Latest news with #Vevor
New York Post
3 days ago
- Business
- New York Post
Chinese seller on Amazon sold ‘defective' tools linked to deaths, life-changing injuries: lawsuits
Allegedly defective tools and hardware from a China-based seller on Amazon have been linked to two deaths and at least one serious injury — the latest in an alarming spike in product liability lawsuits against the Seattle-based e-tailing giant, The Post has learned. On March 25, 2024, Jacob 'Jake' Todd — 30-year-old father of three in Menifee, Calif. — was working under his Toyota Tacoma when a car jack he'd bought on Amazon from Vevor, a Shanghai-based third-party seller, buckled and broke. The grisly mishap caused fatal 'blunt force trauma,' according to a January lawsuit filed on behalf of his sons in California state court in Riverside County. In February, an Alabama truck driver, James Ryan Stokes, was using a Vevor 'chain load binder' to tie down items on his flatbed truck when the chain broke, sending him violently backwards and fatally breaking his neck, according to William Poole, a lawyer hired by Stokes' family. 6 James Ryan Stokes of Mobile, Ala. left a wife and six children when he died this year. Hughes Funeral Home The 49-year-old trucker left a wife and six children who are preparing a lawsuit against Amazon, Vevor and Austal USA, a ship manufacturer in Mobile, Ala. where the accident happened, according to Poole. 'It was the first time he was using the Vevor product,' Poole added. Vevor – which has previously drawn whistleblower complaints to US agencies about allegedly fake reviews on Amazon, as reported by The Post – also has amassed 1,430 Better Business Bureau complaints over allegedly faulty products and poor customer service. Meanwhile, the number of overall product liability cases against Amazon has spiked between 2020 and 2024, when the lawsuits more than doubled to 84 in federal court alone, according to Lex Machina, a LexisNexis company that provides legal data analytics. 'Although the number of federal cases are small compared to Amazon's [size] the trend shows an identifiable, steady increase of product liability cases that could be reflected in state court as well where the majority of these cases are filed,' Ron Porter, Lex Machina's legal data expert for product liability told The Post. 6 This jack sold by Vevor on buckled and collapsed while it was holding up a truck, killing a California man last year, according to a lawsuit. Amazon Most of the 84 cases have either been settled or dismissed on procedural grounds, although the breakdown isn't clear, Porter added. Amazon's liability over defective third-party products has become a thorny question, with laws and legal outcomes varying from state to state. The company has typically argued that it is not directly responsible for products sold on its site that are manufactured by outside firms. In 2020, a California state appeals court ruled that Amazon was liable for injuries caused to Angela Bolger, who suffered severe burns from an exploding laptop battery from a third-party Chinese seller called Lenoge Technology. Lenoge, which was named as a defendant, did not appear in court. 'Whatever term we use to describe Amazon's role, be it 'retailer,' 'distributor,' or merely 'facilitator,' it was pivotal in bringing the product here to the consumer,' the appeals court ruled at the time. 6 Links in this Vevor chain broke, causing an Alabama truck driver to break his neck, a lawyer representing the man's family said. VEVOR While other states have sided with Amazon in similar cases, the Bolger case is a favorable precedent for plaintiffs – especially where they seek restitution from a third-party seller based in China or another country overseas, according to Keith Hylton, a law professor at Boston University. 'If I had to make a prediction, I would guess the Bolger case will be accepted in most jurisdictions,' Hylton said in an interview. 'I don't think courts will accept an outcome where Amazon sells dangerously defective products made by foreigners in places where Americans have no legal recourse and escapes liability,' Hylton added. 'Holding Amazon liable will force it to do some monitoring, or at least to charge a price that will cover the costs Amazon will bear in compensating injured consumers.' Amazon did not respond to multiple requests for comment for this story. As recently as May 28, Amazon was still listing the Vevor products that were involved in the two deaths. That's despite customer reviews that have flagged safety issues — including one purporting to be from a friend of Todd. 6 A Vevor 'tie down' chain in use. VEVOR 'A very good friend of mine died using one of these vevor stands,' the reviewer wrote. 'Got crushed when one of the legs failed and what he was welding fell on him, total weight was like 3000lbs supported by 2 of these. RIP jake.' Vevor, for its part, denies all the allegations in the car jack complaint and declined to comment on the Alabama case as it has not yet been filed, according to a statement from its attorney, Alan Tan. 'As regards [to] the larger question of quality,' Tan added, 'we must say that the existence of the above lawsuit against us does not imply in any manner that products sold by us are quality inferior.' Tan pointed to a return and refund rate in the US of 3% as evidence of the quality of Vevor's products. Tan addressed the California wrongful death case in a March 25 letter to a do-it-yourself influencer on YouTube – Jeff King of Den of Tools. King recently posted Tan's letter on YouTube in which Tan responded to a previous Den of Tools post about Vevor's products causing deaths and injuries. 6 This letter was sent by Vevor's legal counsel to a YouTube host who had reported on product safety issues involving Vevor. YouTube/The Den of Tools Vevor hired a local California litigator who is 'working together with the lawyer hired by Amazon to proactively prepare filing answer against the complaint,' according to Tan's letter. The letter caught the attention of the Todd family's lawyer, Vanessa Pena. 'It raises questions that they contacted Amazon's attorneys to work directly with them,' Pena told The Post. She added that Vevor reached out to Amazon before it responded to the wrongful death lawsuit on April 10. 'It infers me to me that they have a relationship with Amazon's attorneys.' The letter from Tan also claims that Vevor is being unfairly attacked with litigation in the US, where it's facing at least a half-dozen patent and trademark cases alleging that it's selling knockoffs. 6 The number of product safety liability lawsuits against Amazon more than doubled between 2020 and 2024, a legal expert reports. REUTERS 'You correctly pointed out that companies doing business in the US get sued because Americans like to sue no matter who you are or how well you behave,' Tan wrote to King. Colby Lord of Huntsville, Texas fell more than 40 feet when the 'Vevor half body safety harness' he had purchased on Amazon fell apart while he was trimming a tree. He fractured both ankles, his back and left hand, according to his lawyer, Sam Palermo, a partner in the Sorrels personal injury law firm. Lord's fall resulted 'in serious and lasting injuries,' according to a complaint filed against Vevor and several affiliated companies in federal court in Houston, Texas in October. Amazon is not a defendant in that case. In 2021, Texas' highest court ruled that Amazon cannot be held liable for injuries caused by a third-party seller's product that the e-commerce giant shipped from its warehouse.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Turning U.S. Tax Hurdles into Opportunities for Chinese Brands with Affiliate Marketing
DUBAI, UAE, May 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Recent U.S. tax policy changes present significant challenges for Chinese brands in the American market, demanding strategic adaptation for sustainable growth. The end of the De Minimis Exemption means that shipments under $800 from China are no longer duty-free. Coupled with massive tariff hikes of up to 54% on imports and a 10% universal baseline tariff affecting Chinese goods, these shifts threaten profit margins and market competitiveness. This evolving tax landscape has heightened administrative demands and financial strains, challenging profitability and competitiveness. Products like fast fashion or gadgets, once cheap and competitive, now face increased costs. For instance, a $5 T-shirt could now incur $1.50 in duties, squeezing profit margins and raising retail prices. To navigate these challenges, Chinese brands are embracing agility and innovation. Brands like SHEIN are diversifying into booming markets such as India and the Middle East, leveraging local partnerships to sidestep tariffs. Hybrid pricing strategies, where part of the tariff cost is absorbed initially to offset expenses, are proving effective. Affiliate partnerships offer a cost-effective and flexible way to thrive in this evolving landscape. Despite rising tariffs, some Chinese brands are thriving by partnering with Admitad and using innovative affiliate marketing. Vevor saw a remarkable increase in sales in a year, while SHEIN generated millions of orders through Admitad partners, expanding into markets like Poland, Canada, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. DHgate maintained a robust annual growth by leveraging Admitad's global publisher network, illustrating how strategic partnerships and innovative marketing solutions can drive growth despite external pressures. Since 2013, Admitad has helped Chinese retailers generate over $7 billion in cross-border sales, adeptly navigating regulatory changes and market volatility. Its performance-based approach ensures brands remain resilient, competitive, and poised to seize new opportunities worldwide. The U.S. tax shake-up presents a challenge but also an opportunity for innovation and growth. With Admitad's affiliate marketing solutions, Chinese brands can minimize risk, maximize ROI, and thrive in America and beyond. Media contacts: press@ View original content: SOURCE Admitad Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
5 pressure washers that will get the job done
Fox News and its syndication partners may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom. Anyone who has dealt with siding or decking knows that these materials can lose their luster over time. Rain and seasonal climate can leave your home's exterior – including concrete, decking, walkways, patios, steps and more – dingy. A great way to boost its shine is by cleaning it. Good pressure washers can erase months or even years of stains with a brief blast. Plus, you end up extending the life of your material, saving you from having to replace expensive decking or update patios. But not all pressure washers are alike. Some are more efficient at removing grime – and safer to use – than others. Always consider both pounds per square inch (PSI) and gallons per minute (GPM) to ensure you choose a pressure washer that perfectly balances power and water flow for your cleaning projects. A pressure washer with a PSI of 1,300 to 2,400 for general home use should suffice. However, you might need a model with a higher PSI for more demanding tasks. If you want to start a side hustle with your new purchase, you should look for something with more power. Aim for a pressure washer with around 2,000 to 2,500 PSI for washing house siding and cleaning the decks without damaging them. Those who want to power wash the dirt from your car should choose a pressure washer with a lower PSI setting to avoid damaging the paint and body. The Ryobi 2,000 PSI electric pressure washer is compact, lightweight and powerful enough to handle typical household cleaning tasks such as washing cars, patios and siding. This washer gets good marks for its ease of assembly and use. Customers also like that it has an onboard soap tank. It comes with three nozzles to take care of different jobs. The turbo nozzle helps get cleaning done 50% faster than a standard nozzle. You can store all accessories directly on the pressure washer with built-in onboard storage. Read On The Fox News App Stanley Mother's Day Release Is Here: Get The Resort Floral Quencher Before It Sells Out Original price: $275.99 The Vevor pressure flat surface cleaner is a heavy-duty cleaner with 4,000 PSI and 10.5 GPM. It can clean any flat surface area with both cold and hot water. It features lightweight, corrosion-resistant and premium stainless steel material for long-lasting use. This gas pressure washer is perfect for cleaning horizontal surfaces, such as decks, patios, sidewalks, driveways, pool decks, etc. You can also buy this pressure washer on Amazon for $180. This DeWalt electric pressure washer delivers power and is easy to store in a small garage. It has 2,100 PSI, 1.2 GPM and internal storage for the wand and all the nozzles. The DEWALT 2,100 PSI pressure washer is backed by a three-year limited warranty. Original price: $1,099 If you're looking for power, the Simpson Cleaning 4,000 PSI Gas Pressure Washer is a great choice. With 4,000 PSI and 3.5 GPM, it's a good starting point if you want a washer to start a side business. This washer balances power and portability, making it suitable for various cleaning tasks and for house washing. It is equipped with a premium Honda engine built with high-quality components, ensuring reliable and consistent performance. It is easy to start and use, giving you the confidence to tackle any cleaning job. You can also buy this washer on sale for $799 at Lowe's. For more deals, visit Original price: $164 This light duty electric pressure washer delivers 1,900 PSI and 1.2 GPM to complete light tasks. The washer comes with three nozzles, including a turbo nozzle. This pressure washer is great for cleaning siding, wooden stairs and article source: 5 pressure washers that will get the job done
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Yahoo
This power station is a winter storm must-have and it's on super sale right now
Losing power is an all-too-stressful scramble, but there's no time like the present to get prepared. Whether you're prepping for winter storm season at home or planning an off-the-grid camping trip, a portable power station like the EcoFlow River 2 can give you a little peace of mind and keep important gear running, and it's almost 30% off right now thanks to an Amazon Lightning Deal and coupon combo — but act fast, because this deal will end soon. Related: The best portable power station for 2025 Portable power stations like this one usually come with a hefty price tag, but thanks to the stackable deal and coupon, this one is nearly $65 off for a limited time. That's a small price to pay for the peace of mind a device like this can bring. This falls into the category of "things you don't think about until you need them." If you live in an area prone to power outages, this portable power station can be a literal lifesaver. It's way more than a phone charger (though you'll thank yourself for staying connected). The EcoFlow River 2 can keep your lights on, your laptop charged or even power small kitchen appliances (at least for a short while). And it'll do all of that a lot more cleanly and quietly than a gas generator. If you like camping but not giving up all the luxuries of home, it's incredibly portable — just throw it in the car and go. Imagine enjoying your string lights, heated blankets or even a coffee maker all while taking in the great outdoors. This generator provides over 250 watt-hours of power, plus, it's easy to use and charges incredibly fast — just an hour with AC input. There's even optional solar panel charging if AC power isn't available. Over 2,500 five-star reviewers say the EcoFlow River 2 is a reliable, versatile power station that brings them much-appreciated peace of mind. "This unit is good for light loads. It is also fairly compact and lightweight. Charging is fast," said a five-star customer who used this portable power station for a bit more than just charging their phone. "I bought this primarily to power a small 12-volt Vevor 16-quart cooler fridge/freezer. I was able to run it about 10 hours on a full charge. The 12-volt outlet supplied no-load voltage of 12.4 and supplied a steady 12-12.1 volts with a 45-watt load, all the way down to 0% battery remaining. I also tested the A/C output, and it was a steady 120 volts all the way down to zero battery. Very impressive." Another five-star reviewer said, "I am on a CPAP every night. I had power go out and no way to use my CPAP. This is a life-saving medical device for me. I needed a way to power the CPAP at times my electricity was off. I purchased this EcoFlow River 2 ... When it arrived, I charged it to 100%. That night, I hooked up to the EcoFlow. It lasted a full seven and a half hours." A final five-star reviewer was amazed at how fast this power station charges. "I charged it via the cigarette lighter port on my Prius while on my way to a doctor's visit, and by the time I came back, it was nearly 90% replenished." One four-star reviewer felt that while the power station was a big improvement over the previous version, it was a bit noisy for their usual charging spot. "This River 2 is so much lighter and easier to carry around. That's a big deal for me. It also charges even faster than the original, which is saying something. Unfortunately, the improvements come with a pretty heavy price to pay with the increased fan noise. I could recharge my original River at the library because it was essentially silent. This River 2 is loud." A three-star reviewer noted that for a new product, some of the ports are old tech. "Only one USB-C outlet. Feels like Ecoflow has yet to notice that the world has been using USB-C for a few years, so I question the inclusion of two useless USB-A ports." Here are some other affordable portable power stations: If you have Amazon Prime, you'll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.) The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
