Tip #1- Do your research on the brand and product.
How long have they been in business? I know how difficult it was launching my product initially without a track record… so just because a brand hasn’t been around for a long time, doesn’t mean it’s not a legitimate company- just dig a little deeper…
Some other questions to consider when online shopping: Who owns the company? Do they link their personal account to the business page? Do they engage with their followers? Call the phone number- email them. Are they credited with the BBB? Where are they located - city and state?
Tip #2 - Beware of Fake Advertisement
Many fraudulent companies are stealing from the legitimate companies and editing the brand name out. Do you keep seeing the same ads but ads ran from different company names? Usually these companies will create multiple websites fraudulent websites because they get reported and taken down quickly.
Example: Misses Kisses ads, product photos, customer videos and testimonials have all been stolen and used to trick people into thinking they are buying the genuine bra- only to discover they were scammed with a crappy knockoff “as seen on Ellen” and unable to get a refund)
Check the comment section of the ad or post to see if they have real engagement from customers or if it is full of bot messages. It should be easy to spot a legitimate company’s response in the comment section of a social post or in a sponsored ad.
Meme pages are looking for a quick buck and are paid to advertise fake goods often. Do not fall victim.
Tip #3 - Check Customer Reviews / Socials
Most of these scam sites will have fake reviews - a good way to double check the legitimacy is to search the company on social media. Such as on Instagram - once you find their account, investigate the company’s tagged photos.
Reach out to the customers in the tagged photos or comment section and ask their experience. If it is a fake account you likely will not get a response. If you do, make sure they answer specific details about the product you’re inquiring about. Look up the hashtags and see what people are saying/ posting.
Search the Facebook reviews. Reach out to customers who have left reviews- research the customer sharing the review.
At Misses Kisses- we are beyond grateful for all of our reviews! We would never mislead anyone/ hence why you find some comments of disgruntled customers who didn’t schedule their fitting- or they ordered the wrong length - or needed a different size pads- or it wasn’t for them. It’s the first bra of its kind- and this is why we strive to have the best customer service possible.
Tip #4 - Does the price seem to good to be true?!
I see the counterfeit bras running for $19.99-29.99 - There is no way that is even possible!!! When you see someone selling for 50/60/75% off - Red Flag 🚩 You will get a wire hanger and some swimsuit pads if anything at all. You get what you pay for- hopefully you don’t get hurt…
This happened to me on Amazon buying Burts Bees Face-wipes- I saw a bundle and it was Prime and could be to my house in a day… They showed up and we’re basically dried up butt wipes that didn’t remove makeup. The face wipes were counterfeit!!! I had no idea until I compared them to the pack I purchased at Target.
Tip #5 - Beware of all third-party seller sites like Amazon, Walmart, Ebay and Alibaba
I love Amazon because it’s inexpensive and arrives quick- but note that 75% of the Amazon sellers are coming from China. Who knows what you’re going to get, what materials they use etc… Stay safe - especially when you’re putting it on your body.
Walmart is now offering drop ship items like Amazon, mainly Chinese companies. eBay is the worst… anyone can sell anything and most goods are counterfeit.
Tip #6 - Check their Grammar
Many times the description will have multiple grammar and spelling errors. This is because a Google Translator may have been used when creating falsified reviews and product information.
Tip #7 - Payment Type
Only purchase using a credit card on a secure site. Paying with a debit card does not offer the same protection and you may not be able to get a refund for scam purchases.
Conclusion - We all want a good deal, we all want to get the best price possible. Message the company and ask them if they will be willing to give you a better discount if it’s something you truly want.
We do not want anyone getting hurt or scammed out of time and money. Protect yourself.