Beauty

[Dazlin]

I was on a live chat on the Timeless skincare site.  While inquiring about a product, the rep told me Amazon is not authorized to sell their products, and to be careful about applying to my face.  She did mention one seller authorized, think it was recommerce.   I ordered matrixyl, and it's sold and bought directly from Amazon. 

I realize this is an ongoing issue, many, many unauthorized sellers everywhere, especially eBay. 

But I was a bit taken aback about scaring me about using it .  I also realize, the products are alot cheaper than the their direct site, so of course that's not helping them.   I googled this topic, and it's said there's always a risk with a tampered product, or expired, and or fake.  Also some are taking legal action. 

 There are some products I will never buy from 3rd party sellers, but I have caved for alot of skincare.  

Honestly, I'm going to try avoiding buying, and will much rather buy direct if affordable. 

As for Timeless, I was buying directly from them after seeing their C serum was fresher than Amazon...but their prices have jumped, and there's shipping.  🤔

After my live chat, Timeless sent an email about Amazon being unauthorized to sell.  

[JudyL]

@Dazlin  - interesting post.  I have always bought Timeless products from their website and they have enough sales that I can't remember the last time I paid full price.  When they have a sale even if I don't need a particular product at that time, I will purchase it.  Read that their products - with the exception of Vit C - are good unopened for 2 years from the manufacture date and that date is always on the box the product comes in.  Makes it a bit easier to buy things on sale and not worry about them expiring soon.

[Zhills]

I am always of buying from eBay unless they have a store listed as a source.

Amazon is just a means for any company to reach more potential buyers.  Items are shipped from the 3rd party store.  I have never received anything old or about to expire and I order a LOT from Amazon, even some of my foods.  

[haddon9]

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@Zhills wrote:

I am always of buying from eBay unless they have a store listed as a source.

Amazon is just a means for any company to reach more potential buyers.  Items are shipped from the 3rd party store.  I have never received anything old or about to expire and I order a LOT from Amazon, even some of my foods.  

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Same here.

[SurferWife]

That is why I never buy skincare on Amazon from an unauthorized seller.  I'm sure you know, but as a reminder always make sure the "Sold By" is the vendor whose product you are looking at.  That is my rule of thumb for shopping beauty products from Amazon.  However, more often than not  I shop directly via the vendor's website because I get better sales.

I avoid eBay altogether, although I know others here do shop from eBay.  I would rather pay more directly from the vendor's website than to risk a counterfeit.

Chaz Dean really opened my eyes to that when he bought his very own products from both Amazon & eBay (neither is an authorized seller) and tested them.  They were indeed counterfeit and in testing the Sweet Almond Mint cleansing conditioner, it had toothpaste in it.  After hearing that I trust no unauthorized beauty seller on those sites.

[Dazlin]

@SurferWife , I agree with you!!  I also googled, HOW TO KNOW WHO IS AUTHORIZED TO SELL A PRODUCT.   One, of course is just what you said, sold by the vendor.

Hair products are an easy target for tampering.   I know that Oribe has been said to be fake/tampered with.  I only buy that directly from the vendor, and sometimes Sephora.    But WOW, about Chaz Dean products,  glad he caught it!!

I'm super leary about skincare from ebay, although I've purchased some...doubt I'll be ordering again.   I've been breaking out lately,  (rare for me)...im back to process of elimination .  The most recent product I ordered from eBay was Shiseido enriched softener,  never ever caused any problems...ill stop it,...then try again.  

[San Antonio Gal]

@Dazlin  -  Ebay will guarantee any product you purchase from their site.  If you ever have an issue and the seller refuses to respond, you can contact Ebay and they quickly step in.  Ebay will refund your money and take it up with the seller.

Just be careful of who you purchase from with any 3rd party seller.  Most are fine, but there are a few bad apples out there.  Doesn't mean everyone is dishonest.

I've been a long time purchaser (and seller) from Ebay.   I only had an issue once when I never received a product from the seller.  The seller wouldn't respond to me.  Ebay stepped in, refunded my money, and went after the seller.

[Dazlin]

@San Antonio Gal , thank you!

[monicakm]

@Dazlin 

When I buy from eBay, I always buy from sellers with no less than a 99.7% positive rating and the more sales the better.  For instance if someone has at least a 99.7% positive rating but only 29 sales, I'll look elsewhere.  If a seller has a 99.7% positive rating and 24,000 sales, that's a no brainer.

[Mindy D]

There is always the possibility that some items sold from unauthorized sellers are from resellers of stolen merchandise. 

There have been all these reports of large groups of thieves entering stores and running out with hauls of merchandise. The articles have said that most of the stuff gets resold by these sellers on websites.

I'm not faulting online stores because there is usually no way for them to know if items were stolen and because these large online retailers do work with law enforcement whenever they are asked to do so.