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40 Times People Ordered Things Online But Received Something So Awful, They Just Had To Share (New Pics)
Shopping online is fun, easy, and thus, kinda addictive. Being one click away from the miscellaneous sea of goodies is surely a pleasant feeling, but look, we’re not kids anymore.
How many times have you told yourself to read the descriptions, to never underestimate the inkling of doubt if the items look too good to be true, and think before adding something to the basket? Because let’s be honest, that cool prom dress for $5 made you look like a herring under a fur coat and thank god, you got rid of that cursed pic ‘cause you wouldn’t make it through seeing it again.
But who wouldn’t like to learn from the mistakes of others? Bored Panda has compiled a list of hilarious online bargain fails, proving that sometimes we’re all better off in the mall. With loud music and way too bright lights that sizzle your eyes, we at least know what we sign up for. If this post wasn’t enough of a reality check, check out our previous posts on people who deeply regret their online purchases here, here, and here.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Thanks, I Hate The Wolf Pack
RELATED:
#2
I Ordered Wrapping Paper Online, There Was A Mistake And Now I Have A Massive Poster Of My Face, I'm Not Even Mad
#3
Be Sure To Always Check The Size When Ordering Treats
Rohan Moran 4 years ago
It's still going to give it a go lol, I've never known a dog to give 2 shits about how big something is in relation to itself!
We’ve all been there. Okay, I have. I promised myself not to step on the same rake twice but boy, those online deals just got me big time. But it doesn’t mean feeling disappointed after opening up your freshly delivered package is fine. And there are things to be done about it.
First, whatever you buy, always check the return policy on every website. Be sure you will be able to return the item if you’re not happy with it and unfortunately, not all online shops allow it.
The other tip is simply to buy from trustable websites. Make sure it has previous reviews, a nice customer service team, and contact numbers to talk to in case something goes against the plan.
#4
My Sister Ordered Cupcakes For My Engagement Party Yesterday. Sent Walmart Bakery The Pic On The Left. Instead Of A Ring, Apparently I Said Yes To A Silver Toilet Seat
#5
What I Ordered vs. What I Received
#6
I Know He's A Big Cat, That's Why I Ordered The Large Size
Lastly, never underestimate the importance of the description. I know it’s boring, but in the world of online shopping, god is in the details. And the actual size of that awesome chair you’ve been looking for ages is in the brackets of the first paragraph.
#7
When You Think You’re Being Discreet Buying Toys Online
OC from my sister who allowed me to share her embarrassment with the world.
#8
Today My Wife Received A Book Via USPS That She Ordered 10 Years Ago
Rohan Moran 4 years ago
I don't even understand how something was in the system for that long...did the retailer forget to send the item? Because a parcel being in UPS's system for a few months would just get returned to the sender...even if it was lost, surely they must sort through lost/missing parcels every year at some point. I don't even understand how a parcel missing for a decade could even happen...
#9
Expectation vs. Reality After A 6-Month Back Order From West Elm
#10
What Could Go Wrong If I Order My Dress On Aliexpress
#11
This Pennywise Halloween Costume
#12
Online Shopping Always Amazes Me
#13
Don't Buy Veneers Online
#14
This Large Wall Tapestry My Best Friend Bought Me vs. What Actually Came
#15
Mini Wet Wipes
#16
That Face Just Tells You - You Got Trolled
#17
My Boyfriend Ordered A Pair Of Socks That Didn't Come Out As Hoped (The Right Side Is Him, That's What We Expected). We Have No Idea Who The Other Guy Is
#18
My Friend Ordered A T-Shirt Online And I've Been Crying With Laughter For 3 Days Over The Result
#19
An Air Freshener Sold On Facebook. It’s A Literal Scam
#20
Thanks, Amazon
#21
My Wife Gets Wine Drunk And Orders Stuff From Instagram Ads. She Ordered This Cactus Cat Scratcher And Two Months Later She Received Just A Bag Of Rope With No Instructions, Or Wood, Or Packing Slip
#22
It Took Almost A Month To Get This Mess And I Paid For Two Different Dresses And Only Received This Atrocity
This is me, looking like a whale at 26 weeks pregnant and only 150 lbs. Also, one day away from my maternity photo shoot and stuck with this disaster! Please beware of Lukalula Maternity.
#23
Never Buy Anything Even If It Looks Legit
#24
"Medium Weight Knit Sweater" Is Nothing More Than A Print On Thin Paper Like Mesh
#25
My Girlfriend And A Group Of Her Friends Decided To Order A $150 Rug As A Birthday Gift For A Friend. The Rug Arrived Today, And It Seems No One Bothered To Check The Size
#26
Ordering A Silicone Mask Online. What Could Go Wrong
Rabbit Carrot 4 years ago
This remind me of Mrs Doubtfire when he drops the mask out of the window and it gets run over by a truck.
#27
This Winter Hat I Ordered On Wish vs. The One I Received
#29
From The Company's Facebook
StrawberryParfait 4 years ago
Unless you're ordering from an actual department store, don't just order dresses from any shady site online. This is far too common.
#30
We're Not Sure Where The Buyer Found This One, But Apparently, Dog Size Is The New X-Large
#31
My Partner Was So Happy She Found A Specific Vinyl For £2.50 On Ebay. Turns Out It’s For A Doll's House
#32
A Bit Disappointing
#33
Saved For Months, Bought An $850 Laptop Online, Waited 1.5 Weeks For Shipping, And It Ended Up Being 3 Jugs Of Walmart Brand Juice Instead
#34
I Bought This Night King Mask On eBay
#35
Since Prom Is Coming Up Make Sure That You Don't Order Your Dress Online
#36
I Ain‘T Even Mad
#37
My Mom Panic Bought Toilet Paper Off Amazon Back In March. Cost Twice As Much And Got Here Yesterday
Marcellus the Third 4 years ago
Only twice as much? The rolls seem to have about a third of the thickness in paper around them, so that's about 1/8th of the leaves of your normal roll.
#38
My Targeted Facebook Ad Purchase Was A Real Let Down
#39
Did Someone Get Hungry Before They Shipped It
Add New Image
What do you think ?
Little Wonder 4 years ago
Protip for buying from potentially crappy sites - image search their product photo and find out if it's from somewhere else. The answer is usually "Yes, it is stolen".
Cori 4 years ago
I always read the reviews before I buy something online. Also the only clothes I ever order online are fundraiser tshirts I buy from animal sanctuaries I love and respect or causes I support. I'm rocking a brand new tshirt from the wild mustang sanctuary Skydog right now. I figure I need to be clothed and the animals need to eat. Might as well solve two problems at once right?
infinite upvote 4 years ago
Some things on wish and AliExpress are legit great deals. I've gotten craft supplies, jewelry, leggings, tights, some other clothes - all sorts of stuff which was inexpensive and as nice as anything in stores. I read the descriptions very carefully, and look for reviews where ppl who bought the item post pictures of what they actually received.
Ivana 4 years ago
There are a few sites I feel we should all get together as a society and ban from the internet. You guys remember when Amazon started selling from all these shady a*s companies? These online retailers should be verifying the merchandise for one. Also, people don't need to ever go onto wish or AliExpress for anything. Can we all collectively stop buying s**t from shady sites? You see those prices? You notice how it seems ridiculously low compared to all the other similar items you have come across? You did not find a deal, you found a fake replication. Stop buying them and spare the environment from the inevitable addition of this s**t into our landfills.
Hans 4 years ago
Ok...read the description. 50% cases gone. Do not shop on sites that already appear fishy or from third-party sellerd on major sites that lack credential. 25% more gone. Never think you really made a unbelievable bargain, since it is never to good to be true. 20% gone. The remaing 5% cases on this series are true fraud.
Bunzilla 4 years ago
Okay, as someone who orders a LOT of stuff online, here are my tips; ALWAYS check the reviews. Positive, but NEGATIVE most of all. If the negatives are something you can live with, then go for it. Also, read more than one negative review, if possible. Always, ALWAYS check the listing carefully! Often times sellers will bury pictures of what the product actually looks like somewhere in the post, so they can say you got exactly what you paid for. MEASUREMENTS. Check them. I keep a sewing measuring tape nearby my computer, so I can double-check. Many times a listing will have a tiny version of the product as the default one selected, so they can appear cheaper than they actually are. If in doubt, REVERSE IMAGE SEARCH. Shady sellers are notorious for stealing images from other companies, crafters and other individuals. There's a very high chance it won't look the way you think it will, since they didn't actually create it.
Malcontent 4 years ago
Stop ordering c**p online and go to an actual shop whenever possible- this is not a new issue due to covid-19, this is something cheapskates should have figured out years ago...
Craig Silberman 4 years ago
Shopping for a sun hat to wear hiking on Amazon, I noticed that several changed their appearance greatly when you clicked on different color options. I took that as a sign the product they shipped might disappoint me. With many online purchases, especially from less-than-reputable vendors, the old adage comes to mind: "if it looks too good to be true, it is"
mph seti 4 years ago
If you're ordering from a company you've never used before, research them first. At least Amazon (which has tons of problems ranging from how they treat their workers to not taking down pages for fakes/scams) has a guaranteed refund policy. It even works if you never receive the item. I was porch-pirated twice, and Amazon just refunded my money, no issues.
Becca Gizmo the Squirrel 4 years ago
So I almost never order online. Do you get your money back if things like that happen?
elia 84631 4 years ago
This is why i avoid buying staff from chinese websites like aliexpress and wish
Elizabeth Gardner 4 years ago
I have to say that The two most hated I have come across are WISH who just never send what you order and when they do send something it is in one 4 months to get here and second was the wrong item the wrong size, I had to fight with them to take it back which they would not and then I wanted my refund. HUH!! Then there is the T Shirt company off facebook Twice I have written to them to find out where my ordered T Shirt is ? they took my money but I got nothing in return and am still fighting over it.. Another Company that is the biggest rip off is Fortuniapri they are out right thieves and liars. They sent the wrong article last year sis not want it back and I demanded a refund. Instead of a refund they have since stolen two amounts out of my account for NOTHING. I had to cancel my card and now I have to get that money back DO NOT DEAL WITH THEM. They have an office in Sydney they say but in reality it is just a phone number. Nothing more.
Anna Salerno 4 years ago
I’ve learned that so much ordered on line comes from China! Vietnam, Malaysia or another Far East country so I don’t do t anymore! Not worth the headache!
cybermerlin2000 4 years ago
I always go to the customer reviews and read the worse ones. It reveals a lot more about the product than you expect. I never read the good reviews because most of the time the sellers has either had friends and family to post them or done it themselves.
Larry Jordan 4 years ago
FaceBook is notorious for scams and FB refuses to take them down. I have reported several scams on FB, and all they say is we won't show you that add again. For an example there was an add selling a Kubota tractor, with all attachments, for 350.00. The actual tractor sells for 8,000.00 and up. Caveat emptor!
Cynthia Souza 4 years ago
I know the people who got bad baby Yoda stuff are disappointed, but they should have paid attention. Jon Favreau said they did not release merch ahead of the show to keep The Child a surprise. When all these things started showing up, they were not Disney/Star Wars products, so I knew they would be poor quality. Buyer beware, and be informed.
COLA 4 years ago
It's all fun and games until I actually can't tolerate the mild and casual racism in the comments here especially when they assumed that everything bad came from china. Probably 7 out of 10 made in china objects you have are not even that bad. I am not a citizen of china, and here in my country, most of the home appliances, phone, fashion, etc, are either made in thailand, vietnam, or china, and they are from the western brand. And that's on you if you didn't read the review or bought things from sketchy seller or crappy sites. How unfair it is to label the whole country, while we rarely see people label the whole america because they have a massive arsehole ruling as a president.
Holly Williams 4 years ago
I remember my mom bought something years ago, don't remember what it was, but instead of receiving the wrong item or a knockoff, she received an empty box.
a dose of reality 4 years ago
Most of these items you could have got in a normal shop or directly off the producer's homepage. You don't need wish or amazon etc. so stop them let us f**k up everything.
Candace Fitzpatrick 4 years ago
The dress ones remind me of when you buy one of those ‘deluxe’ hallowe’en costumes... supposed to be better quality but it’s really just as cheap looking as the cheap costumes.
Dave Chapman 4 years ago
As I posted above, there are a few FREE tools that you can use to reverse search for an image anywhere else online. This way you can see if the seller is using someone else's picture/model to sell their junk on Ebay! Another thing, are you people researching the seller or product? A quick Google search for seller name/product name, etc., can usually bring up a fake seller, you're not the only ones who fell for it probably, do some Research before you buy!
Dorothy Parker 4 years ago
I bought too much from Zulily, a supposedly reputable company. One shirt in the image was beautiful, gorgeous flower on the front. Sadly, the material was cut without trying to match that. Ugly plain green shirt. Several pieces out of terrible fabric and no returns then.
Oskar vanZandt 4 years ago (edited)
"You get what you pay for" (not that everything is worth the inflated price that is asked, of course and everyone loves a bargain- like a BIG DISCOUNT) and "If it's too good to be true", it most probably is. And to echo what others have already said... we need to STOP buying cheap plastic and other sh*t from China. Full stop.
Rose the Cook 4 years ago
We buy a fair bit online and have had only one disappointment. Always check the measurements so you don't get doll size items. If there are none email the seller and ask for them. Also only buy from sites that show customer comments.
Vicki Kloske 4 years ago
Good rule of thumb: if they don't show you faces of the people modeling their "goods" there's a good chance that this is a scam. Also, check for their site for a return address. If it just says "email us for return instructions" be wary.
Foxxy (The Original) 4 years ago (edited)
I have been pretty lucky. I buy a lot of my tops from Aliexpress, Dresslily and Rosegal. You do have to be careful and make sure you actually take your measurements before buying. I have had more successes than fails.
Emily Welsh 4 years ago
I needed a small USB drive to give to a funeral director with music to play at my aunts funeral. Did my research, read reviews, spend time on amazon and ordered a good one. You will not believe what I received. Instead of a USB I got an Elton John CD! I suppose they kinda rhyme. Contacted seller and got no reply.
Little Wonder 4 years ago
Protip for buying from potentially crappy sites - image search their product photo and find out if it's from somewhere else. The answer is usually "Yes, it is stolen".
Cori 4 years ago
I always read the reviews before I buy something online. Also the only clothes I ever order online are fundraiser tshirts I buy from animal sanctuaries I love and respect or causes I support. I'm rocking a brand new tshirt from the wild mustang sanctuary Skydog right now. I figure I need to be clothed and the animals need to eat. Might as well solve two problems at once right?
infinite upvote 4 years ago
Some things on wish and AliExpress are legit great deals. I've gotten craft supplies, jewelry, leggings, tights, some other clothes - all sorts of stuff which was inexpensive and as nice as anything in stores. I read the descriptions very carefully, and look for reviews where ppl who bought the item post pictures of what they actually received.
Ivana 4 years ago
There are a few sites I feel we should all get together as a society and ban from the internet. You guys remember when Amazon started selling from all these shady a*s companies? These online retailers should be verifying the merchandise for one. Also, people don't need to ever go onto wish or AliExpress for anything. Can we all collectively stop buying s**t from shady sites? You see those prices? You notice how it seems ridiculously low compared to all the other similar items you have come across? You did not find a deal, you found a fake replication. Stop buying them and spare the environment from the inevitable addition of this s**t into our landfills.
Hans 4 years ago
Ok...read the description. 50% cases gone. Do not shop on sites that already appear fishy or from third-party sellerd on major sites that lack credential. 25% more gone. Never think you really made a unbelievable bargain, since it is never to good to be true. 20% gone. The remaing 5% cases on this series are true fraud.
Bunzilla 4 years ago
Okay, as someone who orders a LOT of stuff online, here are my tips; ALWAYS check the reviews. Positive, but NEGATIVE most of all. If the negatives are something you can live with, then go for it. Also, read more than one negative review, if possible. Always, ALWAYS check the listing carefully! Often times sellers will bury pictures of what the product actually looks like somewhere in the post, so they can say you got exactly what you paid for. MEASUREMENTS. Check them. I keep a sewing measuring tape nearby my computer, so I can double-check. Many times a listing will have a tiny version of the product as the default one selected, so they can appear cheaper than they actually are. If in doubt, REVERSE IMAGE SEARCH. Shady sellers are notorious for stealing images from other companies, crafters and other individuals. There's a very high chance it won't look the way you think it will, since they didn't actually create it.
Malcontent 4 years ago
Stop ordering c**p online and go to an actual shop whenever possible- this is not a new issue due to covid-19, this is something cheapskates should have figured out years ago...
Craig Silberman 4 years ago
Shopping for a sun hat to wear hiking on Amazon, I noticed that several changed their appearance greatly when you clicked on different color options. I took that as a sign the product they shipped might disappoint me. With many online purchases, especially from less-than-reputable vendors, the old adage comes to mind: "if it looks too good to be true, it is"
mph seti 4 years ago
If you're ordering from a company you've never used before, research them first. At least Amazon (which has tons of problems ranging from how they treat their workers to not taking down pages for fakes/scams) has a guaranteed refund policy. It even works if you never receive the item. I was porch-pirated twice, and Amazon just refunded my money, no issues.
Becca Gizmo the Squirrel 4 years ago
So I almost never order online. Do you get your money back if things like that happen?
elia 84631 4 years ago
This is why i avoid buying staff from chinese websites like aliexpress and wish
Elizabeth Gardner 4 years ago
I have to say that The two most hated I have come across are WISH who just never send what you order and when they do send something it is in one 4 months to get here and second was the wrong item the wrong size, I had to fight with them to take it back which they would not and then I wanted my refund. HUH!! Then there is the T Shirt company off facebook Twice I have written to them to find out where my ordered T Shirt is ? they took my money but I got nothing in return and am still fighting over it.. Another Company that is the biggest rip off is Fortuniapri they are out right thieves and liars. They sent the wrong article last year sis not want it back and I demanded a refund. Instead of a refund they have since stolen two amounts out of my account for NOTHING. I had to cancel my card and now I have to get that money back DO NOT DEAL WITH THEM. They have an office in Sydney they say but in reality it is just a phone number. Nothing more.
Anna Salerno 4 years ago
I’ve learned that so much ordered on line comes from China! Vietnam, Malaysia or another Far East country so I don’t do t anymore! Not worth the headache!
cybermerlin2000 4 years ago
I always go to the customer reviews and read the worse ones. It reveals a lot more about the product than you expect. I never read the good reviews because most of the time the sellers has either had friends and family to post them or done it themselves.
Larry Jordan 4 years ago
FaceBook is notorious for scams and FB refuses to take them down. I have reported several scams on FB, and all they say is we won't show you that add again. For an example there was an add selling a Kubota tractor, with all attachments, for 350.00. The actual tractor sells for 8,000.00 and up. Caveat emptor!
Cynthia Souza 4 years ago
I know the people who got bad baby Yoda stuff are disappointed, but they should have paid attention. Jon Favreau said they did not release merch ahead of the show to keep The Child a surprise. When all these things started showing up, they were not Disney/Star Wars products, so I knew they would be poor quality. Buyer beware, and be informed.
COLA 4 years ago
It's all fun and games until I actually can't tolerate the mild and casual racism in the comments here especially when they assumed that everything bad came from china. Probably 7 out of 10 made in china objects you have are not even that bad. I am not a citizen of china, and here in my country, most of the home appliances, phone, fashion, etc, are either made in thailand, vietnam, or china, and they are from the western brand. And that's on you if you didn't read the review or bought things from sketchy seller or crappy sites. How unfair it is to label the whole country, while we rarely see people label the whole america because they have a massive arsehole ruling as a president.
Holly Williams 4 years ago
I remember my mom bought something years ago, don't remember what it was, but instead of receiving the wrong item or a knockoff, she received an empty box.
a dose of reality 4 years ago
Most of these items you could have got in a normal shop or directly off the producer's homepage. You don't need wish or amazon etc. so stop them let us f**k up everything.
Candace Fitzpatrick 4 years ago
The dress ones remind me of when you buy one of those ‘deluxe’ hallowe’en costumes... supposed to be better quality but it’s really just as cheap looking as the cheap costumes.
Dave Chapman 4 years ago
As I posted above, there are a few FREE tools that you can use to reverse search for an image anywhere else online. This way you can see if the seller is using someone else's picture/model to sell their junk on Ebay! Another thing, are you people researching the seller or product? A quick Google search for seller name/product name, etc., can usually bring up a fake seller, you're not the only ones who fell for it probably, do some Research before you buy!
Dorothy Parker 4 years ago
I bought too much from Zulily, a supposedly reputable company. One shirt in the image was beautiful, gorgeous flower on the front. Sadly, the material was cut without trying to match that. Ugly plain green shirt. Several pieces out of terrible fabric and no returns then.
Oskar vanZandt 4 years ago (edited)
"You get what you pay for" (not that everything is worth the inflated price that is asked, of course and everyone loves a bargain- like a BIG DISCOUNT) and "If it's too good to be true", it most probably is. And to echo what others have already said... we need to STOP buying cheap plastic and other sh*t from China. Full stop.
Rose the Cook 4 years ago
We buy a fair bit online and have had only one disappointment. Always check the measurements so you don't get doll size items. If there are none email the seller and ask for them. Also only buy from sites that show customer comments.
Vicki Kloske 4 years ago
Good rule of thumb: if they don't show you faces of the people modeling their "goods" there's a good chance that this is a scam. Also, check for their site for a return address. If it just says "email us for return instructions" be wary.
Foxxy (The Original) 4 years ago (edited)
I have been pretty lucky. I buy a lot of my tops from Aliexpress, Dresslily and Rosegal. You do have to be careful and make sure you actually take your measurements before buying. I have had more successes than fails.
Emily Welsh 4 years ago
I needed a small USB drive to give to a funeral director with music to play at my aunts funeral. Did my research, read reviews, spend time on amazon and ordered a good one. You will not believe what I received. Instead of a USB I got an Elton John CD! I suppose they kinda rhyme. Contacted seller and got no reply.
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