An endless stream of digital advertising puts your pick of health and wellness products at your fingertips. E-commerce and social media marketplaces have made purchasing products more accessible than ever. However, some sellers make extravagant claims that just aren’t true.
To select the best products from legitimate sellers, you must learn to recognize the difference between flashy packaging and legitimate solutions. Here are seven online shopping tips for buying health and wellness items through online merchants.
1. Verify Seller Credibility
Always verify the seller before purchasing any beauty or wellness products online. A reputable seller should have certifications, approvals or positive reviews for you to read.
For instance, it isn’t enough for a seller to simply say they don’t test products on animals. Instead, you must look for the Leaping Bunny logo — the only internationally-recognized standard of cruelty-free products.
2. Read Product Descriptions
Whether you’re in the market for skincare products, supplements, or whey protein powder, you’ll want to read descriptions and ingredients carefully.
Some ingredients may irritate your skin. Parabens are particularly dangerous and can cause hormonal imbalances and an increased risk of breast cancer. You wouldn’t want to consume anything potentially harmful.
You may be better off making homemade beauty products than buying them online or through influencer endorsements. Search for recipes to whip up your favorite items, like bath bombs. Bath bombs are one part citric acid, one part cornstarch, and two parts baking soda. You can also add Epsom salt or oatmeal for softer, cleaner skin.
3. Look for Secure Payment Options
Even the largest corporations with robust cybersecurity measures are susceptible to online hacker attacks, leaving customers vulnerable to fraud.
Always ensure the wellness retailer or influencer you’re buying from has a secure payment option to protect your private details and financial information. Online checkouts should have SSL certificates or use payment gateways and processors with advanced security measures.
4. Compare Prices
Always research items and compare prices before making a decision. You’ll be upset if you come across a recently purchased product for a fraction of the cost through another seller.
Products are sold through different online retailers, which sometimes individually set their own prices and shipping costs. Consider downloading a price comparison app to determine where to purchase health and wellness goods at a fair value.
5. Avoid Unrealistic Claims and Scams
It could be misleading if a brand or influencer guarantees a product is the miracle cure for all your health and wellness troubles. Likewise, if they claim “quick results,” proceed with caution. There may be a lack of scientific proof behind their words.
Suppose you purchased a product and it didn’t work, or maybe the seller’s customer service was far from superior. Other red flags include the following:
- Their sole payment option doesn’t seem secure — such as through a bank account or PayPal.
- Despite a high follower count, there give vague details about themselves and their products.
- There aren’t any likes, comments, or inquiries under posts about their products.
- The seller doesn’t post screenshots of positive buyer testimonials.
- Pricing seems either too high or too low.
If you believe a seller is scamming customers with unrealistic claims and fake products, you can report them to the FTC or Better Business Bureau.
6. Read Unbiased Reviews
Influencer endorsements are enticing. When your favorite Instagrammer partners with a new health and wellness brand, how could you pass on a great deal? However, even if you stumble upon a seemingly life-changing product through social media, you should think twice.
About 95% of customers read reviews before shopping online, but finding genuine reviews is more challenging than it sounds. According to Fake Review Watch, 30% of online reviews are false — businesses can buy 5-star reviews, delete negative comments, and use insider reviews to lure customers in.
Look for third-party reviews to determine whether you can trust a product. Also, read 4-star reviews and lower to understand problems other buyers had with the item or brand.
7. Check Return Policies
Always read the company’s return policies and warranty options before purchasing. The seller may have return restrictions on opened products, so you’ll want to ensure your item is eligible if it doesn’t meet your expectations.
Find out how the return process works — do you need to contact customer service? Is there a return form you must fill out? Also, see whether the seller will cover shipping costs or requires a restocking fee. It’s also essential to find out how long it takes to process a refund.
You can protect yourself from bad players and fraudulent health and wellness products in online marketplaces. Purchasing something that looks suspicious or doesn’t work could be wasteful or unsafe. Save your hard-earned money for the real thing.
Featured image via Monstera on Pexels
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Agree with the tips mentioned! One thing I’d add is the importance of using tools for Competitor Price Tracking, which significantly streamlines the shopping experience. For instance, a platform like https://priceva.com/google-shopping-repricer offers automated tracking, instant price change notifications, and a unified interface for managing all key metrics. It’s not just about keeping tabs on prices; comprehensive analytics can uncover market opportunities you might miss otherwise. Plus, their AI-based repricing tool can tailor the perfect buying strategy, making it easier to navigate the often overwhelming world of online health and wellness shopping. It’s a game-changer for both consumers and sellers in staying competitive and informed.