How many times have youordered something onlineand the item that arrived was of disappointing quality? Or how many times has a new item you bought broken after just one use? From shoes, clothes, cutlery, and even appliances – it seems that manufacturers don’t build things that last anymore.To highlight this phenomenon, we’ve collected the most frustrating and hilarious examples of low-quality items that people have shared online. From the"What I ordered vs. what I got"trend to everyday tools that left much to be desired in the quality department, we present to you the times new purchases had people extremely disappointed.This post may includeaffiliate links.

How many times have youordered something onlineand the item that arrived was of disappointing quality? Or how many times has a new item you bought broken after just one use? From shoes, clothes, cutlery, and even appliances – it seems that manufacturers don’t build things that last anymore.

To highlight this phenomenon, we’ve collected the most frustrating and hilarious examples of low-quality items that people have shared online. From the"What I ordered vs. what I got"trend to everyday tools that left much to be desired in the quality department, we present to you the times new purchases had people extremely disappointed.

This post may includeaffiliate links.

Cat struggling in a low-quality cat tower indoors.

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Pink robe comparison showing low-quality items bought, with expectations versus reality.

Two low-quality geode mugs, one polished and one rough, highlighting differences in appearance and design.

In 2023, comedian Ellory Smithretweeteda photo of actor Ben Schwartz recreatingBilly Crystal’scharacter Harry’s look from the cult classicWhen Harry Met Sally.In the photographs, both men are wearing white cable knit sweaters, yet the quality differs significantly. Whereas the sweater that Crystal was wearing was thick and chunky, Schwartz’s was thin and almost see-through.“The quality of sweaters has declined so greatly in the last twenty years that I think it genuinely necessitates a national conversation,” Smith captioned her tweet. Many netizens agreed, and even major publications ran articles likeThe Atlantic’s"Your Sweaters Are Garbage" andNylon’s"What’s Going On With Sweaters?"

In 2023, comedian Ellory Smithretweeteda photo of actor Ben Schwartz recreatingBilly Crystal’scharacter Harry’s look from the cult classicWhen Harry Met Sally.In the photographs, both men are wearing white cable knit sweaters, yet the quality differs significantly. Whereas the sweater that Crystal was wearing was thick and chunky, Schwartz’s was thin and almost see-through.

“The quality of sweaters has declined so greatly in the last twenty years that I think it genuinely necessitates a national conversation,” Smith captioned her tweet. Many netizens agreed, and even major publications ran articles likeThe Atlantic’s"Your Sweaters Are Garbage" andNylon’s"What’s Going On With Sweaters?"

Laundry room mess from low-quality laundry bag; debris scattered on wood floor.

Low-quality items: two broken hammers on a wooden plank, showcasing ineffective tools purchased for work.

Side-by-side comparison of a turquoise beach cover-up and a low-quality item version at home.

Yetclothesaren’t the only product that has declined in quality over the years. As evident from this list, people are noticing that everything from toilet brushes, knives, and even pans just don’t last as long as they used to. We’re not just imagining things. Experts concur that a lot of things are made to last us a shorter amount of time.They refer to this phenomenon as “Planned obsolescence.” It’s a strategy manufacturers use to drive consumerism and cut costs. Global compliance and sustainability director at Tag Alex Hicksexplains: “Products over time have reduced in robustness in terms of materials. They’ve got thinner, the construction is cheaper, and we’ve seen a general move from metal toplastic.”

Yetclothesaren’t the only product that has declined in quality over the years. As evident from this list, people are noticing that everything from toilet brushes, knives, and even pans just don’t last as long as they used to. We’re not just imagining things. Experts concur that a lot of things are made to last us a shorter amount of time.

They refer to this phenomenon as “Planned obsolescence.” It’s a strategy manufacturers use to drive consumerism and cut costs. Global compliance and sustainability director at Tag Alex Hicksexplains: “Products over time have reduced in robustness in terms of materials. They’ve got thinner, the construction is cheaper, and we’ve seen a general move from metal toplastic.”

Broken hammer labeled “high quality” reflects low-quality items people bought.

Broken knife with detached blade and handle, showcasing low-quality items on a brown surface.

A damaged toaster in a kitchen sink representing low-quality items people bought.

Today, we’re almost used to replacing items quickly. Think about your shoes: what was the longest you spent using one pair of trainers? Some sourcessaythat the average walking shoe is built to last for 300-500 miles. Othersputthe end of a shoe’s shelf life at 8-12 months. If we were to tell this to our grandparents, they would probably be appalled: “In my day, shoes would last you for 10 years,” they would probably say.

Low-quality item showing a reversible plush toy with a sad and happy face on a gray surface.

Two men wearing low-quality face masks with distorted images, highlighting humorous design flaws.

Low-quality action figure comparison, highlighting poor craftsmanship and detailing issues.

In truth, people replace used items even if they’re not worn to bits. A desire for something more trendy, pretty, or functional can also drive sales. Take smartphones, for example: people often want to own the newest one that has all the cool new features and prolonged battery life.But manufacturers have faults here too. They design the phones to be replaced every couple of years or so, mostly so you can’t update your old phone with the newest software and therefore are susceptible to cybersecurity concerns.

In truth, people replace used items even if they’re not worn to bits. A desire for something more trendy, pretty, or functional can also drive sales. Take smartphones, for example: people often want to own the newest one that has all the cool new features and prolonged battery life.

But manufacturers have faults here too. They design the phones to be replaced every couple of years or so, mostly so you can’t update your old phone with the newest software and therefore are susceptible to cybersecurity concerns.

Person sitting on a small chair, demonstrating a low-quality item experience.

Damaged heater with melted plastic grill, showing an example of low-quality items people purchased.

Close-up of a red embroidered logo on a black shoe, representing low-quality items people bought.

As Alex Hicks explains, back in the day, people would repair things. If your clothes ripped, you’d sew them back together. If a minor kitchen appliance broke down, you’d take it apart and maybe fix it yourself. But today, most things are built in a way that even people skilled at repairs won’t be able to fix them. “Products are designed so that they’re impossible to get into without specialist tools,” Hicks says.

Man sitting uncomfortably on a broken chair in an office, highlighting low-quality items people bought.

Low-quality item: two tea bags, one appears empty, highlighting poor tea quality on a gray surface.

Swipe through the pictures for reverse disintegration I guess. For context, these were relatively cheap off brand shoes I bought a few years ago and had not worn in the last 2 years. Had almost reached work when I noticed, had to ask the cab to take me back home and then bring me back to work.

Low-quality items showing damaged sneakers with torn soles and foam scattered on a car floor.

Some might argue that there’s nothing wrong with items having a short shelf life: they’re cheaper, and sometimes even made fromrecycledmaterials. But there’s a catch too: consumers need to be able to differentiate between greenwashing and which brands have truly “green” practices.

Low-quality item: a flimsy phone case held on a beach, with people relaxing in the background.

Low-quality hammer with detached head lying on a wooden surface.

Hand holding a low-quality belt with worn leather and visible screws, labeled “Genuine Leather” and “Made in China."

Hicks gives tennis shoes as an example: yes, they contain a lot of recycled materials. But you can’t recycle shoes with holes in them when they’re worn out, so, in the end, they still end up in the landfill. Manufacturers earn more money and are praised as “green,” consumers spend more of their hard-earned money, and the planet accumulates even more trash when the tennis shoes go to the landfill. That doesn’t seem that “green,” does it?

Black comb labeled “unbreakable,” missing several teeth, on a wooden surface; example of low-quality item.

Low-quality sweater with intricate knit pattern shown in comparison; product differs in appearance from online purchase.

Low-quality item with a broken cast iron skillet handle on a wooden floor.

So, what’s the solution? Hicks believes that both the consumers and the manufacturers should take responsibility. People should evaluate their shopping habits and buy new things only if they really need them. They also should attempt to reuse and repair things as much as they can, and that’s where manufacturers making repair-friendly items come in.

So we got gifted a Warming Toy that you warm up in the Microwave and it has lavender scent to help kids sleep. We followed the directions excatly, keeping in mind the wattage of the microwave too. Well the small store it was bought from put a bowtie on it because they probably thought it looked cute. However that did not go with the toy and turns out it can’t be warmed either… cought fire inside the microwave. Smoked up the whole kitchen. Threw away the microwave as it was stained with burned plastic. Kids were both traumatized… ugh.

Low-quality item: burned plush toy in a microwave.

I love these headphones (Anker Soundcore Life Q20), they have great sound quality and noise cancelation for their price. But my GOD can manufacturers stop trying to make imitation leather with this garbage? Every time I use them, my hands and ears get covered in little black flakes.

Worn-out headphones, highlighting low-quality items people bought.

Today was a hot day and I did alot of walking. They did not look this red in the morning. They are new shoes too!!

Low-quality item with a damaged, transparent shoe sole, highlighting consumer disappointment.

Then there’s the legislative side. Hicks says laws should influence brands to guide people into a more sustainable and greener direction, but says that lawmakers need to go about it thoughtfully. “I have also seen how environmental controls can have a negative financial effect on those in society who have the least income first, which of course isn’t fair as lower earners already deal with a lot of stress when it comes to purchasing decisions,” he explained.

Damaged red surface on a low-quality item bought by someone.

Low-quality items with animal ornaments on wood slices and red ribbons, showing unrealistic expectations vs. reality.

Low-quality rainbow tree from ad versus real item showing poor color and structure.

Purple low-quality power bank labeled “one-time use emergency charger” on gray surface.

Listings I could find ranged from $20 to $30, all using the same product photo just edited into different backgrounds. Most had no reviews, a few had bad reviews but most people at least got something 3 dimensional!

Stained glass mushroom lamp showing low-quality item comparison in two images.

Low-quality knife with chipped blade, black textured handle, displayed on a wooden surface.

Toilet scene showing a low-quality toilet brush submerged in water.

Broken multitool on a wooden table, showing low quality item failure with a snapped blade.

Broken nutcracker beside a walnut, illustrating low-quality items people bought.

Low-quality plush seal toy comparison, showcasing design differences between two purchases.

Low-quality skewers with broken handles displayed on a wooden surface, highlighting flawed design.

Low-quality items: tarnished stainless steel pan with water stains on a tiled kitchen floor.

Haven’t been rough with it at all. Started to split a couple days ago and now it’s completely torn as I’ve gone to open them with absolutely no resistance. Premium sunglasses with a cheap leather case

Low-quality item; a hand holds a torn brown leather glasses case, highlighting poor craftsmanship.

“Low-quality item comparison: real pearl jacket vs. printed version."

Low-quality items on wooden floor, including a blue-handled scraper, tongs, and a brush with holder.

Order summary and unexpected paper towels; example of low-quality items people bought online.

Low-quality item, black foam pad comparison; pristine versus compressed on a wooden table.

Vacuum-sealed Garfield toy, illustrating low-quality items people bought.

Side-by-side comparison of low-quality sweater with cat design, highlighting purchase issues.

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Peeling design on a brown mug labeled “Canada,” illustrating low-quality items people bought.

Wife bought this on Amazon, it’s just a bound book of random low resolution/quality colouring pages easily found on Google image search. Initiated a refund and they didn’t even want it back.

Rapunzel coloring book with low-quality illustrations, showing a character at a window.

IKEA knife blade close-up showing low-quality item with serrated edge and product details engraved.

Low-quality item, a damaged desk from a lollipop mishap, highlighting poor construction.

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For those that don’t know. This clips onto your socks to keep them up while playing.The socks are tubes of fabric that go over your shin/knee pad. Not your feet.I was lucky I packed my old one that still works and is over 20 years old.

Person holding low-quality item with poorly made metal hook design, showing potential purchase regret.

Low-quality item: a hollow door with poor construction materials shown from different angles.

Broken knife with handle detached, representing low-quality items people bought.

Two wooden watches side by side, highlighting low-quality items people bought.

Close-up of a man in glasses next to a low-quality item resembling a distorted mask in plastic wrap.

“Comparison of a high-quality and a low-quality toy figurine held in hands, showcasing low-quality items bought."

To keep it short, I was specifically looking for a goldendoodle holiday figurine for my MIL. At the time, there were no reviews on this and it was $30 so I took a risk. It didn’t pay off this time… I at least thought it would be 3D LOLLL😭I would be a bit upset if it wasn’t so funny. I think I’m going to keep him and put him outside.

Low-quality item: a poorly designed Christmas dog decoration being held by a person, compared to its online listing.

Low-quality items: a side-by-side comparison of Santa figures with Christmas trees, highlighting contrast in craftsmanship.

Low-quality items: broken speaker in hand revealing cardboard inside.

Comparison of a fashionable dress and a low-quality item received on social media.

Low-quality items, a yellow bath puff and a blue shower loofah, hanging on a bathroom rack.

Low-quality item: Close-up of a broken cleaning brush with bent bristles.

I usually get this brand and style since they seem to work better than others. Guess not this time. I thought maybe it was something with the teeth I was trying to use them on so I switched to the bottom row, same thing. So I decided to just squeeze one with my fingers, broke right in half with almost no pressure.

Low-quality dental flossers scattered on a counter with packaging.

Low-quality items: mismatched Wüsthof knife set showing different labels and packaging.

A low-quality item showing a Torre de Pisa sticker mistakenly labeled “France."

Movie poster resembling the “Joker” with actor in a bright costume, a low-quality item some people bought.

Low-quality item showing a beige beanie as advertised, and the actual oversized product covering a person’s face.

Low-quality item: a 5 lb weight plate on a scale showing 3.6 lb.

Low-quality items bought: A poorly crafted purple-suited ornament next to a flat version on wooden surface.

Person holding a low-quality, empty USB drive casing, revealing the internal circuit board.

Low-quality items: two white mugs with poorly painted blue designs on a blue and white background.

Ordered this mask almost a month ago hoping to get a good deal. Believe people when they say if it’s to good it’s probably not true. Where do I even begin with this monstrosity. The material looks nothing like advertised. It’s not stretchy whatsoever it feels like it came from the dollar store. The hair is very clearly fake there’s stains on the back half of the mask there’s NO mouth hole and it’s three sizes to big for any normal persons head. Not to mention it smells like battery acid. They removed the ability to review the products shortly after people started receiving them for obvious reasons. And I will 1000% be using the 30 day return policy. I just can’t see why anyone would think this looks even remotely similar. Maybe if I was blind and had never seen a human I might fall for this mask but I refuse to let this thing rot in the closet it can go right back where it came from. A month wasted and I still have to ship it back. Safe to say I’ll never be ordering from this group again.

Low-quality old man mask purchased online, showing an advertising image on the left and a received product on the right.

Crane toy part held in hand, illustrating low-quality items compared to the packaging image.

Was doing some garden weeding with a cheap old knife when the handle snapped revealing a tiny tang and fake rivets!

Broken knife handle on marble surface, illustrating low-quality items.

Low-quality pizza with unevenly distributed pepperoni slices and a cutter on top.

Low-quality earbuds with exposed wires and broken parts on a table.

Was at work and took a slightly large step up onto a ledge, like literally 2 feet high, and my jeans did an explosive rip. From front crouch all the way around the back to the top of the butt! They did not even have a rip or wear spot prior. Never again buying cheap Target jeans.

Ripped jeans with torn fabric, representing low-quality items.

Low-quality item comparison of rooster table lamps; real product differs from advertised image.

Hand holding a low-quality phone mount with a gift card redemption instruction.

Broken knife beside a metal can, illustrating low-quality items people bought.

Low-quality chicken breast strips on a wooden cutting board.

I should’ve known that 45¢ per filet was gonna cause me trouble but no I just had to.

Cardboard box containing low-quality packaged meat items.

Black and white sneakers with a logo, illustrating low-quality items people bought.

Comparison of ordered versus received low-quality wooden desk organizer.

A low-quality stained glass item with rainbow design, viewed against light, showing a lack of refinement.

Low-quality item showing mismatched Captain America sock design side by side.

Shiny bean-shaped earbuds in a case, example of low-quality items people bought.

Low-quality items, ripped jeans with frayed edges and detached belt loop, highlighting poor craftsmanship.

Low-quality item example: Side-by-side comparison of two Spider-Man masks, one high-quality and one poorly made.

Low-quality toilet seat being pressed with a finger, showing its poor material quality.

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