You can still buy cheap stuff on AliExpress

[Gareth]

I've been putting off some purchases from AliExpress since the tariffs hit (for items that I either can't find here, or have to buy in too high a quantity if I bought here, or occasionally because the Ali item is about 1/5 the cost - of course, that $1 item ended up not fitting so I'll eat that one), unsure of what I would face in import fees (there's confusing information out there that orders under $800 could be subject to X% or $100 - $100 certainly not being worth it on a $10 order!).  But, then I discovered that AliExpress is including tariffs in their prices now (but some items I had saved are "no longer available in my country" - presumably those sellers just don't want to deal with it).

My ~$8+tax order (after coupon, with free shipping) for three items arrived in about 11 days (shipped from China), delivered by a random courier (not USPS) who didn't speak a word of English and actually delivered my package to my neighbor's yard and was going to hop the fence to retrieve it until I started making barking noises to warn him of the dog.  I waited for my neighbor to re-deliver it to me.

So, at least for some orders they're no longer taking advantage of the post office for delivery (my previous order was delivered by a random courier also), though I still don't understand how it's economical to do so.

[special]

I had a 3D printed order delivered by JLCPCB and it was also a random courier that jumped out of the car, ran to my front steps and was back in the car and turned around within 30s. I had it all on security camera. No idea how this is doable, since the entire order was like $12 for 12 small parts 3D printer in China and shipped to my door in under 14 days. My guess is that the random courier also delivers not only JLCPCB, but also Ali Express, Temu, etc. Otherwise it does not seem economical.