The Things We Check Before Buying Almost Anything Online

Online shopping is convenient, but convenience can also make it easy to buy something that looked better in the product photos than it does in real life.

Before buying almost anything online, there are a few things worth checking.

The Reviews Are Only the Beginning

Look at the negative reviews as carefully as the positive ones.

You don't need to agree with every complaint, but recurring issues are worth noticing.

If multiple people mention the same problem, there's probably a reason.

Look at the Actual Dimensions

A product can look large in a photograph and be surprisingly small when it arrives.

Check the measurements. Then compare them with something familiar.

A product that's 12 inches wide means more when you imagine it beside the space where you're planning to put it.

Check What’s Included

Sometimes the product shown in the main image includes accessories that aren't actually part of the purchase.

Look at the specifications and package contents before assuming everything pictured comes with it.

Look at the Materials

"Premium" doesn't tell you much. Look for the actual material.

• Stainless steel.
• Glass.
• Wood.
• Plastic.
• Cotton.

The material can tell you much more about what to expect.

Check the Return Policy

This is particularly important for clothing, furniture, electronics, and anything expensive.

A product can have thousands of positive reviews and still not work for you.

Knowing your options if that happens is useful.

Compare the Price

Don't assume the first price you see is the best one.

Check a couple of other retailers when the purchase is significant.

Sometimes the difference is substantial. Sometimes it's only a few dollars. Either way, knowing gives you more information.

Look at Recent Reviews

Products can change. Manufacturers update designs. Materials can change. Packaging can change.

A product with thousands of reviews from several years ago may not be exactly the same product you're buying today.

Pay Attention to Photos From Customers

Professional product photography shows you what the brand wants you to see.

Customer photos can show you what the product actually looks like in someone's home, on someone's body, or in everyday use.

That's often more useful.

Ask Whether You Actually Need It

This may be the most important question.

A great product isn't automatically a good purchase.

If you already have something that performs the same job, buying another version may not improve anything.

The Bottom Line

Online shopping doesn't have to involve endless research.

But spending a few extra minutes before a purchase can prevent a lot of disappointment later.

Check the reviews. Check the measurements. Check the materials. Check the return policy.

Then ask the simplest question of all:

Would I still want this if I hadn't just seen the advertisement?

If the answer is yes, you're probably onto something.