Beware: The Hidden Dangers of Buying from Non-UK Companies on Facebook
I simply love Facebook and have used it for many years, but when I first started using it, no one imagined that this platform, along with others would be transformed into vibrant marketplaces where consumers can discover and purchase a bewildering array of goods and services, from cars, swimming pools and beauty products to furniture, stationery and medicine.
Although this opens up a world of choices, I have heard many tales of woe from people who made the mistake of buying from companies not based in the UK. Indeed, as I found personally when testing some of the claims made by those advertising on Facebook as part of my research for this article, promises of moneyback guarantees, outstanding service and high-quality products were not worth the paper they were metaphorically written on.
Here’s my personal, non-expert guide to the pitfalls of buying from non-UK companies advertising on Facebook and how to avoid them.
**Limited Consumer Protections**
One of the primary risks when purchasing from non-UK companies is the lack of robust consumer protections. UK laws safeguard buyers with rights to refunds, exchanges, and protections against faulty goods. Indeed, these rights are enshrined in legislation such as the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
This legislation, in a nutshell says that ALL products must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and as described.
The rules also include digital content in this definition. So, whether physical or digital – must meet the following standards:
• Fit for purpose: The goods should be fit for the purpose they are supplied for, as well as any specific purpose they were sold for.
• As described: The goods supplied must match any description given to you.
• Satisfactory quality: Goods shouldn’t be faulty or damaged when you receive them. You should also expect that cheap products won’t be held to as high standards as luxury goods.
When you buy from an overseas seller, these important protections can be ignored, leaving you at a disadvantage if something goes wrong with your purchase.
**Complicated Return Processes**
Returning items can be challenging when dealing with international sellers. Each company has its own return policy and navigating these can be confusing. Additionally, shipping items back to another country often incurs high costs, and many consumers find themselves stuck with unwanted products simply because the return process is too cumbersome.
An example here, was a company, I was contacted by a reader about – Light Hearted Chic. Based in China, they use extensive advertising on Facebook to sell dressing gowns, coats etc.
Based on the story I heard, I purchased two products via their Facebook advert. The First product, a dressing gown duly arrived and was nothing like the picture in the advert. Instead of the premium product advertised the material was made of cheap fleece. The second product, a coat was even worse. Not only was the size incorrect, the material cheap, but again it looked nothing like the product advertised – a practice known as “bait and switch”, which according to an expert I spoke to is a very common practice, made worse by the use of AI enhanced adverts and even films.
I complained to staff at Light Hearted Chic, who initially offered me a discount on another product. When I turned this down, I was informed that the return process would be at my expense, was complicated and the product would probably not reach the company as it would get held by Chinese customs, but offered no explanation as to why this might be the case.
Finding a UK return address on the package, I sent the item, recorded delivery, where it arrived safely and I provided the details to the Light Hearted Chic.
A month after starting the return process Light Hearted Chic are still refusing to refund the money, Facebook have been emailed, but don’t reply.
**Unpredictable Shipping Times and Costs**
The next issue common with overseas purchasing is unexpected shipping delays, especially if customs holds up your package. Moreover, international shipping fees can vary widely and are sometimes not clearly communicated at checkout, leading to surprise costs that could significantly increase the total price of your order.
Again, I made a couple of test purchases from companies that I heard about. One product a watch, purchased from a Chinese company in December still hasn’t arrived. Excuses include the New Year celebrations and Chinese customs holding up item.
Emails asking for an update on the order go unanswered.
**4. Quality Assurance Issues**
When buying from non-UK companies, the risk of receiving subpar or counterfeit products rises. Many overseas sellers may not adhere to the same quality standards as UK-based companies, which can result in products that are not as advertised. This is particularly concerning for branded items, where consumers may unknowingly end up with knock-offs.
Additionally, there is the practice of ‘bait and switch’, where images used of an item, or description do not come close to what is delivered. This seems particularly bad with Facebook purchases, which is awash with products that look luxurious but in reality use clever photos or even enhanced images to make the product appear top quality. The lesson here is if you think you are getting an absolute bargain, you are probably not and while legislation is supposed to protect, you get what you pay for.
**Data Privacy Concerns**
Another issue that crops is up from time to time is purchasing from international companies can expose your personal information to potential misuse. Different countries have varying data protection laws, and some may not provide the same level of security for your data as the UK. This can lead to vulnerabilities such as identity theft or unwanted marketing communications.
**Lack of Local Customer Support**
Then when problems arise, having access to local customer support can make a world of difference. UK-based sellers are typically more accessible and responsive to customer inquiries. In contrast, overseas companies may have slower response times, language barriers, or inadequate support systems, making it difficult to resolve issues efficiently. Something I experience with the watch I purchased, but other products as well.
**Scams and Fraud**
Unfortunately, the allure of online shopping can attract scammers. Some non-UK companies may operate fraudulent schemes, offering enticing products at unbelievable prices but failing to deliver or providing fake items instead.
While out the 25 products I purchased as research for this article via different websites, I am only waiting for two to arrive, I found many reports of people never receiving the good they ordered and never getting a refund from the seller.
The advice here is to research sellers thoroughly and look for reviews before making a purchase. Don’t rely on their own website either but look more widely.
**Use PayPal**
And here’s a tip that we found when making research purchases, use PayPal. This is not a slur on other methods of payment but reporting a dispute to a bank and via them to Visa or Mastercard, is a surprisingly lengthy process. One case we filed is a month old with no end in sight and resolution times can easily take 7-8 weeks. PayPal, however were incredibly responsive to EVERY dispute we filed and the average resolution time was days.
**Conclusion**
While the convenience of purchasing from companies advertising on Facebook is appealing, consumers must tread carefully, especially when dealing with non-UK sellers. Being aware of the risks—ranging from consumer protection issues to potential scams—can help you make informed decisions. Always conduct thorough research, read reviews and not just on the company’s own website is vital and think about what method of payment you use. Finally, consider whether the benefits outweigh the potential pitfalls. By staying vigilant, or using much more established sites such as Temu (we found them very easy to use with good customer service) you can enjoy the shopping experience, find some bargains without falling victim to its dangers.
We asked Facebook for a response more than a week ago, but have yet to receive a response.