u/I__Am_No_One

Hi everyone, I’m looking for advice on prepping a wall for peel and stick wallpaper. I’m not in a position to repaint or do major repairs right now, but I still want to improve the look of my space. I took time comparing options on typical sites like Amazon and Alibaba, and eventually ordered one from Etsy.

The wall is generally in decent shape but has light scuffs and some uneven areas from normal wear. What’s the minimum prep needed for good adhesion, just cleaning, or should I also lightly sand or use primer? Any tips or common mistakes to avoid would be really helpful.

Has anyone here had experience using ICs or chips from AliExpress, Alibaba, or similar sites for retrocomputing projects? I’m considering it since some rare or obsolete parts seem easier to find there, but I’m unsure how reliable they are.

I’ve heard stories about remarked or counterfeit chips, and I’m worried about ending up with parts that don’t work or cause hard-to-diagnose issues. At the same time, prices are tempting, and availability elsewhere can be limited.

For hobby-level retro builds, would you recommend taking the risk? Or is it better to avoid these sources entirely? Any advice on identifying trustworthy sellers or testing parts would really help.

Hey all, I'm looking for advice from people with real importing experience, especially those sourcing fishing gear for resale.

I’m currently exploring Chinese suppliers and considering platforms like Alibaba and Global Sources. From what I’ve seen, Alibaba seems best for bulk and variety, but quality and supplier reliability can vary a lot, so vetting is key. I’ve also heard Global Sources has more verified exporter but fewer listings overall.

For those who’ve done this, which platforms have worked best for fishing gear like rods, lures, and tackle? Any tips on avoiding bad suppliers or inconsistent quality? Is it worth checking alternatives like 1688 or DHgate?

Appreciate any real world insights, thanks!

Hi everyone,

I run a small handmade beauty brand with my sister. We make body butters, shampoos, soaps, hair oils, scrubs, lip balms, and lotions from scratch, and only import packaging from Alibaba. We handle production, branding, and sales ourselves, and we mostly sell at events and pop-up markets.

Demand is there, but we lack proper storage, equipment, and backup power. At a recent event, heat exposure ruined a large batch, which showed us how vulnerable we are without better infrastructure.

We do not have enough cash to reinvest right now. Would it be smarter to take a business loan to fix these gaps, or seek an investor, and give up some equity? I would really value your advice.