15 Things to Never Buy on Amazon
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Shopping on Amazon is incredibly convenient, but not every purchase is a good idea. While Amazon offers countless products at competitive prices, certain items are best bought elsewhere to ensure authenticity, quality, and value for money.
With its vast selection and fast delivery, Amazon has revolutionized shopping. However, concerns about counterfeit products, inflated prices, and inconsistent quality mean that some items are better purchased from other sources. By understanding what to avoid, you can make more informed decisions and get the best value for your money. Here are 15 things savvy shoppers should avoid buying on Amazon.
Kirkland/Costco Branded Products
Kirkland, Costco’s house brand, is renowned for its quality and affordability. However, when you buy these items on Amazon, you often pay a significant markup. A 2019 Quartz analysis found that Kirkland products are more expensive on Amazon than on Costco.
Purchasing Kirkland products directly from Costco ensures you get the best price and authenticity. Plus, Costco offers a satisfaction guarantee, which you might not get when buying through third-party sellers on Amazon.
Cheap Charging Cables, Adapters, and Tools
Cheap charging cables and adapters sold on Amazon can damage your devices or pose safety hazards. In 2021, a report by KIRO 7 News Seattle revealed that more than one million pressure washer spray guns sold through Lowe’s and Amazon had been recalled due to defective connectors. These connectors were prone to breaking under pressure, presenting a significant risk of injury highlighting the risks associated with low-quality tech accessories.
Inferior materials and a lack of proper safety features can lead to overheating, fires, or electric shocks. Stick to purchasing chargers and adapters from reputable brands or device manufacturers.
Cosmetics and Beauty Products
The beauty industry is rife with counterfeits, and Amazon is no exception. The New York Department of State reported that many counterfeit cosmetics contain harmful chemicals, posing severe health risks.
Sara Skirboll, a resident Shopping & Trends expert at RetailMeNot, advises buying makeup from verified retailers like Sephora or Ulta to ensure authenticity and safety. Counterfeit beauty products can cause allergic reactions, skin irritation, and other health issues.
Ikea Products
Ikea items on Amazon are often marked up significantly compared to purchasing directly from Ikea. For example, a children’s table/chair set that sells for $50 at Ikea can cost up to $100 on Amazon.
Buy directly from Ikea stores or their website to avoid inflated prices and ensure you receive genuine Ikea products.
Batteries
Cheap batteries may seem like a good deal, but they can damage your devices and have a shorter lifespan. Consumer Reports found that Costco’s Kirkland Signature Alkaline batteries were the “best buy” compared to other brands but for a fraction of the price.
Stick to reputable brands and buy from trusted retailers to avoid issues with low-quality batteries that can leak or cause device failures.
Google and Some Apple Devices
Amazon often sells Google and Apple devices at or above the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP), making it cheaper to buy directly from the manufacturers or authorized retailers.
Google Home Mini and other smart devices are frequently sold at discounted prices at retailers like Walmart, offering better deals than Amazon.
Medications and Supplements
The risk of counterfeit medications and supplements on Amazon is high. A Wall Street Journal investigation found that buying these items from third-party sellers can result in receiving fake or unsafe products.
Always purchase medications and dietary supplements from reputable pharmacies or manufacturers to ensure safety and efficacy.
Trader Joe’s Products
Trader Joe’s does not authorize the resale of its products on Amazon, which means you might end up with marked-up, expired, or counterfeit items. To enjoy Trader Joe’s unique offerings, visit its stores directly.
Name Brand Clothing
Designer and name-brand clothing purchased from Amazon third-party sellers is highly likely counterfeit. Kristen Dowling, a cataloguer at Philips Auction House, recommends buying high-end clothing items from authorized retailers or directly from the brand’s website to ensure authenticity.
Fresh Produce
Ordering fresh produce online can result in inconsistent quality. Money Talks News journalist Karla Bowsher notes that local grocery stores often offer better prices and fresher options. When buying produce, it’s best to visit a local market where you can select items yourself, ensuring freshness and quality.
Items with Suspicious Reviews
Fake reviews are a common issue on Amazon. Tools like Fakespot and ReviewMeta can help verify the authenticity of reviews, but it’s still best to be cautious. Check for repetitive wording, overly optimistic language, and reviews lacking specific product details.
Designer Items from Third-Party Sellers
Up to 70% of counterfeit items are luxury goods, and buying designer items from third-party sellers on Amazon increases the risk of getting fakes. Buy from authorized luxury retailers or the brand’s official store to ensure you receive genuine designer items.
Baby Toys and Items
Safety concerns are paramount when it comes to baby products. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has recalled numerous baby items sold on Amazon due to safety hazards. To avoid potential risks, purchase baby toys and essentials from trusted retailers with strict safety standards.
Car Parts
According to a Forbes report, counterfeit car parts are prevalent on Amazon, with Mercedes-Benz’s parent company, Daimler, suing Amazon for selling fake parts. Buy car parts from authorized dealers or reputable auto parts stores to ensure you get genuine and safe components.
Solar Panels
Quality and authenticity issues are common with solar panels sold on Amazon. Proper installation is paramount for safety and efficiency, which Amazon sellers often do not provide. To avoid potential risks, purchase solar panels from specialized solar companies that offer professional installation services.
While Amazon offers a wide range of products and unmatched convenience, exercising caution when shopping is essential. Avoiding these 15 items can save you from counterfeit products, inflated prices, and potential safety hazards. Shopping directly from the manufacturer or authorized retailers ensures you get the best value and quality for certain purchases.
By being a savvy shopper and knowing what to avoid, you can make the most of your Amazon shopping experience. If you found these tips helpful, share them with fellow shoppers to spread awareness.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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