approach is to always research the seller thoroughly and use AliExpress' official payment system. For most shoppers, sticking to products with good reviews that are easily searchable is the much safer option.
