Shopping Online: How good are the Products?
When many people start shopping online, one of their biggest concerns is product quality. Is the picture accurate? Is the assembly sturdy? We’re used to touching things before we buy, and looking at a picture just isn’t the same.
A lot depends on what it is you’re buying
If you’re buying something like memory cards or AAA batteries, it is what it is. You can check the brand—is the battery a Duracell, or an Eveready? (Be sure to read closely-“Eveready” pictured in a familiar-looking red and black package might not be a typo but a sneaky counterfeit.)
What does the description say about the product? Some claims are mere puffery. “Five pounds of the best tasting fudge in the South” has to weigh at least five pounds. But it doesn’t have to taste good.
How reasonable is the price? Too low is just as suspicious as too high. Too low prices can indicate inferior, stolen, or counterfeit merchandise. If you don’t understand a term, look it up. Brand name or designer merchandise is often counterfeited and sold as genuine.
Does the seller offer a guarantee, a warranty, or a return policy? Read the fine print. If you have ten days to return from the date of the order, and it takes twelve days to ship…you get the picture.
Shipping and handling costs
What are the shipping and handling costs? Especially on small electronics at eBay, you can find a fantastic low price—combined with an outrageous “shipping and handling” fee. Look at the TOTAL cost of the purchase, including shipping.
What do other people say about the seller or the product? Do a quick Google search to read forum and blog postings. You may find the product isn’t something you’d want. Or you may find a better alternative.
Trust your instincts. There may be something about the website that makes you feel suspicious. If so, don’t buy the product from that website or seller. You can probably find it elsewhere at a comparable—maybe even better—price.
Whether you’re doing in-person brick and mortar store or online shopping, not all products are created equal. But if you exercise common sense, you’ll probably find just what you’re looking for at the right price.