5 Amazon Products You Should Never Buy, According to Rachel Cruze
Written by
Laura Beck
Edited by
Cynthia Measom
Commitment to Our Readers
GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.
20 Years
Helping You Live Richer
Reviewed
by Experts
Trusted by
Millions of Readers
Amazon makes shopping incredibly convenient, but not every purchase is a smart buy for your budget. In a video interview, money expert and bestselling author, Rachel Cruze, spoke with lifestyle blogger, Kallie Branciforte, about products to avoid on the retail giant website.
In this interview, both women talk about five types of Amazon items that you may want to think twice about adding to your cart.
Products Under $5
Branciforte warned shoppers against the $5-and-under impulse buys on Amazon.
“Whenever you have to buy something that’s five dollars or less, they’re gonna make you buy it in bulk because they don’t want to send you something for only five dollars,” she explained.
You can easily end up with far more than you need. She advised finding convenient household items in just the right quantities elsewhere whenever possible to avoid waste and clutter.
Complex Electronic Toys
According to Branciforte, children’s electronic toys on Amazon often come with lots of extra parts and accessories. However, most kids only end up playing with one or two of the special features.
“I always try to steer clear of that convenience,” she said. “Amazon is amazing, but it’s not always great when we start to fall into the convenience too much,” said Branciforte about the temptation to overbuy.
Instead, consider checking toy store prices for simpler, better-quality versions first.
Big Kitchen Appliances
Amazon offers some pretty decent deals on small countertop kitchen appliances. But for larger, more expensive machines, Branciforte suggested comparing against stores like Walmart, Target and Best Buy first. Check prices across different stores and websites to see where the best bargain lies.
Third-Party Cosmetics
Both experts warned shoppers not to buy brand name cosmetics from Amazon resellers instead of directly from the brand’s store page. Unfortunately, knockoffs with formula changes or inferior quality are common among resellers.
“I have friends who have bought their favorite products and been like, ‘Wait — did they change the formula?’ It’s because it was a knockoff,” Branciforte said.
She advised sticking to name-brand sellers, like Maybelline or L’Oreal, and their specific store pages to avoid makeup disasters.
Apple and Google Devices
In 2016, Apple actually sued Amazon over fake iPhone chargers being sold under the Apple brand. Branciforte echoed that Apple and Google products in particular may be better directly purchased from the original manufacturers rather than on Amazon.
The competition from Amazon’s own tablets and devices means more likelihood of encountering fraudulent listings. Don’t take chances with questionable tech accessories.
More From GOBankingRates
