Part 6/12:
The Economics of Dupes: Quality, Price, and Industry Scale
The cost difference between authentic products and dupes can be staggering. For instance, a high-end contour palette or perfume can be hundreds of dollars, while its dupe might cost less than $10—offering comparable aesthetics or scent at a drastically reduced price.
Daniel shared that he typically sources makeup dupes from Chinese brands on platforms like Taobao, where consumers are known for their critical eye—if a product is low quality, it often gets harsh feedback from online communities. The industry has matured to the point where most dupes provide good value, with quality that’s often comparable to expensive brands, particularly in makeup where pigments and finishes are quite similar.