The holiday season is underway, and many shoppers are turning to online stores for convenience.However, online shopping doesn’t always go as smoothly as expected.”It can be easier, but sometimes you end up sending a lot back,” said one consumer.Shoppers need to be careful when buying from third-party sellers on sites like Amazon, Walmart and Temu.Consumer Reports investigations have found that some products sold by third-party sellers can be fake, dangerous, or fail to meet U.S. safety standards. “If you buy a product at a brick-and-mortar store and it causes harm, the retailer can be held responsible. But when you buy from a third-party seller on an online marketplace, that liability isn’t always the same. Some third-party sellers may be unreachable or unaccountable for the harms caused by their products. And in many cases, the online platform can claim it’s just the middleman,” said Samantha Gordon of Consumer Reports.Consumer Reports recommends that shoppers stick with trusted sellers. If the marketplace itself is listed as the seller, that’s generally safer. For products sold by third-party sellers, stick with well-known, reputable brands.>> Download the free WMUR app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google Play <> Subscribe to WMUR’s YouTube channel <<
The holiday season is underway, and many shoppers are turning to online stores for convenience.
However, online shopping doesn’t always go as smoothly as expected.
“It can be easier, but sometimes you end up sending a lot back,” said one consumer.
Shoppers need to be careful when buying from third-party sellers on sites like Amazon, Walmart and Temu.
Consumer Reports investigations have found that some products sold by third-party sellers can be fake, dangerous, or fail to meet U.S. safety standards.
“If you buy a product at a brick-and-mortar store and it causes harm, the retailer can be held responsible. But when you buy from a third-party seller on an online marketplace, that liability isn’t always the same. Some third-party sellers may be unreachable or unaccountable for the harms caused by their products. And in many cases, the online platform can claim it’s just the middleman,” said Samantha Gordon of Consumer Reports.
Consumer Reports recommends that shoppers stick with trusted sellers.
If the marketplace itself is listed as the seller, that’s generally safer. For products sold by third-party sellers, stick with well-known, reputable brands.
>> Download the free WMUR app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google Play <<
Some products require extra scrutiny, including toys, anything with lithium-ion batteries, or small items a child could swallow.
Badges like “Amazon’s Choice” or “Etsy’s Pick” may catch your eye, but it’s not always clear how these products are selected.
Reviews can also be misleading, as fake and paid-for reviews are common. Focus on detailed reviews, especially if multiple buyers mention the same issue.
To find the best deal, compare prices on sites like Google Shopping, PriceGrabber, or Shopzilla. Deal sites such as DealNews and GottaDEAL allow users to sign up for alerts on specific products or categories.
“Sometimes just leaving something in your cart can trigger a discount email. And it helps to join store loyalty programs or follow brands on social media, because that’s where they tend to drop coupons and promotions,” Gordon said.
And remember, “sponsored” listings are paid placements, not necessarily better deals.
A little caution online can help save money and keep families safe.
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