What are the most common online shopping horror stories?

The most common holiday shopping horror stories often involve bad customer service. For example, clerks who are rude or unhelpful. You might ask for assistance finding an item, and they just shrug or give you wrong directions. Also, receiving damaged goods is a problem. You buy something, excited to give it as a gift, and when you open the package at home, it's broken. And then there are issues with returns, like stores having a really strict return policy that makes it difficult to get your money back.

Another typical element in shopping horror stories is receiving damaged or defective goods. I remember buying a new phone. When I opened the box, the screen was cracked. It was really frustrating. And also, long waiting times for delivery or pickup can be a part of these horror stories. You wait weeks for a product and it either doesn't arrive or arrives late.

One common funny thing is when the item looks completely different in person. For example, I ordered a cute little ceramic cat. In the picture, it was smooth and shiny. But when I got it, it had a wonky shape and a rough texture. Another is misreading the size. I thought I was getting a normal - sized pillow, but it was a tiny travel - sized one.

A typical bad online shopping experience is when the size is wrong. Like buying a jacket that is way too big or small. And then there's the issue of counterfeit products. People might order a branded item but get a fake instead. It's really frustrating. For instance, I ordered a branded watch once and what I got was a very poor imitation.

One common type is the fake product scam. Sellers advertise high - quality items but send low - quality or counterfeit ones. Another is the non - delivery scam, like when you pay but don't get the item.

Often, people encounter those who are just looking for a one - night stand while they were seeking a serious relationship. They get lured in by sweet talk and false promises. For instance, a woman might think she's on a real date with a potential long - term partner, but the man just wants to get her into bed and disappears right after. It's a very disheartening experience in online dating.

Well, I bought a pair of shoes. The size was clearly marked as my regular size. But when I got them, they were at least two sizes smaller. I couldn't even get my feet into them. It was such a disappointment and a waste of money. I had to go through the hassle of returning them and waiting for the refund.

I know a story where a guy ordered a small keychain as a joke gift for his friend. But what he got was a real - size replica of a medieval sword. It was so huge and heavy that he couldn't believe it was sent to him instead of the tiny keychain. It turned out that there was some mislabeling in the inventory system.

Another is over - familiarity too quickly. They act like they know you really well right from the start and then start asking for personal information or favors. It can be really uncomfortable. Also, some online friends turn out to be stalkers. They might follow you across multiple platforms, trying to gather as much information about you as possible, which is very creepy.

Many online first date horror stories revolve around false expectations. If someone has built themselves up to be this super confident and successful person online, but in reality they are shy and insecure. It creates an awkward situation. Also, there are those who keep checking their phone constantly during the date, as if they are waiting for a better offer. And some dates turn bad when there's a political or religious argument out of nowhere.