Amazon is great for convenience, but not everything on there is a smart buy. You might think you’re saving time or money, but some items come with hidden catches, poor quality, or inflated prices. And sometimes, you’re just better off shopping in person or going straight to the source.
Here’s what you should skip next time you’re scrolling Amazon at 2 a.m. in your pajamas.
Baby Formula and Baby Gear
Amazon is fine for diapers and onesies, but formula should come from verified sources. Formula recalls occur frequently, and purchasing from third-party sellers may result in receiving outdated or improperly stored products.
Large Appliances
Buying a fridge or washing machine sight unseen isn’t ideal. Local stores usually offer better setup help and return options. Plus, you can ask questions and avoid surprise dents.
Shoes With Sizing Variability
Even familiar brands can be inconsistent when sold by resellers. You’d likely find lots of reviews saying things like, “Runs two sizes too small” or “Not the real thing.” If fit matters, buy from retailers that offer easy and fast returns.
School Textbooks
Prices on Amazon can be inflated, especially during back-to-school season. Try Chegg, your campus bookstore, or textbook rental sites. You could save some money by using textbook-specific platforms.
Luxury Beauty Products
That $90 serum promising to erase every wrinkle? It might be fake. The U.S. Government Accountability Office found that 20 out of 47 items purchased from third-party sellers, including high-end cosmetics, were counterfeit. If it’s an expensive brand, get it from the brand’s site or a trusted retailer like Sephora.
Grocery Items That Expire Quickly
Buying perishable food online is a gamble. A CNBC report found expired or near-expired food items in some of Amazon’s grocery orders. If it needs a fridge or has a short shelf life, get it locally where you can check the date.
Nutritional Supplements
Supplements are already loosely regulated, but Amazon’s third-party sellers add another layer of uncertainty. In 2024, Amazon pulled hyaluronic supplements after reports of contamination by the FDA. Stick to direct websites or trusted stores like CVS or Walgreens.
Cheap Electronics and Chargers
There’s a big difference between “cheap” and “affordable.” Third-party electronics, especially knockoff chargers, can overheat or fail. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission found over 400,000 products sold by Amazon were defective or subpar to federal safety standards. Spend a few extra bucks for safety.
Designer Clothing and Shoes
It’s hard to verify authenticity with so many resellers. You might think what you are ordering is Nike sneakers, but you may receive something closer to “Mike” instead. Stick to official brand stores or outlets.
Bridal Dresses and Formalwear
It might look good in the photos, but what arrives could be an itchy mess of tulle and regret. You don’t want to be the bride who receives a wedding gown that doesn’t match the photos or fit.
High-End Watches and Jewelry
Unless it’s shipped and sold by Amazon directly, steer clear. Fake jewelry often looks real in photos, and by the time you realize it’s not, the seller may have vanished.
Pet Medications
Your pet deserves better than discounted meds with sketchy packaging. The FDA warns against buying prescription meds for pets from unverified sources. Always go through a vet or licensed pharmacy.
Furniture That Requires Assembly
The furniture may be cheap, and it may arrive fast, but it also might wobble like a toddler on a sugar rush. Customer reviews often mention missing parts, unclear instructions, and poor durability. IKEA at least gives you a meatball after the struggle.
Batteries in Bulk
Batteries in bulk may seem like a deal, but cheap batteries can leak, swell, or die early. Bulk batteries sold by unknown brands may be unreliable, with reduced lifespan compared to name brands. Buy your Duracells at Costco instead.
Plants and Seeds
Sure, they’re cute, but plants shipped from unknown sellers often arrive half-dead or mislabeled. Support your local nursery instead. You will get very good, high-quality seeds, and you’ll get good advice, too.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
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Click here and let’s break down how.
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