If you’re shopping online this holiday season, it’s essential to know who’s selling the product you’re buying. Some companies sell their products directly; others sell from a third party. Websites can sell you products in three ways:
- Sold and shipped by the website: The product you purchase is sold and shipped by the website from which you buy it. If you’re on a company’s website and the product is sold and shipped by the company, your purchase should be covered under the company’s return policy.
- Sold by third party, shipped by website: The product you buy is sold by a third-party company but shipped by the website from which you buy it. In this case, check the return policy of the website as it relates to third-party sellers. A product not sold and shipped by the seller might have a different return policy.
- Sold and shipped by a third party: This means that a product comes directly from the third-party seller, even though the item is advertised on a website that hosts multiple sellers (such as Target, Walmart or Amazon). In such cases, the only interaction this product has with the manufacturer’s website is for processing the payment. Check the return policy of both the host website and third-party seller, as they may differ and the host website may not accept direct returns.
Tip: Knowing the origin of the items you’re buying can influence your purchase decision. The product description or checkout area should list the brand name, seller and shipper. For example:
- Brand: Topps Cards
- Sold by: Joe’s Trading Cards
- Fulfilled/Shipped by: Amazon
The Attorney General’s Office offers the following tips for smart online shopping:
- Plan before you shop. Carefully review ads and compare deals. Keep an eye out for important exclusions and limitations that must be disclosed in ads, even online. Check the details to see whether limited quantities of an item are available for sale, the sale price is valid during certain hours only, or other terms and conditions apply.
- Research online reviews. Be cautious about reviews posted with generic names and profiles without photos; they might be impersonating legitimate shoppers. Cross-reference customer reviews of the same products on different websites. Consistent reviews on several online stores can add validity to the feedback.
- Check return policies. In Ohio, sellers can set their own return policies, including policies of “no returns.” But if a policy limits your ability to obtain a refund, a seller must clearly notify you of that policy before you complete the purchase. Also, be sure to check return policies, as they might change during the holiday season.
- Compare gift cards. Not all gift cards are alike, so review the terms and conditions before you buy. In general, most gift cards must last at least five years, but fees might vary depending on the type of card, such as a single-store card or a prepaid network-branded card that can be used almost anywhere. Also, promotional cards such as those included free with a purchase might not have the same protections.
- Check delivery dates and fees. Carefully review the expected delivery date and shipping costs before making a purchase. Find out whether you’ll be charged fees for return shipping or restocking if you return the product. Also, pick up delivered packages promptly to prevent theft or damage outside your door.
- Beware of package-tracking scams. A package-tracking scam might involve an email alert, which informs you of a “delay” in the shipping of a package. The email either asks you to provide personal information or to click on a link for additional information. But providing personal information could lead to financial harm, and clicking on the included link could infect your computer with malware. In addition to keeping your shipping confirmation email, keep track of the retailers from which you’ve ordered. And don’t click on links if you’re unsure whether the sender is legitimate.
- Monitor your accounts. Regularly check your credit-card and bank accounts for unauthorized charges or unexpected activity. If you find problems, immediately notify your credit-card provider or bank. The sooner you identify a problem, the sooner you can work to correct it.
Consumers who suspect an unfair business practice or want help addressing a consumer
problem should contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at www.OhioProtects.org or 800-282-0515.