Picture this: You’re browsing online, on the hunt for that perfect something. And there it is, nestled among the digital shelves – an exact match for what you’ve been looking for! You click closer, anticipation rising, until bam. You hit a brick wall… of emptiness. A blank space where reviews should be. No chorus of happy customers, no safety net of praise. Crickets.

Suddenly, the thrill of discovery takes a nosedive. Can you trust this mystery merchant? Do you take the leap of faith and hope for the best, or retreat to the comfort of familiar brands?

Before you turn tail and run, let’s crack this case of the reviewless seller. Here’s what you should do to stay safe when shopping from brands and businesses with no reviews.

Step #1: Comb Through the Details

Dive into every inch of the product page and the company’s about page, at minimum. Ideally, spend as much time as you can browsing their site. Pay special attention to:

• Product Descriptions: Are they detailed and passionate, hinting towards a love for the product to resonate and connect with the right customers? Or generic and sparse, offering little insight? Do they contain adequate information about materials, sizing, craftsmanship, usage instructions, and so forth?

• Photos: Are they high-quality and consistent, showcasing the items in various angles and settings? Or blurry, inconsistent, and suspiciously stock-photo-esque? Do they give you a sense of what the product will look like in real life, perhaps placed against other items for scale, with measurements provided?

• About Section: Does it offer a glimpse into the brand’s background and creative process? Do they share their business space, origin story, mission, values, certifications, or awards? Transparency builds trust, and a seller willing to share their story is usually a good sign.

Step #2: Understand Store Policies

Items can arrive late or broken, fail to match descriptions… or simply not arrive at all. To prepare for the worst, you’ll need to scrutinize shipping, return, refund, and customer support policies. 

• Shipping Costs: Are they reasonable, considering the item’s size and weight? Or suspiciously low or high, hinting at potential fulfillment concerns? Many smaller brands won’t be able to realistically offer free shipping, especially for lower-priced items, without meeting an order minimum.

• Returns and Refunds: Are return windows clear and fair, offering enough time to assess your purchase? Are refunds offered at all? Tread carefully if the answer’s no…

• Communication: Is it easy to get in touch with the business, via multiple methods? Look for social media handles, chat bots, and an email/phone number. Shoot them a message and see how long it takes for a response. A seller who prioritizes communication likely values customer satisfaction – and is authentic.

Step #3: Search on Social Media

The internet never sleeps, and neither does a seller’s online presence. Even the smallest brands will have some kind of social media representation, and new brands in particular should understand the importance of social media for gaining an audience in today’s marketplace.

While not every brand uses every platform, you should check all the usual suspects: Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X/Twitter, Youtube, Pinterest, Whatsapp, and beyond. Look for:

• Activity: Text, photos, and videos related to their niche, how-to’s, product features, meet-the-team, and announcements for special promotions – just to name a few. Whether it’s multiple times a day or just once a week, look for recent and ongoing brand activity. 

• Interaction: As any user of social media knows, engagement is key. Do they react to other posts? Do they repost or share content from congruent brands? Do they reply to questions or comments? While new brands may not yet have a bustling fanbase, there should still be signs of life and evidence of a real person behind the scenes, making posts.

Step #4: Look for Authentication and Security Badges

Trust badges serve as visual indicators, issued by trusted third-party organizations, that a website prioritizes data security. This means your personal and financial information is protected. When a business has no reviews, this is even more important to ensure you’re not stepping into a scam. Before clicking “Buy,” make sure the seller’s website has:

• Trust & Security Badges: Recognized trust badges like VeriSign or McAfee Secure mean adequate security measures are in place.

• Secure Payment Gateways: Look for established payment processors like PayPal or Stripe, which offer buyer protection and secure transactions.

• Buyer Protection Programs: Understand platform-specific buyer protection policies and dispute resolution processes where available for added peace of mind.

Step #5: Use Protected Payment Methods

Everything looks good so far and you’re ready to purchase? Great. Make sure to choose payment methods that offer buyer protection in case of disputes. Consider:

• Credit Cards: Many credit cards offer chargeback options, allowing you to dispute unauthorized charges or unsatisfactory purchases. When in doubt, check with your credit card company and/or bank.

• Digital Wallets: Some digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay offer built-in fraud protection and purchase verification to safeguard your financial information.

So, there you have it! Your guide to evaluating unreviewed sellers. With a little detective work and use of safe payment methods, you can shop unknown brands with confidence. 

Also, once you’ve purchased, remember the power of reviews. Sharing your positive (or constructive) experiences helps fellow shoppers navigate small and/or unfamiliar brands, and boosts honest businesses.