While online shopping offers convenience and a vast selection, certain products are better purchased in person to ensure quality, safety, and satisfaction. Here are some items you might want to skip buying online for your own good:
Shoes
While online retailers offer a broad range of styles, purchasing shoes online can be risky due to issues with fit, size, and fabric quality. Without trying on the items first, you might end up with ill-fitting clothes or footwear that’s uncomfortable. It’s often better to shop for these items in-store where you can try them on and assess their fit and comfort.
Perishable Foods
Buying perishable foods online, such as fruits, vegetables, or meats, can be problematic due to potential issues with freshness and proper handling during shipping. These items are best purchased from local markets, where you can inspect their quality and ensure they’re stored and handled correctly.
Electronics with Expensive or Sensitive Components
While online deals for electronics can be tempting, purchasing high-value or sensitive electronic items, like laptops or cameras, might be better done in person. This way, you can physically inspect the product, check for any defects, and receive hands-on assistance from sales representatives.
Mattresses
A mattress is a significant investment and personal comfort is key. Trying out a mattress in-store allows you to test its firmness and support, which is difficult to gauge through online reviews and descriptions. Many stores also offer return policies, which can be more reassuring if you’re not satisfied with your purchase.
Jewelry
Buying jewelry online can be risky due to potential issues with authenticity, quality, and sizing. Seeing the piece in person allows you to inspect its craftsmanship, verify its authenticity, and ensure it meets your expectations. Additionally, trying on jewelry ensures proper fit and comfort.
Prescription Medications
Purchasing prescription medications online can be risky due to concerns about the authenticity of the drugs and the credibility of the pharmacy. Always buy prescription medications from licensed pharmacies and consult your healthcare provider for any concerns or questions about your medication.
Furniture
While online furniture shopping offers a wide range of options, seeing and testing furniture in person can help you evaluate its build quality, comfort, and size. Additionally, purchasing furniture in-store can help avoid issues with assembly or delivery problems.
High-End Appliances
High-end appliances, such as refrigerators, washing machines, and ovens, benefit from in-person inspection. This allows you to see the appliance’s build quality, ensure it fits your space, and discuss features with knowledgeable salespeople. In-store purchases also facilitate better delivery and installation services.
Health and Beauty Products
Health and beauty products, especially those like skincare and haircare, can vary greatly in terms of ingredients and suitability for different skin types. Buying these products in person allows you to test samples and consult with experts about what’s best for your needs.
Antiques and Collectibles
For antiques and collectibles, purchasing online can be risky due to the potential for misrepresentation of the item’s condition or authenticity. Viewing these items in person allows you to examine their quality, provenance, and any potential issues more thoroughly.
Cars
Buying a vehicle online carries significant risks. Physical inspections are essential for evaluating a car’s condition and uncovering potential issues. Test drives offer critical insights into handling and comfort, which online listings can’t provide. Additionally, local dealerships offer better negotiation opportunities and reliable after-sales support, making in-person purchases a safer choice.
Designer Items
The online market is saturated with counterfeit designer goods, contributing to a $4.2 trillion fake luxury goods industry. Authenticating luxury items from photos alone is challenging. High-end boutiques offer personalized service and guarantee product authenticity, while online shopping risks receiving poor-quality replicas or used items sold as new. Visiting designer stores provides a curated shopping experience and expert advice on style and fit.
Light Fixtures
Purchasing light fixtures online can be problematic due to variations in size and style. Photos may not accurately represent color or material quality. Proper installation often requires a professional assessment of electrical systems and ceiling support. In-store shopping allows you to evaluate the fixture’s light output and aesthetic in person, ensuring a better fit for your space.
House
Real estate fraud is a growing concern, with individuals losing between $4,000 and $10,000 to scams. Online house purchases are risky because virtual tours cannot replace in-person visits to assess the neighborhood, structural integrity, and potential issues. Professional inspections are more difficult to arrange remotely. Local real estate brokers offer valuable insights and face-to-face negotiations are more effective for such a significant investment.
Paint
Paint colors can look different online compared to real life due to lighting conditions and surrounding decor. Physical stores allow you to compare paint samples and colors in person, ensuring a better match for your space. Local stores also offer expert advice on paint types and finishes, helping you make a more informed choice.
Flooring
Online flooring samples can be misleading due to screen color variations. Visiting stores in person allows you to feel the texture and assess the durability of materials. Professional guidance on upkeep and installation is available, and measuring rooms for accurate material needs is easier with in-store assistance. Local stores also provide better warranty coverage and after-sales support.
Pets
Over 80% of people purchase pets online, but this can support unethical breeding practices. Adopting pets in person allows you to assess their health and temperament. Local shelters offer detailed information about a pet’s history and behavior. Online pet purchases can involve shipping stress and health risks, making in-person adoption a better choice for ensuring a good match and building a bond.
Alcohol
The rise of counterfeit alcohol makes it hard to assess quality and authenticity through online transactions. Local liquor stores provide expert advice on wine pairings and spirits, and in-store purchases ensure proper storage. Buying alcohol locally helps avoid illegal distribution networks and reduces the risk of receiving low-quality or fake products.
Wedding Dresses
A wedding dress requires multiple fittings for proper sizing and alterations. Online purchases often lead to disappointment due to discrepancies in fabric quality or design. In 2024, 70 brides were scammed out of their dresses in the name of dry cleaning. Bridal boutiques offer professional styling, advice, and a range of accessories. Visiting a physical store allows brides to experience the emotional aspect of finding the perfect dress and ensures timely alterations and delivery.
