This isn’t exactly where this belongs so feel free to delete this. I’m mildly infuriated there is no usable alternative to Amazon.com. I’m more than willing to buy products elsewhere, but it’s so easy to default to Amazon. Please help.

  • Rentlar@lemmy.caEnglish
    241·
    3 days ago

    When I want a cheap plastic thingy, or cheap hardware and electronics to play around with, I get it off aliexpress. It’s virtually the same stuff as amazon just for the patient. Most of that stuff is made in China already even if I get it from an online or local brick and mortar retailer, so it seems more direct to me, avoiding needless retransportation, warehousing and waste.

    When I want a quality thing I buy it from a local shop, especially when I need to see it or compare before buying. I can often find a Canadian online retailer too with just a bit of sleuthing.

    • Cala@lemmy.caEnglish
      31·
      2 days ago

      I can often find a Canadian online retailer too with just a bit of sleuthing I’ve tried this a few times and most of them end up just being drop shippers with their own website dedicated to a type of product (and are questionably Canadian), sometimes shipping from whatever country warehouse to me. Any ideas how to tell vs an actual located in Canada shop?

      • Rentlar@lemmy.caEnglish
        1·
        2 days ago

        Look at their address and their warehouse, look at the website of the brands of products they sell and find their address. Are they Canadian or are they just a reseller of the same stuff coming from overseas?

    • Breve@pawb.socialEnglish
      21·
      2 days ago

      For cheap plastic “thingies” if you know a friend with a 3D printer they can be of massive help. Even if you don’t have such a friend, there are domestic businesses that will print and ship things for you. Granted they aren’t always as cheap, but easily better for the environment due to being more local.

      • Showroom7561@lemmy.caEnglish
        4·
        1 day ago

        Also, check your local library for “creator” services. Our local libraries have 3d printers you can either use, or have them print stuff for you for dirt cheap. Really, really cool service.

    • Kaiyoto@lemmy.worldEnglish
      35·
      2 days ago

      This right here! If you are looking at something on amazon go to Ali or Temu.

      • Breve@pawb.socialEnglish
        121·
        2 days ago

        Quitting Amazon to use AliExpress or Temu is like quitting drinking alcohol by switching to heroin instead.

        Environmental issues aside, cheap disposable shit that you have to replace constantly actually costs you way more in the long run.

        • dmegatool@lemmy.caEnglish
          4·
          2 days ago

          I think the point behind made is that the stuff on Amazon is literally the same items. People buy off Alibaba / express and resell on Amazon… With a pretty good markup.

          I see way more dropshipping on Amazon than before. It’s gonna end up just being a front for the chineese stores.

        • Kaiyoto@lemmy.worldEnglish
          2·
          2 days ago

          I agree, but sometimes you just need some cheap shit. I’d rather pay 2$ for stickers for my kids than the same ones for 9$ on amazon.