Struggling to find terrarium equipment if Qualipet doesn't have it in stock.
Found a website, but the company isn't listed on Zefix, which already raises a red flag to me?
The phone number doesn't appear on search.ch either.
But I've had this problem before. Friends order from sites that to me look to be a complete and utter scam yet they swear by them - then I order from them and lo and behold, the item never turns up and I have to chase my money.
Is there a site that lets you check for the authenticity/quality of online stores?
I know of toppreise, and I love it, but so many stores aren't included on there.
When I'm doubting if a website is reliable, I often contact their customer service with a general question about a product. If they respond in a timely manner with a good response then it's usually safe to proceed with the purchase.
Search for reviews of the site (in the local language). No reviews would raise the alarm for me.
You could ask on local reptile forums.
You could always post the name of the company here. I know of a few.
I go for google street view and check the address. If there's warehouse, a shop or at least the logo of the company in the indicated address, it's all good.
Last year I was looking for scarce bicycle components and found several online stores, checked street view and all I saw were beaten down cars stored in a parking lot, a gambling place (coin slots), stuff like that. Did not order from them
I also verify immediately after purchase in the credit card website to verify if the company in the website is the same company that charged the credit card. If name is different, huge red flag and call immediately the bank.
The problem with your approach is that very often satellite images are very outdated. According to the street view, I've been in the meadow for 4 years now
You ́re right :-) I just checked our address and that does not seem to be updated since 2014 (car of previous owners still in the parking space).
Check when the site was registered. Do an image search on any products in the store. Make sure everything is functional on the site.