Korea can be a shoppers mecca with large swaths of land and entire neighborhoods dedicated to the art of the deal. Out of the many shopping options, Daiso is the place to be if you're looking to shop for adorable little products that range from tablecloths and eco bags to tupperware and cat toys.
However, not all Daiso products are equal and Korean netizens have chosen the top 10 products to warn you about before you waste your hard-earned money.
Ceramic Tableware
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It can be tempting to splurge on a plethora of tableware when you come across coffee mugs for a dollar. However, how great can the quality be when the coffee mug costs as much as a candy bar?
Many people agree that there are issues with these particularly cheap products including easily becoming stained, breaking, chipping, and paint quickly fading.
Not all mugs and plates are created equal. Some tableware can still serve the purpose well even if it only costs a dollar. Just use your best discretion to check the material.
Stainless Steel Tableware
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Koreans love to load up on stainless steel bowls and cups to take on picnics or camping trips. However, many people have found that buying cheap stainless steel products results in bowls and cups that rust easily. Then, you just have to go out and buy a new one anyway.
That raises the question: is it better to buy the same product several times at a cheap price, or buying a more expensive product only once?
Extension Cord Cover
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This is another really popular product in Korea. Who can deny the appeal of something that hides the ugliness of crowded extension cord outlets and even provides a small shelf to store things on if you desire? It's like make-up for your desk.
However, the reviews are in and they say this is a really hit-or-miss product. Maybe the lid can't slide open suddenly? Maybe it causes overheating? It's a good idea, but may be better to spend a few extra pennies to get a good one.
Headphones
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Another popular product that everyone buys at some point. But we've all had struggles with headphones where you have to spin it around in the jack for it to work or only the left earbud works and the right one doesn't. That's not even to mention the terrible sound quality (where is the bass?)
It might be tempting to buy a pair of headphones for 2 dollars when you see it, and from the outside it will look like a steal.
But this is definitely one product worth spending a little more in order to get a good quality pair of headphones.
Vacuum Packing Bag
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This product can be extremely useful for people who are about to travel and need some extra room in their luggage or need to store their winter clothes in a tight space for the duration of the summer. Some people love this product and a good-quality one is arguably a useful product for literally everyone.
So what's the downside? Well, cheap ones have just as many cons as it does pros. The big one being that the vacuum seal might fail and the bag will just wind up inflating again when you have already packed it away.
Fragrant Candles
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Everyone likes a good smelling candle. It can complement your interior design and just make your room/house feel more comfortable. But what do you do when the scent is too weak or non-existent? Or what about a wick that burns too quickly or not at all?
Many people purchase these cheap candles to use only as decoration, knowing that the scent will likely be a failure. So why not spend a little bit more and get a candle that serves as both a decoration AND a good scent-producing product?
Tape
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Tape is a necessity for everyone at some point and it's always when you least expect it. So when you need it, you should have something that you can depend on. But cheap tape just rips easily and often doesn't stick for long.
When you need it, get the good stuff.
Lint Remover
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This is a niche product for people who like cute products. The premise is simple: use it like a small vacuum to remove annoying lint from your clothes.
The cheaper versions just don't seem up to the job though. They can just completely fail at the task or pull strands of thread, which makes the problem worse.
Most people recommend getting the more expensive version that will perform much better.
Showerhead
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It's pretty common to replace your showerhead every once in a while. Having a showerhead with varying spray patterns and water pressure can be great to make personal adjustments.
Sometimes you need a particular setting in order to get that stubborn shampoo out of your hair or a more relaxed setting when you have a sunburn..
Getting one on the cheap, however, can always lead to regret. Sometimes the pressure is too strong or too weak. Also, cheap materials can rust quickly and spray that rust onto your hair. Some can mold exceptionally quickly due to poor design.
Do yourself a favor and get a nicer one.
Mosquito Repellant Diffuser
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The final product on the list is the ever-popular mosquito repellant diffuser. Every summer and fall, the mosquitoes in Korea come out to party and feast on human flesh. They can be absolutely menacing.
But some reviews for the cheap version of this product (usually acquired at Daiso) can be quite entertaining. They range from comments about it being more like a mosquito signal rather than a repellant. Some people even said that you should use this product if you'd like to be a blood donor.
Anyway you slice it, everyone hates mosquitoes and will be infinitely happier to actually be rid of them. So get a product that is up to the job.
This concludes the list! Sometimes, getting something for cheap can still be worth it depending on your patience level or what you really intend to use it for.
If you only need something for a one-time use, you can't go wrong with cheap Daiso products.
For something you plan to use consistently, it can be worth it to spend a little extra cash for a superior product.