How Cheap Shopping Sites Are Destroying Small Businesses
In today's digital age, shopping has never been easier.
With just a few clicks, you can have trendy clothing, accessories, and home goods delivered right to your door—all at unbelievably low prices.
Companies like Shein, Temu, and Wish have built their empires on this model, offering mass-produced items at rock-bottom costs.
But behind the convenience and affordability of these platforms lurks a much darker reality.
Environmental Devastation
Fast fashion and mass production come with an enormous environmental price tag.
The manufacturing processes used by companies like Shein and Temu generate excessive carbon emissions, water pollution, and textile waste.
Many of these products are made from synthetic materials that contribute to microplastic pollution, further harming the planet.
Additionally, because these items are often low-quality, they have a short lifespan, leading to more landfill waste.
Exploitation of Workers
Low prices often come at the cost of human rights.
Reports have shown that many fast fashion brands and cheap online retailers rely on exploitative labour conditions.
Workers—sometimes including children—are underpaid, overworked, and subjected to unsafe working environments.
In some cases, these workers earn just pennies per hour while producing the items that end up in online shopping carts worldwide.
Poor Product Quality and Wastefulness
Many shoppers have experienced the disappointment of receiving an item that looks nothing like its online picture.
Cheap fabrics, flimsy stitching, and ill-fitting designs mean that these products rarely last beyond a few wears.
Because of this, consumers are encouraged to buy more and discard items quickly, perpetuating a cycle of wastefulness and unnecessary consumption.
Here's a list of 1 star reviews for a £1.25 card holder from TEMU. (At least the ones that HADN'T have been deleted)
not good
to be thrown away
poor material
it smells very strong
not as pictured
very poor quality
artificial leather
bad packaging
it smelled unpleasant
there were scratches
too big
false advertising
not as described
i do not recommend
strange
item is damp
smells of mold
not genuine
Wow, sounds like a great product!
Hidden Costs to the Economy and Small Businesses
When shoppers turn to ultra-cheap platforms, they often bypass local artisans and small businesses that rely on fair pricing to sustain themselves.
These independent makers craft high-quality, durable products, yet they struggle to compete with mass-produced goods that are priced unrealistically low.
Supporting fast fashion and bargain platforms only strengthens a system that prioritizes profit over craftsmanship, quality, and ethical labour.
Choose Ethical, Quality Craftsmanship Instead
Just like how every action is a vote for the kind of person you want to be (had to slip that in there, not sorry)
Every purchase you make is a vote for the kind of world you want to live in.
Instead of supporting unethical fast fashion and cheap manufacturing, consider investing in well-made, sustainable goods that stand the test of time.
At Wilde’s Leatherwork, I create premium handmade leather goods with care, skill, and dedication.
My products are built to last, ensuring that you get timeless quality without contributing to wastefulness or exploitation.
When you shop with Wilde’s Leatherwork, you're not just buying a product—you’re supporting traditional craftsmanship, ethical production, and sustainable choices.
Ditch the disposable and choose quality.
Visit Wilde’s Leatherwork today and experience the difference of true craftsmanship!
Wilde’s Leatherwork
Leather that will last a lifetime
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See what my valued customers have to say: https://www.wildesleatherwork.co.uk/testimonials
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Why choose Wilde's Leatherwork...
- Premium Quality Leather
- Entirely Handmade
- Lasts a Lifetime
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Your purchase includes...
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About the Items...
- Original Designs Tested In-House
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- Hand Dyed And Finished
- Hand Stitched Using Traditional Techniques
- Burnished and Painted Edges
- Treated With Homemade Leather Balm
Visit the site: https://www.wildesleatherwork.co.uk/
See what my valued customers have to say about my items:
“AMAZING PRODUCT! Great craftsmanship! Sleek design and fits everything you need in a wallet. The materials are excellent quality and long lasting. I’ve had mine for years and still looks great. Lighter and more compact than a regular wallet. Highly recommended!” - Chris B ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“The quality and the feel is superb. 100% exceeded my expectations. Perfect design, the craftsmanship is brilliant, and I am very pleased. Thank you for the fast delivery and another order will be on its way. Keep up the good work, the products are brilliant.” - Jamie S ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“GREAT WALLET. Beautifully made, great quality leather that is giving great service a year in and getting comfier in the pocket by the day as leather wallets should.” - Steve G ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"BRILLIANT. Incredible craftsmanship and is just lovely to hold. Very impressive item with great customer service from the maker himself. Terrific!" - James G ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I was impressed with the quality of materials and craftsmanship. It shows no signs of wear and I'm sure it will last for many years.” - Tony M ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“SO PRETTY! I'm in love with my new key fob! Functional and looks great! Nice to have a little piece of original, local, craftsmanship.” - Natalie HK ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Geoffs communication was brilliant, he'd send regular updates about the progress and it was beautiful. I'm over the moon with it” - Beckie P ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Great work that looks like it will outlive me." - Steve B
“Unique Leather craft made entirely by hand. It's nice to have something that can't be bought in a shop." - Adam S
Visit the site: https://www.wildesleatherwork.co.uk
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