In the Shadow of Far Eastern Online Stores – Where Has True Value Gone in E-Commerce?

The explosive growth of e-commerce has ushered in a new era for both European and Hungarian markets. Especially in recent years, we've seen how online marketplaces from the Far East – such as AliExpress, Shein, Temu, or Wish – have come to dominate much of the digital space. But they don’t just offer cheap products: they build entire ecosystems with staggering budgets.

In the Shadow of Giants

These platforms are global players, spending billions on marketing, influencer campaigns, remarketing systems, and automated logistics. Their resources are so vast that they can afford to operate at a loss in a given market for years—just to bleed out smaller players, whether local webshops or individual creators.

This strategy, known in economics as predatory pricing, is not a new phenomenon. But it is particularly effective online, where there are no storefronts to maintain and logistics—especially from China—are absurdly cheap.

And while these companies aim for global dominance, what happens to small creators and local artisans?

Why Does What I Create Matter to Me?

Speaking from personal experience: I create mandalas. Not just as decoration—this is a calling for me. Through my mandalas, I hope to inspire people. I aim to help them explore their inner world, find calm, and connect more deeply with themselves in this fast-paced, overwhelming world. It’s important to me that my customers experience mindful presence. That’s why I always include a colorable mandala in every envelope with a purchase.

Each mandala is more than just a play of colors and shapes. It’s a feeling, a moment of peace, an inner mirror. Behind every piece lies my time, my energy, and my attention. This is something that cannot be mass-produced. It can’t be shipped in a container for 1.99 USD.

Is Price the Only Factor in a Purchase Decision?

Sadly, I increasingly experience—and I’m not alone—that the most important factor in consumer decisions today is price. Quality, uniqueness, intention, and underlying value are often pushed aside. But this isn’t necessarily the customers’ fault. The economic climate is tightening everyone’s options.

But Is There Really No Money?

That’s a question worth exploring. Because if we look around, we can see: people are still spending. Just on different things.

Statistics: What Do Hungarians Spend On?

According to Eurostat, the average Hungarian household spends around 18,000–20,000 HUF (approx. €45–50) per month on alcohol and tobacco.
Based on 2024 data from the Hungarian Central Statistical Office (KSH), Hungarian families spend about 25,000–30,000 HUF (approx. €60–75) monthly on fast food and food delivery.
Meanwhile, the average amount spent on handcrafted products is less than 1,000 HUF (around €2.50) per month.

This shows that lack of money may not be the core issue—but rather a lack of priority. Consumption is often not conscious, but automatic and habit-based.

Dropshipping – The Age of Superficial Sellers

Another category is the dropshipping store owners. They have no inventory, no production background—just a marketing site and a supplier in China. The products are cheap, yet sold for several times the original price.

A phone case bought for 990 HUF is often sold for 8,990 HUF with a “premium” label and “limited” campaign. No real added value. These sellers often complain about competition and market saturation, even though their business model is centered on maximizing profit margins—not creating value.

In contrast, a creator takes a piece of wood or canvas in the morning and, by evening, brings something into existence that didn’t exist before. Dropshippers pick from a database and rely on targeted Facebook ads to drive profit.

The Consumer’s Responsibility

One of the paradoxes of globalization is that while we can get everything cheaply and quickly, real value is disappearing from our lives. Mass-produced products not only kill uniqueness but also undermine the economic survival of local communities.

A handcrafted item is not just a “thing”—it’s a story, a connection. When you buy from a maker, you don’t just get an object—you receive a piece of their time, passion, and talent. That’s something no automated logistics system or $2 free shipping can replace.

Is There a Way Out?

The question is: what do you, as a buyer, truly want? A quickly worn-out, faceless mass product—or something created with love, attention, and intention? A product that holds not just practical but emotional value?

Local artisans, like myself, cannot—and do not want to—compete with the pricing of corporate giants. But we believe that people will gradually begin to revalue what is genuine, human, and enduring. The things that cannot be mass-produced.

A Final Thought:
How will you choose next time you shop? Will you go for the cheaper, faster, more convenient, but soulless product? Or will you choose something made by hand, with heart, time, and real value?