Online shopping for cigarettes may be convenient, but it has its dangers. There are too many vendors around. There is a chance that you will stumble upon fake products that do not match your expectations. Even worse, they might be unsafe. With a bit of skills, you can avoid fake cigarettes. The following is a basic checklist.
Look for trusted retailers
The first step is selecting your place of purchase. Beware when a site:
- Appears sketchy
- Is filled with pop-up ads
- Contains minimal information about the business.
Authentic sellers will most likely have:
- A professional-looking store
- Accessible contact information
- A simple checkout procedure.
There is nothing wrong with making a quick search of the retailer’s reviews. In case other buyers have experienced negative experiences, you will most certainly find warnings on the internet. However, on the other side, a seller who is well-known and has positive reviews has a much better chance of offering genuine goods.
Check product descriptions
An authentic online retailer will tend to give a lot of information regarding the products they are selling, such as:
- The brand names
- Sizes
- Flavors
- Source.
In case the listing is vague or generic, it may be a red flag.
Another thing to be watchful of as you buy smokes online is unsuitable product photographs. Beware of pictures that do not correspond to the description. Others may appear as if they were copied from another site.
Watch out for unrealistic prices
Everybody appreciates a bargain. However, there are moments when the prices are so low that it is unreal. When you come across a vendor who sells cigarettes at half the price, it is likely that it is a fake or substandard imitation.
Even when the discounting is done, genuine cigarettes will still remain within the reach of a normal price. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Pay attention to packaging
The packaging is one of the biggest giveaways of fake cigarettes. Real cigarettes will always be in good packs with:
- Good branding
- Health warnings
- Tax stamps (where you live).
On the other hand, counterfeits can have:
- Scribbled logos
- Misspelled words
- Uneven printing.
When the photos online seem suspicious or of low quality, use it as a reason to be careful. And when your pack comes, examine it before you light.
Start small before you commit
It is a good idea to order in small quantities when trying a new seller. Then you can actually observe how the product looks, tastes, and smokes without spending more money. After you are sure that the cigarettes are authentic and the service is solid, you can proceed to make bigger purchases.
Trust your instincts
Last but not least, rely on your gut feeling. Do you have a feeling about a site, an offer, or a product that you do not like? Trust your intuition. Quality is important. Sometimes, it is better to walk away and seek a more trustworthy source than to end up with counterfeit products.
