What to check before ordering from a small webshop

Small webshops can be surprisingly fun. They often offer unique products and a personal approach. At Happlify, we firmly believe in this - our Crew shops are a great starting point if you want to shop small and nice. However, it is important to think carefully in advance. Not every website is equally reliable. A webshop can look nice, but behind the scenes it can be different. How do you prevent unpleasant surprises?

For example, start by looking at independent experiences. There are platforms where buyers share whether a shop does what it promises. For example, there is RealReviews.io , where you can find reviews and experiences from real users. Such information helps you make a better choice. It is also wise to pay attention to a number of things yourself. This way you prevent losing time or money.

The goal is not to be suspicious, but to order consciously. Nobody wants bad communication or products that never arrive. Small webshops often have a different rhythm than big names. By checking in advance, you are stronger.

Check contact details and background

Every webshop, no matter how small, should display clear contact information. Think of a physical address, email address and telephone number. Is this information missing? Then that is a warning sign. Nobody likes to order without knowing where to go in case of problems.

On the website of the Chamber of Commerce you can check whether the company is officially registered. This takes little time, but gives the buyer extra confidence. A quick look at social media can also say something about the atmosphere around the webshop. If customers often complain or do not receive an answer, this indicates poor service.

A background check doesn't take much effort, but is often forgotten. A shame, because that's exactly where you discover whether a company is serious. A small fifteen minutes of research can save you a lot of hassle.

Check delivery times and shipping information

A common annoyance is uncertainty about the delivery time. When you order, you want to know how long it will take for your package to arrive. Large webshops often deliver within a few days, but with smaller players it can take a bit longer. So pay close attention to the shipping information.

Some shops state delivery times clearly, others keep it vague. That difference can be important, especially if you need something quickly. Also check if shipping costs are charged. Not all shops show these immediately. As a result, the final price can be higher than you thought.

It is also useful to check whether the shop works with track & trace. This way you know where your package is and when you can expect it.

Reviews and experiences of others

What do other buyers write about the webshop? Are the reviews reliable, or do they seem too good to be true? Search for experiences on forums, social media or reliable review websites. Be careful: very positive or extremely negative reactions can be misleading. Look for a middle ground.

Also pay attention to how the shop responds to criticism. Does a dissatisfied customer get a decent answer? Or do reviews clash with what the shop itself says? Such details often give a good impression of the customer service.

If possible, make a list of positives and negatives from reviews. This way you keep an overview and avoid doubt. Ultimately, it is about the total picture of positive and negative signals.

What can you do with that information?

• Compare descriptions: Does what the shop says match what customers experience?
• Ask questions: if you are unsure, you can email or call.
• Look at the ratio of positive to negative reviews: no webshop is perfect. Look at the whole.

Also read 👉 Prevent online fraud: this is how you recognize a fake webshop

Check the return policy and warranty

Sometimes a product disappoints: the colour is different, or it doesn't work as expected. Then a clear return policy is important. So read carefully how you can return and within what period this must be done.

Also pay attention to the guarantee. This is extra important for electronics or more expensive products. Small webshops often offer good service, but sometimes the return conditions are limited. Pay attention to possible return costs — some shops charge the customer, others take them on themselves.

Ask yourself: does this policy meet your expectations? If not, you may want to look elsewhere. Sometimes it is worth paying a little more at a store where returns are no problem.

Security and payment methods

If a webshop only offers an unknown payment method, this can raise doubts. Many people feel more comfortable with options such as iDEAL, PayPal or credit card. These provide extra security, partly due to buyer protection.

Check if the website has a secure connection (the lock in the address bar). Click on it to see if the certificate is valid. An insecure connection makes your data vulnerable — you want to avoid that.

Also pay attention to the payment page: is the URL correct? Deviating web addresses or language errors can indicate fraud.

Stock and product information

In small webshops, the stock is sometimes limited. That is not bad, but it is good to know. Sometimes it says "in stock", while it later turns out not to be available. A good webshop keeps this up to date.

Also pay attention to the product description. Is it clear? A vague text can indicate a lack of care. Not necessarily a problem, but it says something about professionalism.

A good description with sizes, materials and clear photos helps you choose better. Webshops that value honesty usually make an effort to show this well.

Why is that important?
• You know better what you are ordering.
• You avoid mistakes in size or color.
• You will gain insight into the care taken by the webshop.

Customer service and communication

How a webshop communicates says a lot. Do they respond quickly to emails? Is the phone answered? Is there an answer via the contact form?

Sometimes you get an automatic message back. That's fine, but ultimately you want to talk to someone. In small shops, personal contact is often a plus: they know their products and can really advise.

Feel free to send an email or ask a simple question in advance. The way they respond often says enough about their customer focus.

Final thoughts: take a moment

Ordering online from a small webshop requires a bit more attention. But it pays off. By checking a few things in advance, you reduce the chance of disappointment.

It’s also a way to support honest small businesses. Why not check out what others think of the service or what the return policy is? That way you’ll know better what you’re getting — and ordering will be a lot more enjoyable.

Remember: a small webshop can be a gem. But the basics have to be right. So take some time to find out. You won't regret it.