So when it comes to websites like Aliexpress who sell cheap products from many different sellers, what you need to know what you should and shouldn't buy.
For example, anything that has to do with electrical should not be purchased from Aliexpress. Most electrical products on this site are not UL listed or CSA certified, as such they can pose a high risk as the lower cost of the product means cost reductions have been made elsewhere (usually in terms of safety). For example, I wouldn't buy phone chargers, light fixtures, from this website because, from what I've seen, these kinds of products are cheaply made and not safe (for example, a lot of products from Aliexpress aren't properly grounded since in China grounding isn't a thing).
As well, avoid products like cooking utensils, plates, or anything you eat off because, again, these products may not be up to standards and may pose a risk.
However, when it comes to cheap plastic trinkets, cases for phones, etc. these are things which are a good buy from Aliexpress. The risk to your safety with these kinds of products is low, and the prices are reasonable.
Basically, if you're going to Aliexpress expecting that every product is safe, certified, and a reasonable value (as you would expect from a brick and mortar retailer in Canada like Walmart) then you're going to have a bad time. Shopping on websites like this requires a bit of critical thinking. No you can't get a 1tb flash drive for $20, no you can't buy a good quality iPhone from Aliexpress, however when it comes to things like cloths, housewares, etc. then Aliexpress is a good option.
Just always remember: When an item is cheap, it's cheap for a reason.
For example, anything that has to do with electrical should not be purchased from Aliexpress. Most electrical products on this site are not UL listed or CSA certified, as such they can pose a high risk as the lower cost of the product means cost reductions have been made elsewhere (usually in terms of safety). For example, I wouldn't buy phone chargers, light fixtures, from this website because, from what I've seen, these kinds of products are cheaply made and not safe (for example, a lot of products from Aliexpress aren't properly grounded since in China grounding isn't a thing).
As well, avoid products like cooking utensils, plates, or anything you eat off because, again, these products may not be up to standards and may pose a risk.
However, when it comes to cheap plastic trinkets, cases for phones, etc. these are things which are a good buy from Aliexpress. The risk to your safety with these kinds of products is low, and the prices are reasonable.
Basically, if you're going to Aliexpress expecting that every product is safe, certified, and a reasonable value (as you would expect from a brick and mortar retailer in Canada like Walmart) then you're going to have a bad time. Shopping on websites like this requires a bit of critical thinking. No you can't get a 1tb flash drive for $20, no you can't buy a good quality iPhone from Aliexpress, however when it comes to things like cloths, housewares, etc. then Aliexpress is a good option.
Just always remember: When an item is cheap, it's cheap for a reason.