"Chinese warehouse" TikTok videos are trending following President Trump’s declared 145 percent tariff on Chinese goods. The retail industry is facing dire consequences under the tariffs (including price hikes and, in some cases, even bankruptcy), which will ultimately trickle down and hurt consumers as well. According to Chinese suppliers on TikTok, all of this is avoidable if you purchase directly from the manufacturer. Their argument? Not only will you sidestep the tariffs, but you’ll also avoid having to pay sticker price. But one question remains: Is it a deal or a scam?
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"The craziest part is they’re showing people how to order directly from the manufacturer in China to where you can avoid the tariffs and not pay American prices for any of those products," said a TikToker who goes by the name @Lucky98765. "We’re talking every shoe brand you’ve ever worn, every clothing brand you’ve ever worn, anything you buy, they have shown us how to order it for a fraction of the price."
Here’s one example: The TikTok account @china.yiwu.factor claims it's one of the leading Chinese manufacturers behind the viral Birkenstocks shoe brand. What’s more, the self-proclaimed "Birkenstock factory" says customers can purchase on-trend models for just $10 a pair—that’s $155 cheaper than the retail price.
In a viral TikTok video, a Yiwu factory worker presented a collection of suede, slip-on sandals whose appearance is seemingly identical to Birkenstock’s Boston clog. The clip, which encourages TikTokers to buy the "Birkenstocks" via its AliExpress storefront, has since racked up 8.5 million views.
However, when Best Life browsed the online shop, we found that the company’s so-called Birkenstock mules are actually being sold under the brand "Kidmi." The shoes have received more than 200 reviews from customers, including one person who said they’re "obviously not [made from] real suede."
Another shopper more or less confirmed that the quality didn’t represent Birkenstock’s craftsmanship: "The quality is medium, the seams are poorly glued. If you don't look at it, it doesn't look bad." Several one-star reviewers said they never received their order, either.
In an email to The Verge, Birkenstock denounced @china.yiwu.factor’s statements.
"100 percent of BIRKENSTOCK footwear is engineered and produced within the European Union, primarily in Germany, under stringent quality and safety standards," said company spokesperson Jochen Gutzy.
Upon further digging, Best Life found the same exact Kidmi pair of shoes for $30 on Amazon. Yiwu’s clogs appear to be a dupe for Birkenstock, in which case shoppers might be more obliged to take advantage of the bargain—as long as the brand logo doesn’t matter.
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Lululemon is fighting a similar battle.
In a since-deleted video, TikTok user @lunasourcingchina said shoppers can snag Lululemon leggings for just $5 if they purchase them directly from the factory.
"I guess most of you know the price of Lululemon or other big brands…and guess what, here in these two factories, you can get them for around five to six bucks," said the TikToker, as reported by CNN.
While Lululemon does outsource from China, the factories mentioned in the video aren’t listed in the brand’s 2025 supplier list. Lululemon has also publicly addressed @lunasourcingchina’s video. According to a statement obtained by CNN, the athleisure company said it "does not work with the manufacturers identified in the online videos and we urge consumers to be aware of potentially counterfeit products and misinformation."
While these brands are warning shoppers of counterfeit merchandise, a number of customers don’t care. Some say they’re okay with receiving lookalike products versus the real thing if it means saving money in the long run.
TikToker @Lucky98765 calls "Chinese warehouse TikTok" an "epic level of petty."
"These Chinese companies called our bluff," he said. "This is the craziest Uno reverse card I’ve ever seen in my life."
Several TikTokers agree, with one person commenting, "China is doing trade ware differently and I’m here for it."
"Did people actually think Birkin bags cost $38K to make? Luxury only exists in our perception," said another.
"I’m loving ChinaTok," reads a comment.
