Amazon Vine is basically just you paying for Aliexpress items during tax season…

Been on vine for about three years. Mostly stopped ordering in early 2024 because for the most part, everything I got I either didn’t actually need or was a garbage.

Recently, I bought some car parts that were only available on Aliexpress. While there I saw a retractable car charger that I ordered from Vine a few months back. It had a taxable value of $29 on Vine. Price on Aliexpress? $6.

If you’re doing the math at home, assuming a 20% tax on income, I saved a whopping $0.20 by getting a “free” car charger on Vine.

I tried it with a few more items. Snowboarding goggles, replacement MacBook charger, socket set, and a few other misc things. All similar results.

Next time before you get something on Vine, look it up on Aliexpress first. There’s a good chance you’re paying the same amount in taxes as the items sells for in the first place.

Vine can still save you a few bucks here and there, but I’d really ask yourself if you need the item.