newbie robotics question

[yoho22]

I just started to get interested in robotics, and as a beginner, I'd like to save on expenses as much as possible; that said, I'm considering Chinese-based companies,
e.g. Power Jack Motion (for reference), when it comes to motors, actuators, and the like, for cost-efficiency; chances are also high that I'd be breaking things a lot, so I thought it'd be helpful to source parts from them.

Would the abovesaid factors be worth considering, or should I go for well-known companies?

 

[Cognisant]

I saw the Cog-symbol projected in the overcast night sky and came as fast as I could.

The problem with Chinese suppliers is that they generally want to sell you things in bulk and if you buy stuff from overseas you're going to spend weeks waiting for it which is a buzzkill, I tend to prefer local distributors like these: https://www.smallparts.com.au/
https://www.motiondynamics.com.au/
https://www.jaycar.com.au/
(I live in Australia, these may not be local for you)

That being said often to get the right parts you'll have to look far afield:
http://www.robotshop.com/en
https://electricscooterparts.com
https://www.servocity.com
https://www.superdroidrobots.com
http://www.sdp-si.com/ < Very impressive range
http://openbuildspartstore.com/
https://hobbyking.com/

edit: Also something to consider, I've registered with my post office so I can send stuff straight to them and pick it up from them rather than waiting for a card to appear in mailbox after a predictable failed delivery attempt, this has saved me soooooooo much anguish.

In the past I've had packages lost, damaged, delivered to the wrong address and quite often sent back for no good reason because the couriers are idiots.

 

[yoho22]

Thanks, those sites look worthy of visit.

I agree with you. We can just hope for the best once the package is in the hands of the couriers.