Amazon is a great place to shop, but not everything here is a good deal. We have curated this list of 15 things that are better off your list when shopping on Amazon.

Products With Suspicious Reviews

When it comes to Amazon, reviews are your best friend or your worst enemy. Many products have suspicious ratings, so read the reviews thoroughly before purchasing. Be wary of products with great ratings, yet no one comments on why they liked the product; that is a bad sign.

Pet Food

Pet food is a tricky one. You should buy pet food from local stores, as you can guarantee that it has been properly stored and inspected. Amazon sells pet food, but be aware that this isn’t always the safest option. Purchase pet food from trusted brick-and-mortar stores or pet food websites.

Items With Dubious Medical Claims

Be wary of products that make medical claims they can’t back up. For instance, products claiming to cure a certain condition or improve your health through untested means should be avoided. Consult your doctor before starting new treatments, and don’t rely on Amazon for this advice.

Products With Questionable Discounts

Discounts on Amazon can be great, but if they’re too good to be true, they likely are. If a product is advertised with a suspiciously low price, it could be counterfeit or stolen. Avoid these kinds of deals and research the website selling them if possible. Also, check the seller’s ratings to be sure they are trustworthy before purchasing anything from them.

Toilet Paper and Other Household Staples

Many people don’t realize this, but toilet paper and other household staples can be some of the most expensive items on Amazon. These products have a relatively low cost to manufacture, so it’s often easier for retailers to mark up prices. Look for better deals at your local grocery store or warehouse club instead.

Birkenstock Sandals

Birkenstock Sandals parted ways with the online selling giant Amazon. It’s been a few years since that split, and the brand still doesn’t sell its products through Amazon. To ensure you get the real deal, buying your Birkenstocks from the official website or an authorized retailer is better. Also, you’d get the best fitting and selection, so you don’t end up with shoes that aren’t comfortable.

NO-Name Device Chargers

You should never buy an unknown brand charger, as it’s not guaranteed to be safe. There is no way of knowing if a third-party charger has been made with quality components or if it will work safely and last long. Stick to purchasing device chargers from the brand’s official website or trusted retailers for peace of mind.

Mattresses

Mattresses are one of the few items you should never buy on Amazon because it’s hard to tell if you’ll like the way it feels based on just looking at a picture. It’s also difficult to return and exchange mattresses since they are bulky and heavy. Not to say you can’t get great deals for mattresses at Amazon, but your best bet is to go into a store and test out different models before choosing one.

Products With Reviews for Other Items

It’s not uncommon to find reviews for one product on another. This tactic is common and often used by sellers to get more exposure and increase their sales. To avoid being fooled, read the reviews closely and research the product you are looking for before purchasing.

Large Appliances

You should take extra caution regarding large appliances like refrigerators and washing machines. It’s difficult to gauge if Amazon’s appliances are good quality or energy-efficient online. Also, you may pay more than you would at a brick-and-mortar store. It’s best to shop around for the best deals and look at in-store models than appliances on Amazon.

Ikea Products

Ikea is a popular furniture brand, but you’re better off buying their products at an actual store than through Amazon. Ikea tried to sell select products on Amazon, but the partnership fell through, so any product listed as from Ikea on the website is probably a knockoff. Also, you can’t assemble the furniture yourself or get assistance from a store representative if something goes wrong.

Food From Third-Party Sellers

Food from third-party sellers on Amazon should be avoided as the products could be expired, stale, or contaminated. Only purchase groceries and perishable items from a legitimate grocery store. If you must buy food on Amazon, stick to packaged goods with expiration dates that are far away.

Fine Jewelry

When it comes to fine jewelry, like diamond rings or gold watches, there are better places to get them than Amazon. The quality and authenticity of jewelry purchased on Amazon cannot be guaranteed. Stick to buying your finer pieces from reputable jewelers that can provide proof that the stones or metal used are real and made with quality craftsmanship.

Designer Labels

Designer labels are almost always a gamble when it comes to Amazon. The way the product is made and its quality can’t be guaranteed, so you’re better off avoiding designer pieces on the website altogether. Instead, stick to buying from official stores or authorized retail outlets for name-brand items. The only way to guarantee authenticity is to purchase directly from a designer-label store.

Camera and Photography Equipment

Purchasing cameras and photography equipment from Amazon leaves too much room for counterfeit products that could be lower quality than brand-name models. Do your research on the seller’s ratings, reviews, and history of selling that type of item before making any purchases. If possible, only buy from trusted retailers like B&H Photo and Walmart.

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