Should you buy lighting and electrics online?
In a world of online convenience and endless choices, we're all a little guilty of getting swept up in the allure of a great deal. The ability to find exactly what you're looking for with just a few clicks, often at a price that seems too good to be true, is undeniably tempting. But when it comes to something as critical as lighting and electrical products, is that convenience worth the risk?
Today, more than ever, it's easy to be deceived. A quick search reveals a world of online vendors with stellar reviews, a bustling social media following, and a seemingly professional website. But beneath the polished veneer, how can you be sure of what you're really buying? We've all heard the stories: companies selling fake reviews, manipulating search results, and even buying followers to create a facade of success. This makes it incredibly easy for a new, and potentially untrustworthy, business to appear as a well-established and reliable source. With a massive Instagram following and glowing reviews why would you not trust them?
The most concerning issue is the proliferation of fake and uncertified products. We've seen firsthand how leading UK manufacturers are battling a new wave of counterfeit goods. These aren't just shoddy imitations; they are products designed to look identical to the genuine article, complete with branding and packaging. We've heard of companies like Aico, a trusted name in fire alarms, finding counterfeit smoke and fire detectors being sold online. These products are often much cheaper than their legitimate counterparts, but they haven't undergone the rigorous testing and safety checks required. People brought them assuming they were genuine products but they were getting a bargain. When you search for a brand and part code on Google you assume what you see is real. Not many people would ask the question, is this fake? Would you really trust a fake smoke alarm to protect your family and home in an emergency?
The dangers are very real and can have life-threatening consequences. A client recently came into our showroom with an outdoor LED wall light they purchased on eBay. It looked fine, but upon closer inspection, it was clear that it was not fit for purpose. It lacked the necessary IP rating to be waterproof and, shockingly, had no earth connection. It was a 230V product with no CE test, a metal case, and a plastic lens, imported directly from China. While the customer was able to get a refund from PayPal, the potential for a fatal electric shock was incredibly high. How many of these lights have been sold? Would you be happy if you brought a light which wasn't safe and could harm you?
These are not isolated incidents. We’ve seen LED GU10 lamps that, when installed a certain way, can become live, turning the entire metal casing of the lamp into a deadly electrical conductor. These are the hidden dangers of an unregulated online marketplace where the focus is on price and convenience above all else. With the rise of websites like Temu, which sell products directly from China, it’s becoming harder for customers to discern the quality and safety of what they are buying. While not every product from overseas is a risk, how can you, as a customer, truly know the difference?
This is a great articel on the BBC website regarding Christmas lighting being sold on major websites like Amazon, again very unsafe and not fit for sale in the Uk!
Dangerous Christmas lights listed for sale online, Which? finds - BBC News
Twenty years ago, a company’s reputation was built on trust. Word of mouth was the most powerful marketing tool, and to get it you had to do a great job. Ensuring the products you supplied where of a good quality and met your customer expectation. There were no shortcuts then. You had to work hard to earn trust and get a good reputation. People visited showrooms, saw the products firsthand, and spoke to a real person before and after a sale. Today, that personal connection is often lost in the digital space. When you buy from large online marketplaces like Amazon or eBay, it's often nearly impossible to speak with a human being if something goes wrong or to ask anything before you buy. You have to read the reviews and trust tha they are accurate and true.
This isn’t to say all online shopping is bad, but when it comes to lighting and electrical goods, we believe a physical business with a showroom and knowledgeable staff is still the safest and most attractive option. When you visit a local business, you can touch and feel the products, speak to experts who can guide you to the right choice, and know that there is a real person and a real place to turn to if you have a problem. It is also easier to verify the company and who is selling the goods. Online a business can easily portray themselves as a large well organised established company when in fact this may not be the case.
Your safety and the safety of your family should never be compromised for the sake of a low price. It's a risk not worth taking. We urge you to consider the value of trust, quality, and expert advice. It's not all about the lowest price—it's about making a purchase that you can be confident in, from a business you can trust, knowing that the products you're installing in your home are safe and reliable.
A showroom is still a great place to visit. It’s safe and reliable. Especially if you have been told by a friend or family member who has brought from that company themselves, the good old fashioned way.
