How To Shop Online Safely

I have heard it said small businesses make up most of the business industry. Some sources say 99.9% of the business industry is made of of small businesses. we also will shop online and would like to support small businesses but are worried about scams. There are things you can do to support small businesses and protect yourself. If you see a store online and a product you like do a few minutes of research for the first time. Our official business name is Lulu’s Thyme and Essentials LLC. We started out as an herbal business. Lulu is a certified chef and became interested in natural products. She then became an herbalist and was selling her products at local stores and Farmers Markets. When we bought our physical store and offered spiritual and metaphysical items, we branded as Lulu’s AvalonRose Cottage. 

Here is how we check a business out online when we shop:

Google the business. Even better ask AI. Here is what the results are when I googled “is Lulu’s Thyme and Essentials a legitimate business in Massachusetts?”. Here’s the answer:

• • • • Lulu’s Thyme and Essentials appears to be a legitimate, family-owned small business operating in Massachusetts. The company has a physical presence (associated with “Lulu’s Avalon Rose Cottage”), an online store, active social media profiles, and is mentioned in local contexts, indicating it is a real operation. 
      • Look for physical Presence and Association: The business operates in association with Lulu’s Avalon Rose Cottage, which has a phone number (774-745-8550) and a physical location for appointments and shopping.
      • Active Online Presence: The business is active on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, where they post about products and local events. We are also on Etsy, TikTok, and YouTube. We are on Amazon but you have to really search for us. we are Spreading out to other Social Media sites in the future as well.
      • Product Sourcing: They state they sell products that are lab-tested or certified organic, suggesting a level of business practice and accountability. We started out making products for ourselves and we are finicky! If we are going to sell something to you, our reputation means everything to us.
      • Customer Interaction:  Social media posts and snippets mention customers stopping by the location to purchase items and staff being available to help, suggesting real customer interactions. 
      • Contact the seller: Call them to see who answers.
      • You can check for any reviews.  Newer businesses may not have any. Go to Google or any of the social media sites and check the overall reviews. 
      • MOST IMPORTANT:  check the website URL.  Some scammers can redirect you to another site. Our site is avalonrosecottage.com (adding lulu was just too much!)