Savvy marketing and colorful advertisements are no longer confined to brick and mortar storefronts. There’s a new way to sell and buy supplements, and you don’t even need to leave your home.

In fact, you may not even realize you’re shopping at all. Social media buying is a billion-dollar industry, but how can you ensure the supplements you’re buying online are legitimate?

It can be difficult to assess quality, especially when the images and pictures are heavily filtered, curated, and edited. Some may even have celebrity or influencer endorsements, adding to their appeal.

So how can you shop safely for wellness products online without getting ripped off?

VERIFY THE COMPANY

First things first, check if the company is legitimate. Instagram does a good job of removing fake and fraudulent accounts, but it’s still important to be careful. If a 5-day elixir or juice special catches your eye, take the time to leave the app and google the name of the company or brand.

Are they a real company with an active website? What do the online reviews say? Make sure and check several sources of reviews so you can a more accurate picture of who the company is. Take it a step further and check if they’re registered on business-orientated platforms like LinkedIn to confirm legitimacy.

KNOW THE RETURN POLICIES

You can shop freely in brick and mortar stores and assume most will accept returns on the goods you purchase. The same consumer laws do not apply to online storefronts, and Instagram sellers in particular tend to have extremely poor return policies.

If they do accept returns, make sure you know what that policy is before you buy. Many customers lose money because it takes longer to ship the item back than what the return policy allows.

ASSESS THE PRODUCT CLAIMS

Even if you’ve verified the company’s legitimacy and know a refund is possible, if you need it, it’s important to also examine the claims of a product. Many wellness and supplement items for sale across social media promise levels of health and longevity beyond what is normally advertised in brick and mortar stores.

Instagram monitors fake claims and removes sellers – like weight loss and diet pills – but again, it’s important to be careful. Be mindful the images and marketing campaigns are more superior than what you see in stores. Videos, images, and IG stories can help build a story, which unknowingly, you’re reading every day when you follow certain brands.

CROSS CHECK THE PRICE

Many Instagram brands are ultimately selling the same product often with very different price points. This tends to be more of an issue with clothing and accessories, but it can happen with supplements and wellness items, too.

Before committing to a purchase, use google to assess where else the item is being sold. Sometimes you’ll find it for sale from another brand without a refund policy, so be sure to assess your shopping needs before deciding on what seller to go with.

EVALUATE THE PURPOSE OF THE PRODUCT

Look beyond the colorful and perfectly curated Instagram feed of the brands and sellers you follow. Are they charging a premium price for a premium product or are you actually paying for an average product dressed up with fancy packaging?

Juice and smoothie subscriptions offer convenience and accessibility, but are the ingredients something you could make yourself for a fraction of the cost? What about those supplements? Are they made from the best quality ingredients, or are they low-quality in high-quality packaging?

Evaluating a product’s purpose allows you to do a quick cost-benefit analysis and determine if you will gain value from purchasing it.

Shopping online – especially via social media – is a billion-dollar industry. Many well-known brands have built a successful presence among Instagram sellers as a means to keep up and compete. Online sellers can usually offer lower prices since they don’t have overheads like rent to pay, so don’t be surprised if you see more established brands selling via your feed.

By keeping in mind these important tips, you can safely shop and buy supplements and other new wellness products without worrying you’ll get ripped off or scammed. Have you discovered any amazing products through social media?

Want to learn more about supplements? Head here Your Ultimate Supplementation Guide: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly!