As we all know, almost every product imaginable is sold online nowadays, including tobacco. Due to the ease and convenience of online shipping, so many smokers are buying or looking to buy their cigarettes online these days. The problem is, not all online cigarette retailers are legit. Therefore, it’s important to be able to detect stores that are legit from stores that aren’t if you’re going to purchase tobacco products online. But the question remains, What makes an online cigarette store legit? What actually separates a truly legitimate online cigarette store from a potentially illegal or harmful one?
How to tell an online cigarette store is legit
It should comply with legal requirements
By law, every online cigarette store must have the necessary licenses to sell tobacco online.
Also, the law demands that cigarette stores display all necessary government-mandated health warnings on their websites and on their products as well.
It should collect and remit excise taxes on tobacco
Legit tobacco stores are tasked by the authorities with the responsibility of collecting taxes on tobacco products. They’re expected to collect appropriate state and local excise taxes on tobacco products in every state they ship to. They collect and later remit these taxes to state tax authorities in these respective states in which they sell their products. That’s why they’re required to register with them in the first place.
Legit stores will always sell at prices that reflect that all applicable taxes and fees have been included.
It should have a professional website design and a user friendly interface
A store with a well-designed, easy-to-navigate website with no broken links shows you that store is reputable. A professional online view is critical for legitimacy.
It should have informational and transactional security
A store that is SSL certified is most likely to be legit. This means that the store has “https://” in her website’s URL and a padlock icon. This indicates that their connection is encrypted, protecting your personal and payment information.
Also, a legit store should be able to offer secure payment gateways. Legit stores use recognized, secure payment processors (e.g., major credit card networks or PayPal).
It should have a clear and transparent Return/Refund Policy
A legitimate business is like a clear conscience; it has nothing to hide. Its Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy has to be as clear as daybreak. These documents should be easily accessible, detailed, and written in clear language, outlining everything from purchasing rules to data handling.
While tobacco products often have specific return limitations, a legitimate store will have a policy in place for damaged goods or order errors.
It should have a responsive customer service and accessible contact information
A legit business must have a responsive customer service. The ability to easily reach customer support for inquiries, order tracking, or other issues is vital. Their contact information has to also be accessible. A clear physical address, phone number, and email address should be provided.
Its products should be authentic and of good quality
It’s true that this may be harder to verify before purchase. Though not always explicitly stated, legitimate stores source their products from reputable authorized distributors. You’ll be able to tell from the authenticity and freshness of the products.
If a store is legit, all its products will be genuine and will carry detail product descriptions.
You’ll see clear branding, pack sizes, and variations will be accurately described.
It should sell at realistic prices
It’s very clear that online prices are slightly lower than local convenience store prices due to overhead costs. However, if the prices are unbelievably low, that should definitely raise a red flag. For example, products that are half the standard retail price often indicate counterfeits, expired products, or illegal imports.
Legit stores will always sell at prices that reflect that all applicable taxes and fees have been included.
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