While there is the rare hidden gem, the most reliable way is to seek out reputable brands. That's the whole point of a brand. A brand encompasses a set of ideals and principles that become characteristic in the product, creating a market for like minded customers. The longer a brand is in existence and the more consistent they are with their principles, the greater is their reputation.
Of course, if a brand doesn't do their own manufacturing, you might find the same product white labeled by another seller. In some cases the seller might have a big reputation themselves like in the case of big box retailers, but in most cases are just internet drop shippers. Enterprising people might seek out such white labeled goods and save some costs if they discover it comes from the same manufacturer, but wiser people will see the value in paying for quality control, service & warranty and supporting the brand.
While there is the rare hidden gem, the most reliable way is to seek out reputable brands. That's the whole point of a brand. A brand encompasses a set of ideals and principles that become characteristic in the product, creating a market for like minded customers. The longer a brand is in existence and the more consistent they are with their principles, the greater is their reputation.
Of course, if a brand doesn't do their own manufacturing, you might find the same product white labeled by another seller. In some cases the seller might have a big reputation themselves like in the case of big box retailers, but in most cases are just internet drop shippers. Enterprising people might seek out such white labeled goods and save some costs if they discover it comes from the same manufacturer, but wiser people will see the value in paying for quality control, service & warranty and supporting the brand.