5 Red Flags to Look Out for in Online Vendors.

Shopping online in Nigeria has become the new normal. It’s convenient, fast, and sometimes cheaper than buying from physical stores. But let’s be honest—it’s also risky. Many of us have experienced that heartbreaking moment when your delivery finally arrives, you tear off the nylon, open the box, and… boom:

“What I ordered versus what I got.”
A totally different outfit, a broken gadget, or some suspicious-looking item you didn’t even pick.

To save yourself the stress, embarrassment, and wasted money, here are 5 major red flags to watch out for when dealing with online vendors in Nigeria. These red flags can be the thin line between a successful order and a disaster waiting to happen.

1. No Physical Address or Verified Contact Info

One of the biggest red flags is when a vendor has no traceable location. No store address, no phone number you can call, and just a random WhatsApp number or Instagram handle.
If anything goes wrong with your order, you’ll have nowhere to turn. You can’t report them, visit them, or even track them.
Check if the vendor has a physical address listed, a verifiable phone number, and preferably a business name that’s registered with CAC (Corporate Affairs Commission). Marketplaces like 9th Marketplace verify vendor identities, which gives an extra layer of protection.

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2. Too Many “What I Ordered vs What I Got” Complaints in the Comments

Instagram and Facebook comments don’t lie. Scroll through their posts and pay attention to what previous customers are saying.

• “What I ordered vs what I got” memes or comments
• Complaints about poor quality or wrong delivery
• Vendors deleting negative comments or turning off comments completely

If more than 3 customers have had a bad experience, just walk away. No vendor is worth the heartbreak.

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3. “DM for Price” or Inconsistent Pricing

When a vendor constantly asks you to DM for price, it’s usually a sign they’re either unprofessional, price-hiking, or trying to size you up.

• Two people get two different prices for the same item
• No fixed prices on their page or website
• Sudden price changes after you’ve already placed your order

Stick to vendors or marketplaces that list prices clearly and transparently. This builds trust and prevents unnecessary arguments.

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4. Rushing You to Pay Immediately

You’re casually inquiring, and the vendor is already sending you bank details and saying “Payment confirms order.” 🚩
Scam vendors love pressure tactics. They’ll convince you that you need to pay “before someone else books it,” only to block you once payment is made.

If they don’t allow you time to think or ask questions, don’t send your money. A reputable vendor will allow you to make an informed decision.

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5. No Reviews, No Real-Life Photos, Only Mockups

A vendor’s page is filled with perfect stock photos, but no real customer pictures or actual deliveries? That’s suspicious.

• All images look like they were taken from Pinterest
• No photo reviews from past buyers
• No tagged posts from real customers

If you’re unsure, request for real-time photos or videos of the exact product. A trustworthy vendor should have nothing to hide. You can also ask for past customer reviews or referrals.

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Trust, but Verify

Buying online doesn’t have to feel like gambling. The key is to pay attention to details, avoid pressure, and always verify the vendor’s credibility.

Want a safer way to shop? Platforms like 9th Marketplace and Jumia screen their vendors, showcase real reviews, and protect your payments, so you won’t ever have to cry “What I ordered versus what I got” again.

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A Quick Recap of Your Checklist Before You Buy Online:

• Confirm vendor’s address and phone number
• Check social proof (comments, tags, and reviews)
• Compare prices with other sellers
• Ask for real pictures of the product
• Use trusted platforms that offer buyer protection