We’ve all been there — scrolling on our phones, up pops an ad that promises the bargain of a lifetime. A gorgeous coat, a must-have gadget, a pair of wellies that look just like the designer ones — all at a price that makes you wonder how they do it. Spoiler: they usually can’t.
Take Temu, Shein, or those mysterious “collection closing” sales you see plastered across Facebook. More often than not, what you order isn’t what turns up. The quality’s poor, the fit is questionable, and the reality looks nothing like the glossy pictures. By the time you realise, it’s too late.
And here’s the real sting:
- The planet pays. Most of these cheap goods are air-freighted in from China. That’s a hefty carbon footprint for something that might last about as long as a paper napkin in a puddle.
- You pay again. If you want a refund, you usually have to return the item at your own expense — which often costs more than the product did in the first place.
- Your bank pays. You might claim through your credit card if you’ve been scammed, but the cost of all those claims filters back into fees we all pay.
- Charity shops and landfill pay. Unwanted items end up gathering dust in a charity shop or, worse, tossed straight into landfill. And Charity Shops have started appealing for us not to drop our cheap rubbish on them.
- You’re still empty-handed. No item, no refund, just the whole cycle starting over again.
It’s a false economy — cheap in the moment, probably expensive in the long run.
But here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be this way. Independent businesses (like The Wide Welly Company!) work hard to source responsibly, offer good old fashioned customer service, and sell products with longevity. Backed by a 12 month guarantee. If something goes wrong, you can pick up the phone, send an email, or message us directly — and we’ll sort it.
A simple check of reviews before you buy can save you time, money, and a whole load of frustration. Better still, when you shop independent, your money stays local, supports real people, and helps keep unique businesses alive on our high streets and online.
So next time you see that “too good to be true” bargain, just remember — it probably is. And instead, give your money to someone who’ll give you quality, service, and a smile in return.