Shopping on Amazon can be super convenient, but not everything sold there is a great deal or even reliable. You might find yourself tempted to buy all kinds of items, especially with fast shipping and countless options.
Knowing which items to avoid can save you money, time, and frustration. This guide helps you understand which purchases are better made elsewhere to ensure you get the best quality and value for your money.
Mystery-brand vacuum cleaners
When shopping for vacuum cleaners on Amazon, be cautious of mystery brands. These often lack reliability and can have poor performance compared to well-known names.
You might save a few dollars upfront, but these vacuums may not last long or offer the features you expect. Stick to trusted brands to avoid disappointment and potential headaches later on.
Fake Nike shoes
You should be careful when buying Nike shoes on Amazon. There are many counterfeit products that look real but use lower-quality materials.
To reduce risk, always check if the seller is authorized by Nike. Look closely at customer reviews, especially from buyers who know the product well.
If the price seems unusually low or details don’t match official Nike listings, it’s best to avoid the purchase. Your best option is buying directly from Nike or trusted retailers.
Knockoff power banks
When shopping for power banks on Amazon, be cautious of knockoffs. These often claim high capacity but deliver much less than advertised.
You might find cheap options promising 10,000mAh or more, but the real battery inside could be only 1,000 to 2,000mAh. This means your device won’t charge as many times as you expect.
Stick to trusted brands to avoid slow charging and unreliable performance. It’s better to spend a little more for a power bank that works when you need it most.
Shady tech accessories
You might find tech gadgets on Amazon that seem like great deals but don’t work as promised. These accessories often come from unknown brands with unclear quality standards.
Buying items like knockoff power banks or cheap chargers can be risky. They may not last long or could even damage your devices.
It’s better to choose trusted brands and read reviews carefully before buying tech accessories. This helps protect your devices and your wallet.
Subscribe-and-save products with hidden fees
When you sign up for Amazon Subscribe & Save, it seems like an easy way to save money on regular purchases. But watch out—some items come with hidden fees or higher prices after the first order.
You might also find that some sellers on Subscribe & Save aren’t thoroughly vetted. This means the product quality or authenticity may not always meet your expectations.
If you use Subscribe & Save, always double-check the seller details and prices before confirming your order.
Unauthorized media like bootleg DVDs
You should be careful when buying DVDs or Blu-rays on Amazon, as some sellers offer unauthorized or bootleg copies. These discs often have lower quality and may not play properly.
Bootleg DVDs usually come as single-layer discs with only one barcode, unlike authentic dual-layer discs with two barcodes. They are typically cheaper but don’t offer the same value.
To avoid these, buy only from trusted sellers or official sources. This helps ensure you get a genuine product that works as expected.
Overpriced restaurant gift cards
You might think buying restaurant gift cards on Amazon is convenient. But often, you’ll pay full price with no discounts.
Some stores sell these cards for less or offer bonuses when you buy directly. Checking other sources can save you money. If you’re looking for a deal, avoid Amazon for restaurant gift cards. It’s better to explore other options first.
Dog food from unverified sellers
You should be careful when buying dog food on Amazon, especially from sellers without verified reputations. Some products may be expired, damaged, or not stored properly, which can harm your pet’s health.
Since many sellers operate third-party stores, it’s hard to guarantee product quality. Always check reviews and seller ratings before purchasing dog food.
If the dog food arrives damaged or suspect, returning it can be difficult. Choosing trusted brands and verified sellers helps protect your furry friend.
Large household appliances
When it comes to large household appliances, Amazon isn’t always the best place to shop. You might find better prices and services at stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s.
Appliances sold on Amazon often come from third-party sellers, which can mean less reliable warranties or support. Visiting a local store allows you to see the product firsthand and get expert advice.
For big purchases like refrigerators or washers, it’s usually safer and more convenient to buy from specialized retailers.
Items with suspicious reviews
You might come across products with glowing reviews that seem too good to be true. These often come from fake or paid reviewers and can mislead you about the item’s quality.
Check the review patterns carefully. If most reviews are overly positive with little detail or posted in a short time frame, be cautious.
Looking for verified purchases and balanced feedback can help you avoid disappointing buys. Trust your judgment when reviews feel off or inconsistent.
Dubious medical claim products
You should be cautious when buying products that claim to cure or prevent illnesses. Many items on Amazon make health promises without scientific proof.
These products can be ineffective or even unsafe. Amazon removed many such listings during the pandemic, but some still appear.
If you need medical supplies, consider trusted sources like pharmacies or healthcare providers. This helps protect your health and money.
Laundry detergents mixed with other chemicals
You should never mix laundry detergents with other cleaning products. Combining them can create harmful fumes that irritate your lungs and skin.
Some detergents contain chemicals like formaldehyde, which can cause allergic reactions if mixed improperly.
Keep your laundry routine simple by using only detergent as directed. Avoid adding bleach or ammonia unless clearly specified on the label. This keeps you and your clothes safe.
