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November 15th, 2021
If you’re looking to buy different products online, like home decor, clothes, collectibles, used items, and more, this holiday season, you must have encountered Bonanza. It has become one of the most popular online marketplaces where you can “find everything but ordinary.”
However, like other buyers, you might have also asked: “Is Bonanza legit?” Yes, it’s a legitimate website, but there have been some complaints regarding the products and services. To find out more about this e-commerce platform and how you can purchase safely, keep reading.
What Is Bonanza?
In 2008, Bonanza was built by Bill Harding. Based in Seattle, WA, this online marketplace connects independent sellers and buyers worldwide. Items for sale are grouped in various categories, making it easier for you to look for the product you want to buy.
Compared to eBay, Bonanza seems to offer more handmade and unique items. However, just like the popular platform, Bonanza doesn’t own these products, and they don’t take part in the transaction process. So, you’d have to pay directly to the seller. Which opens you up to certain complications with your order.
Is Bonanza Legit?
Before buying any products on Bonanza, you must want an answer to your question, “Is Bonanza legit.” Yes, it’s a fully registered business. The website received accreditation and an A+ rating from Better Business Bureau (BBB). Entrepreneur Magazine also hailed Bonanza as the best entrepreneurial company in America in 2016.
CNN, Mashable, Time Magazine, and other established publishers have featured the business too. More than 50,000 sellers voted Bonanza as the best overall marketplace over Amazon, Etsy.com, and eBay.
However, there have been several issues, including fraudulent activities on the platform. First, customers usually complain about Bonanza’s customer service. When you try to contact them via email, you’ll have to wait long before you can get a reply.
Although you can request a refund, the process can be long and daunting given that you’d have to file your dispute through PayPal or your payment processor. There were also reports about customers getting scammed by sellers. Although the site is rated A+, it has around 125 complaints on BBB. Some of them ordered but never got the item. Others also reported that they never got their refund.
Tips for Safe Bonanza Shopping
Bonanza may be a legit website, but it’s not safe from scammers. So, make sure to apply these tips while purchasing a wide range of items on the platform:
Read Seller Reviews
It’s always a good practice to do your research first before buying any product online. Spend enough time checking customer reviews. To ensure that you’re getting what you pay for, pick items that are labeled as ”top-rated seller”.
Review the Seller’s Profile
Check their profile by clicking on their username. See if they have added anything to the About Me section, so you’ll have an idea of what or who they are as a seller. If they were endorsed by Bonanza users and other known communities, then they’re most probably legitimate sellers.
Check the Seller’s Login Activity
To help you determine whether the seller would be responsive in case you encounter problems when purchasing an item, look at their login activity. Check the last time that they’ve been active. If they have several Bonanza badges for their participation on the website, they’ll likely respond whenever you have concerns regarding the products.
Look at the Shipping Information
Buying products from different parts of the world could mean shouldering high shipping costs. So, review the shipping fees first. Find out how many days or weeks it will take before the item gets delivered to your home. You can also look at customer reviews to know the actual time it took them to receive their orders.
Bonanza Shopping: Stay Secure With Social Catfish
From being a registered business to receiving awards and recognitions, Bonanza is indeed legit. However, like other e-commerce platforms, it’s also not free of scammers. Customers have reported fraudulent activities, including refund issues and items that were never received. So, shop wisely by verifying the seller’s identity through Social Catfish!
