I probably should, but they're so cheap on Amazon anyway.

I don't have Amazon Prime.

For what I typically buy Amazon is about 2x-8x more. Though sometimes for more expensive items it might be a wash.

One other factor is that the minimum order for free shipping is often $10 versus $30 or $39 or $49 depending on Amazon’s algorithmic state and below $10, $1.99 is often Ali Express shipping cost.

But again, that’s for what I buy.

The example I gave was $10. I suppose it's possible I'll get it cheaper on AliExpress, but how much cheaper?

As for shipping - if it's not urgent, I just put it in my Wishlist until I accumulate items beyond the free shipping threshold.

The only way to know how much cheaper is to look on Ali Express. That’s how I wound up there.

I don’t spend mental energy dealing with Amazon’s dark patterns and terrible search that is flooded with sponsored links for something I did not search for…Ali Express search is not great, but it is not adversarial.

But because it works for me doesn’t mean it works for you.

For example, I need a 74hc245 for a repair I am working on. I just bought 10 chips and three 3m USB C/C cables and 50 velcro wire wraps for $10.61 including shipping.

The best price Amazon showed me for the chips was $9.99. I got $14.99 for two cables. And $6.99 for 60 wire wraps.