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?
As a general rule for AliExpress, if something is priced too low, it’s going to be garbage.
I’ve relied on Reddit thread advice in the past for getting decently reputable Chinese brands, which has worked well when buying various things (cycling gear, kitchen scale, mini-PC).
Also look for reviews with like quality closeups & actual text review with substance you can technically understand - still expect quality assurance differences.
That said, you can over time find stores that you trust more.
The prices are all marked up already so it’s not a full guide - eg both cheap & expensive USB cables all still costs cents to produce (even if one is several times more expensive to produce), yet sale price is usually several times that & you can’t tell what was more expensive to make.
In order to get quality stuff consistently you just have to invest a lot of time into reading & browsing (unless for repeat purchases if you are happy with what you got - and there def is quality stuff there).