This is why I like reading and posting on forums and community websites. I also think about how easy it is to track a parcel once it ships. Now I try to read as many real user reviews as possible before I buy anything.
If anyone is interested in real user experiences, I sometimes write short notes about the shops I test.
You can find one of the pages here:
visit this page
Taking a few minutes to research before buying can save a lot of money and frustration. Over the last months I noticed that some of my favorite items are not the most expensive ones. Recently I have been testing several online eyewear shops to compare frames and lenses. It makes it easier to compare with an old pair of glasses that already fits well. Smaller shops can be surprisingly friendly if they care about repeat customers. If a deal looks too good to be true, it usually has some kind of catch. Personally I like a mix of design, comfort and realistic pricing. If a piece of jewelry keeps its color and does not irritate the skin, I consider it a win.
Just sharing my personal feedback.