• salt

  table salt, iodized salt, himalayan... they're all the same for me. I don't think my taste buds are adapted to the subtle differences so cheaper ones are better.

• show-off jewelry, wallet, purses

  showing off jewelry is an invitation to be mugged (again, imo. ymmv) so the cheaper ones are the better options.

• coffee

  if only you're fine with cheaper ways to wake yourself.

• wax-based lip balm

  anything beeswax is good. then again ymmv since people can be allergic

• pure or as-is things like land, electricity, internet, water, oxygen cans, gas/ heating, alcohol (disinfectant)

I buy good brands from China for my professional tools, phones, laptops, and gadgets. The key is knowing which brands in China are good. Nothing else can compete in terms of value for money.

Motorbikes (for commuting). My midrange motorbike cost under 2k USD brand new, and it gets me to work at the same speed as an expensive one (Asian traffic, haha).

Space heaters

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=V-jmSjy2ArM

Stuff that is used and immediately disposed of like trash bags, paper towels, and toilet paper. You need to be a little more careful with the cheapest trash bags and toilet paper, but it will still get the job done.

wrapping paper