You can rely on reputation when the store has a reputation for decent curation. I didn't say just buy a more expensive thing on Amazon. I said go to a better store. Costco has Chinese stuff everywhere, but I trust Costco to pick decent stuff.
This person's source of income is repairing consumer electronics.
Costco was just an example of curation. But yes, it's more of "good value on acceptable quality" not high quality itself.
Also, idk what marketing Costco does. They earned their reputation with me.