When it comes to great deals and convenience, Amazon Essentials is unbeatable. The in-house private label has budget-friendly prices on everyday basics, from clothing to household must-haves, but just because it’s cheap doesn’t mean it’s worth space in your cart. Not every product delivers on value and quality, and shopping experts reveal which items to avoid.
Cheap Phone Chargers Can Cost You More in the Long Run
It’s tempting to go with a generic brand because it’s typically a less expensive option, but when it comes to phone chargers, it’s better to go with the pricier name, according to Bobby Ghoshal, CEO of Dupe.com, an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered website that helps shoppers find lower prices.
Ghoshal has bought several knockoff phone chargers on Amazon and learned the affordable price tag was costing him more in the long run.
“I noticed one was slow to charge or not working properly, so I just added one to my cart for a few bucks, but they never last long,” he explained. He added, “I could plug my phone in overnight only to find it dead the next day, which isn’t convenient when you rely so heavily on it for business.”
After a few times, Ghoshal realized he was spending more money on cheaper phone chargers and went back to paying for a more reliable name. He hasn’t had to replace his charger since upgrading.
“Separately, some knockoffs don’t protect your phone from surges, which could cost you greatly — sure, it’s convenient and inexpensive until your phone is fried and you have a trash full of cheap chargers that don’t work,” he said.
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Amazon Essentials Outerwear Isn’t Built for Cold Weather
For stylish and affordable outerwear, Amazon Essentials is a nice option, but if you need weather resistance, it’s better to skip, according to retail finance expert Melanie Musson at Quote.com.
“If you need outerwear for snow, cold and activities, you’ll need more technical gear. Amazon Essentials doesn’t provide the water resistance and wind-proofing needed for winter sports and long days outside,” she said.
Amazon Essentials Jeans Can Be Inconsistent in Fit
Jeans are a wardrobe staple for many shoppers, but Musson says Amazon Essentials may not be the most reliable option.
“When you find a brand of jeans you like, you can rely on buying your usual size and knowing they fit, but Amazon Essentials jeans may fit once you buy them, but not the next time,” she explained.
Why Amazon Essentials Kids’ Swimwear Falls Short
Kids grow out of clothes quickly, but according to Musson, Amazon Essentials swimwear can become unusable even faster.
“The materials these swimsuits are made of are less stretchy and comfortable than those of other brands. If your child grows, the suit won’t stretch to fit,” said Musson.
It’s undeniable that Amazon Essentials offers good deals, but it can sometimes miss the mark. Spending a little more upfront on certain items can save money over time — especially when durability, fit and safety matter.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: I’m a Shopping Expert: 4 Amazon Essentials I Stopped Buying
