Check any listing in two minutes

You do not need tools to spot most problems with a listing. Open the product you are about to buy and run these five checks.

1. Find the rated numbers

Look in the specification table, not only the title. For a power bank that is the capacity in Wh (or mAh and voltage), for a charger the wattage per port, for storage the GB and speed class, for clothes the fabric composition and a size chart in centimetres. A figure that appears only in the title, or in a unit that cannot be compared, is a flag.

2. Look for the rating behind each claim

“Waterproof” needs an IP rating. “Fast charging” needs a wattage and a protocol. “UV protection” needs a UPF number. A bare adjective is a description, not a rating. See IP ratings and fast charging.

3. Check that the listing agrees with itself

Compare the title, photos, variations and description. If one says 20,000mAh and another says 10,000mAh, or the photo shows a different model, treat the listing with suspicion.

4. Look for the marks that apply

Radio devices such as Bluetooth earbuds need NTC type approval. Some regulated products carry a DTI-BPS PS or ICC mark. A mark in a photo is a lead to check, not proof. See what the marks mean.

5. Read the seller

How long has the shop existed, how many real sales and ratings does it have, and does it state a warranty and a clear return policy? Compare the price with the brand’s official store: a big gap from an unknown seller is a warning. See seller badges and why the cheapest listing can be risky.

This is general information to help you read listings. It is not a guarantee that any product is safe or genuine.

How we score

  • Compliance marks looked up and recorded
  • Listing read line by line, label included
  • No brand pays to be ranked

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