What kind of products are you looking for?
Since most products are produced in China these days, it makes sense to buy directly using Aliexpress or Ebay. If we are talking about larger items and quantities, especially for business use, it pays to do some research locally and acquire some contacts.
In many places there are price crawlers that present you price comparisons for a large number of shops. Here we have a couple of them and the largest is notorious for billing the participating shops too much. Not that much different than Amazon in that respect...
Most items, really.
As far as current needs, computer parts, electronics kit/components, supplements, spices/non-perishable food items, boots, fishing reel.
I'd looked at aliexpress a time or two, but wasn't sure of the quality or reliability. Hadn't talked to anyone who'd actually used it, so wasn't sure how trustworthy it was.
It seems like I need to approach it one item at a time and start making my own personal list or directory.
Edit: Last time that I used ebay for something directly from china, it was wrong size despite their guide. It wouldve cost me $70 to return a $50 dollar order. I ended up using it on something else, but was pretty pissed. I try and buy from US buyers now even if it's an import but is why Amazon was convenient with their return policies.
Aliexpress is great for a lot of things, especially cheaper electronics where the exact same item can be found at a much higher price locally. They also carry lots of branded items, but you have to be familiar with Chinese brands, some of them are top quality but unknown here. For food and supplements you would have to find a good seller and that's extra work to check feedback and reviews. Clothes and footwear, again, I would be hesitant, especially with sizes.
If you are looking for computer parts like graphics cards and processors, many local computer shops do have some kind of web presence. If you are adventurous and want to try the items on Aliexpress, you can find some weird deals but it's risky. A friend bought a PC case with all the components and is very happy with it but I don't think I would take the risk myself.
It pays to know the market and understand the risks and even be familiar with each of these sites. You can also check other similar markets like banggood and gearbest. In any case, I would avoid buying something expensive, as returning an item is practically not an option.
Fuck that aliexpress is CCP shit
What do you want? American made, or lower prices for inferior products? You are investing in America when you buy American made goods. You are investing in China if you buy China made shit. It all boils down to where you heart is compared to where your pocketbook is. If your pocketbook wins over your heart, what are you?
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