Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the deceptive practices in live-streaming sales, where merchants sell second-hand clothing disguised as "new samples" or "brand excess inventory," often with poor quality and unclear origins [1][2][5]. Group 1: Deceptive Practices - Many live-streaming channels claim to sell "new sample clothes" or "brand excess inventory," but they are actually selling low-priced second-hand clothing [2][5]. - Merchants use terms like "micro-dirt" and "micro-flaw" to market these items without disclosing their second-hand nature, misleading consumers [5][6]. - The clothing sold often comes from old clothing recycling bins, with some items showing clear signs of wear and tear [2][4]. Group 2: Supply Chain Insights - Old clothing recycling companies are significant suppliers for live-streaming merchants, with some companies selling dozens of tons of recycled clothing daily [4][6]. - The clothing is often not cleaned or sanitized before being sold, maximizing profit margins for the sellers [4][6]. - Merchants frequently source clothing from various origins, including recycling centers and even garbage stations, packaging them as high-quality products [6][7]. Group 3: Market Dynamics - The article notes that the market for recycled clothing is thriving, with significant demand from live-streaming platforms, leading to a lucrative business model for sellers [4][7]. - Merchants often disguise second-hand items as new by using new tags and packaging, making it difficult for consumers to discern the true nature of the products [7][8]. - The practice of refurbishing second-hand clothing to sell as new is widespread, with many sellers relying on this strategy to maximize profits [7][8].

Core Viewpoint - A significant number of consumers have reported that live-streaming sales claiming to offer "brand surplus" and "sample garments" are actually selling low-quality, second-hand clothing, often with undisclosed defects and misleading pricing strategies [1][3][23]. Group 1: Consumer Complaints - Consumers have expressed concerns about live-streaming platforms selling items labeled as "new sample garments" or "brand surplus," which are actually second-hand clothes [3][12]. - Items purchased from these live-streams often show clear signs of wear, such as stains and damages, indicating they are not new [3][5][20]. Group 2: Supply Chain Insights - Investigations revealed that many of these live-streamed garments originate from old clothing recycling bins, with some items being sourced from garbage [10][25]. - Old clothing recycling companies report high demand from live-stream sellers, with some companies selling dozens of tons of recycled clothing daily [12][15]. Group 3: Sales Tactics - Live-stream sellers use deceptive marketing language, such as "slightly dirty" or "slightly flawed," to avoid disclosing the second-hand nature of the items [5][23]. - Sellers often emphasize the aesthetic appeal of the items through lighting and presentation, making it difficult for consumers to discern the actual condition of the clothing [21][27]. Group 4: Market Dynamics - The market for second-hand clothing is thriving, with significant sales volumes reported by various live-streaming platforms, some generating substantial daily revenues [17][44]. - The practice of refurbishing second-hand clothing and selling it as new is common, with sellers often using new tags to mislead consumers [27][40].