As e-commerce sites have quickly become the world’s go-to shopping destination for many goods, fake products and unscrupulous sellers have also found their way into the online shopping arena. And while the act of counterfeiting goes far back in history, spanning multiple industries, the success of the internet over the last century has proven to exacerbate the problem exponentially.
Fake products and storefronts abound online, and dietary supplements are not immune. Plus, the online market has become so massive, it’s nearly impossible to police. Even small, inexperienced vendors are able to reach millions of people through the internet. And while many 3rd party sellers are upstanding companies, there are just as many, if not more, who are fraudulent and looking for an easy way to make money.
So what’s an online shopper to do? We want to make sure our customers aren’t falling victim to these scammers and encourage everyone to shop with caution–especially when buying products you are trusting to support your health. Follow these simple steps to avoid the counterfeit products and fake storefronts online:
Stick to the Brand’s Official Website
Go straight to the source for the products you’re looking for by visiting the company’s official website. Many websites offer online ordering for their products. For those who don’t, you can often find a “Where to Buy” section so you know you’re ordering from a seller you can trust. Lots of companies also offer discounts through autoship and subscribe and save options. When you order straight from the product manufacturer, you can feel assured you’re getting the real product, every time.
Be on Alert if the Price Sounds Too Good to Be True
Everyone likes a good deal, but always keep the old adage “you get what you pay for'' in mind–especially when shopping for supplements online. If you find a product at a significantly lower price point than what it sells for on the brand’s website, there’s a good chance it’s fake. Counterfeit products are useless at best, but could also be harmful since you have no way of knowing what they actually contain. Plus, high quality supplements often come with a price tag that reflects the cost of premium ingredients and scientific research. If a price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Become an Amazon Sleuth
People love the convenience and familiarity of Amazon. We understand it’s hard to avoid shopping with this e-commerce giant. But even user-friendly Amazon can be overwhelming when discerning which seller to purchase from. If Amazon remains your preferred way to shop, take these precautions to ensure you’re getting the products you’re paying for:
- Look for the “Sold by” line in the box where you click to add the product to your cart. If the name isn’t familiar to you, do a quick Google search to verify this is a legit seller. For example, with Terry Naturally® products, our “Sold by” line says: Sold by: Pattern Inc.
- If you are still unsure if the seller is real, read some of the product reviews. If a number of reviewers are claiming the product is fake or the seller is unresponsive, pay attention. Look for reviews that have photos or that specifically call out unusual packaging, pills that seem inconsistent with past orders, etc. While it can be difficult to trust some product reviews, consistent messages should still stand out as red flags when online shopping.
- Be savvy when you receive your order. Supplements come in many shapes, sizes, and colors. If you’ve purchased a certain supplement in-store or from the manufacturer’s website, you’ll know what to look for in your Amazon order. Many websites also show you a visual of what the product should look like. If your order isn’t consistent with what you’ve received in the past, or looks suspicious in any way, contact the manufacturer to let them know about your concerns and make them aware someone is selling a fake product under their brand name.
Remember, your safety and health are of the utmost importance. We encourage you to do your homework when ordering Terry Naturally supplements online, and please feel free to reach out to us with any questions. Your health is our priority and we are happy to help.