5 On Your Side: Holiday online shopping safety

With the holidays right around the corner, shopping is in full swing. A lot of Americans are turning to online shipping because it is quick and convenient. There are a few things to keep in mind to make sure the products are safe and at a good price.

Products seen on sites such as Amazon and TEMU could be from third-party sellers rather than the retailer itself. This can make it harder to hold the seller accountable for unsafe or defective products.

Consumer Reports investigations found that products sold by third-party sellers can be fake, dangerous and fail to meet U.S. safety standards.

When buying from a brick-and-mortar store, the retailer can be held responsible. However, some third-party sellers and online marketplaces can be risky. Sometimes, sellers may be unreachable or unaccountable for the harm their products cause. In many cases, online sellers can claim they are just the middleman. 

Consumer Reports recommends buying from trusted sellers. In general, if the buyer is listed as the seller it can be considered safe. If interested in a product listed by a third-party, stick with well-known and reputable brands.Some products need the highest level of scrutiny, such as toys - anything with a lithium-ion battery or has pieces small enough for a child to swallow easily.

Eye-catching badges, often found on sites such as “Amazon’s Choice” or “Etsy’s Pick” might draw attention to certain products, but it is often not clear how these items are selected. Fake and paid reviews are common. Focus on detailed reviews, and look for common themes mentioned within. 

There are several things to keep in mind when trying to find the best deal this season. First, start with comparison sites like Google Shopping, PriceGrabber or Shopzilla; as well as deal sites like DealNews and GottaDeal. Follow brands on social media as that is where they are most likely to drop coupons and promotions. Remember to be careful, and remember sponsored listings are paid placements, not necessarily better deals. 

The bottom line is it is important to exercise caution while shopping online, it can save money and ensure safe products and procedures. Also remember to always check the company’s return policy. Oftentimes, the biggest the product, the harder it is to return.