Ok, so I’m in need of some basics like USB cables, low ampage power adapters and all my local suppliers are overpriced IMO (€10+).

I feel that Amazon stuff is just repackaged AliExpress stuff, so I want to skip the middle-hand and buy directly from them.

Problem is, EVERYTHING on there seems like a massive scam (€0.15 for 5 etc). Is there any way to not end up with something potentially life threatening on AliExpress?

  • zabadoh@ani.social
    7·
    2 days ago

    Those “overpriced” products in your local stores?

    You’re supporting your neighbors.

    There’s also the cost to you of shipping, even if it’s hidden inside the payment for your Amazon Prime membership.

    Although these days with the dominance of chain stores, some percentage is shipped out of the community.

    Also, shopping locally reduces single use plastic shipping package pollution.

    I haven’t shopped on Amazon for over a decade, and only buy something online if I truly can’t find it locally.

    And then I prefer buying from the company’s own website, then eBay, then AliExpress, before I’ll even think of one click inside Amazon.

    • PonyOfWar@pawb.social
      6·
      2 days ago

      Those “overpriced” products in your local stores?

      You’re supporting your neighbors.

      Depends. If I wanted to buy some cables locally, it’d have to be at the electronics store the next town over. It’s part of a chain that was just purchased by a Chinese megacorporation. They sell a single brand of shoddy quality cables for a huge markup, all made in China. At that point, the more ethical choice would be to purchase some Made in Europe cables online (just as pricey, but at least my money won’t go to China).