Cheaper Versus More Expensive! Things to note when buying on Taobao and other shopping sites!

Those who had shopped on Taobao will know that for the same item, there could be a range of price and brands. They can all look the same (with same descriptions and photos) but differs in price.

I've bought 2 bags that looked exactly the same on Taobao (with same description and photos), but of different brand and price. One of them cost ~SG$26 (after shipment) and the other ~$20 (after shipment). I'll admit, I actually wanted to get both the bags from the $20 store but they've ran out of the colour I wanted! But it's a blessing in disguise, I actually got a better quality bag from another store!

When I received them, I realised why the SG$26 one was more expensive... Now I'd do some comparison and you can see for yourself.

*Note: All photos are not edited. So the picture quality might not be as good. I apologise in advance.


Both bags have similar dimension, 38cm x 27cm x 12cm.


Can you guess which is the more expensive bag?

Yes, it's the one on the right, the Blue/Grey one!

See the differences? Anyway, let's go into the details ...


Material and Weight

The more expensive bag is made from water-proof nylon while the cheaper one is from water-poof canvas.

The cheaper bag is slightly lighter than the more expensive bag and that is due to the difference in material.



Carrying Strap 

This is actually the most important factor that I look for (and I guess many) when it comes to bigger bags such as these - The strap must be durable and comfortable so that your shoulders wouldn't hurt so much after long hours of carrying.

Left: More expensive Bag, Right: Cheaper Bag

The thickness of the strap doesn't look too different on the front. Perhaps some might even like the one on the right (the cheaper bag) a little more due to the design.

However, when it comes to the bottom of that strap, it becomes obvious, who is better. The one on the left is that of the more expensive one and it much thicker, softer and more comfortable. The strap of the cheaper one is more stiff and uncomfortable. The strap on the more expensive one is also more sweat proof.

Left: More expensive Bag, Right: Cheaper Bag

This is the strap that connects to the bottom of the bag. The more expensive bag (top) has a much thicker strap.

Top: More expensive Bag, Bottom: Cheaper Bag

The cheaper bag have a somehow weird design for adjusting the length of the carrying strap. It's made in such a way that you've to pull UPWARDS to adjust and I can tell you, it's quite annoying because, it usually won't budge! I very much perhaps the design on the more expensive bag, which you just need a slight downwards tug to adjust the strap.


Top: More expensive Bag, Bottom: Cheaper Bag


Hooks, Zips and other "joints"

Both bags have zips that work smootthly. However, the zips on the more expensive bag is of much better quality.

Top: More expensive Bag, Bottom: Cheaper Bag

 Left: More expensive Bag, Right: Cheaper Bag

The leather clipper on the bags... I guess you can see on your own. The one on the more expensive bag is thicker and feels much more sturdy.


Left: More expensive Bag, Right: Cheaper Bag

Left: More expensive Bag, Right: Cheaper Bag

Left: More expensive Bag, Right: Cheaper Bag

Left: More expensive Bag, Right: Cheaper Bag


Workmanship

Workmanship on both bags are quite good. However, the one on the cheaper bag have slightly more flaws like the velcro on one of the compartment is not properly aligned. I know this kind of nitpicking but I don't see such an obvious one in the other bag.



Gifts

The cheaper bag does come with a free gift but not the more expensive one.




Well, that's my comparison of 2 similar bags from Taobao with a few dollars (~SG$7) different! Which would you prefer? Do you think the more expensive bag is worth the price different?

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