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Whether you're a hardcore gym rat trying to get "swole”, a hardcore athlete trying to build muscle for an upcoming meet, or if you just want a little extra definition in your quads after spin classes, you've probably heard of creatine. This substance occurs naturally in muscle cells and is one of the few nutritional supplements that is regularly recommended by personal trainers, sports nutritionists, and experienced athletes alike.
Creatine supplementation has been shown to increase muscle mass, strength, and power in athletes, particularly in short-term, high-intensity exercise. It may also improve recovery time and reduce muscle damage and soreness after exercise. It supports your gains through three amino acids: L-arginine, glycine, and L-methionine.
Monday, January 13th
If you're looking for creatine supplements, Muscle & Strength is a great place to start. They make it super easy to find what you need with their creatine store/category, and they even break down their selection into different categories. The company has been in the business for over 15 years, has great customer reviews, and backs up its products with satisfaction guarantees and a focus on overall health and fitness.
Easy navigation and great filters
Unlike many other retailers, Muscle & Strength makes it easy to find and navigate their selection of creatine supplements. Rather than having to do a generic search for creatine, they have an entire creatine store/category on their site. The company also breaks down its creatine into categories such as Monohydrate, Multi-Creatine Blends, Chelate, Kre-Alkalyn, and Malate, making it easier to find the type of creatine that best suits your needs.
Key details at a glance
While some areas of the site can look a little busy, the listings provide key details at a glance. Some of these include:
Additionally, Muscle & Strength has a wide array of search filters making the search process simple so you can narrow down exactly what you need right away.
Competitive pricing
In order to determine the value of shopping with Muscle & Strength vs. other competitors, we looked at the pricing for three different types of creatine supplements. At Muscle & Strength, they offer 69 different options for powder creatine. The cheapest powder product is $6.49 (although it was out of stock at the time of this review) and the most expensive was $69.99 for 1,000g which is highly competitive pricing. For capsule-style, Muscle & Strength offers 12 products priced from $15.99 to $67.99. Finally, for proprietary items, Muscle & Strength offers a variety for sale, but none of these are creatine supplements. However, if you're looking for workout gear or t-shirts, there are plenty of fun fitness items from the Muscle & Strength brand.
Individual and genuine reviews on supplements
One thing we loved about shopping at Muscle & Strength was that the company provides ample customer reviews of their creatine supplements. For example, one creatine powder had over 500 reviews from verified buyers, with many mentioning that there were issues with the powder mixing well in liquid, proving that the reviews show real experiences from real customers. In addition to reviews, the nutritional labels and other relevant information about the supplement are also readily available on the site.
Free shipping on $99+
Muscle & Strength offers free shipping on orders of $99 or more, which is a great perk for customers who want to stock up on other products they need. While it's not the best shipping deal among creatine retailers, it's certainly better than companies that charge extra fees for orders over two pounds. Additionally, customers receive free samples with every order, which adds a fun surprise to each package.
60-day money-back guarantee
Muscle & Strength prioritizes customer satisfaction and offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all their products. If a customer is unhappy with a product, they can exchange it or receive a refund. The company accepts returns for up to 60 days from the time of purchase. To initiate a return, the customer should contact the support team with their order number and the reason for the return. Muscle & Strength accepts returns on opened or used products and may ask for feedback to pass on to the brand. The company works with receptive brands that value customer feedback and strive to improve their products.
Plan your workout
An additional benefit of shopping with Muscle & Strength is that they take a one-stop-shop approach to fitness. On top of supplements and workout gear, Muscle & Strength offers help with creating a fitness plan as well as example exercises and fitness regimens for customers to take advantage of. Moreover, the company offers rewards points to customers who create a free account on their site. These points can be used to get discounts on future orders or exclusive products and gear. Customers can earn more points by reviewing products, referring friends, and sharing Muscle & Strength on social media.
Top-rated for customer service
In terms of customer reviews, the company has earned an "A" rating from the Better Business Bureau. With 15 years in the industry as well as an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 across third-party review sites, it's clear that Muscle & Strength is a reliable and trustworthy retailer. Customers praised the speed of delivery when shopping at Muscle & Strength as well as the benefit of Muscle & Strength's "total package” approach to fitness. Additionally, shoppers praised the customer service here and were grateful for the helpfulness of the Muscle & Strength team.
Top option overall
In conclusion, Muscle & Strength is an excellent choice for individuals looking to purchase creatine supplements. The company offers competitive pricing, a wide selection of products, helpful resources, and excellent customer service. With over 15 years in business and an "A" rating from the Better Business Bureau as well as a "total package” approach to fitness and supplements, Muscle & Strength stands out as the top option for creatine supplements in this review.
Since its establishment in 2001, My Supplement Store has gained an excellent reputation as a fitness retailer. They have a team of knowledgeable associates who are passionate about various forms of fitness and provide exceptional customer service that fulfills orders quickly from Chicago, and ships to over 150 countries around the world. With a competitive list of creatine supplements (65 individual products), they are a competitive and worthwhile option to explore when buying your next creatine supplement.
Clean website, but could use more filters
In terms of user experience, the website is modern and clean and provides easy access to a wide variety of supplements. Customers can easily find the creatine supplements from the Sports Nutrition tab or by searching directly on the search bar. We loved that My Supplement Store had a dedicated page just for creatine supplements, as it makes it much easier to explore just those listings. Additionally, the listings provide clear at-a-glance information including the number of stars an individual product has according to buyers as well as general pricing information and whether or not a particular product is on sale. While we would like more filters to make it easier to find options like powder supplements vs. capsule supplements, the user experience at My Supplement Store is an overall positive one.
Competitive pricing when in stock
To compare prices at My Supplement Store with other competitors, we analyzed the prices of three types of creatine supplements. My Supplement Store's powder creatine ranged in price from $15.99 to $74.99 (for 2000g) which is highly competitive. For creatine capsules, the prices ranged from $12.99 for 100 capsules to $39.99 for 200 capsules in a different brand. And, it doesn't appear that My Supplement Store offers its own proprietary brand. However, we did notice that several of the items, especially in the lower price tiers, weren't in stock, which could be frustrating for shoppers who are excited about the good deals but can't purchase them.
Free shipping on orders $99+
In terms of shipping policies at My Supplement Store, customers can expect a standard shipping time of 2-5 business days for orders within the United States. Depending on the location of the recipient, delivery can take as little as 1-2 days on average, but most arrive in about 4 days. Customers who spend under $99 can expect a flat $5 shipping fee for their order (unless otherwise stated), while orders over $99 are shipped for free through the standard shipping - except those that contain RTDs, energy drinks, and bars.
Limited 30-day return policy
But what about returns? The policy here is fairly limited, though they do allow returns. At My Supplement Store, you can return any unopened or unused product within 30 days of shipment for a refund. The product must be in its original condition and packaging, and unfortunately, the customer will be responsible for the original shipping cost as well as the return shipping cost unless the product was defective. Unfortunately, clearance items and mystery/subscription boxes cannot be returned.
Top-rated for quality and timeliness
My Supplement Store has established a reputation as a reliable and affordable source for supplements, with an "A+" rating from the Better Business Bureau and an average star rating of 4.2 out of 5 across multiple third-party review sites. Many reviewers praise the company's competitive prices, timely shipping, and quality products. One customer says they order from My Supplement Store frequently and recommend it to others. Another customer has been buying from the company for two years and plans to continue doing so. On the other hand, some reviewers have experienced issues with shipping times, with one customer noting that their order took 10 days to process. Overall, My Supplement Store has a positive reputation among supplement users for its affordable prices and reliable products.
Solid choice
My Supplement Store is a reputable fitness supplement company that provides quality products and exceptional customer service. Their website is user-friendly, with clear information on pricing, product reviews, and shipping policies. The company has an overall positive reputation for timely shipping and quality products as well as a stellar "A+” rating from the BBB. Only the limited return policy and lack of filters on the site knock this down from being tied with our top option. Overall, My Supplement Store deserves its high spot in our ratings for creatine supplements.
As far as creatine supplements go, Bodybuilding has a lot to offer. With a mix of name-brand supplements as well as a variety of products that are made by Bodybuilding itself, there is a unique range of supplements to choose from.
Full range of supplements but fewer brands
Bodybuilding provides a full range of supplements across different use cases. However, compared to some sites, there are fewer total supplement styles and options, so if you're looking for a particular brand of creatine supplement, it may not be carried at Bodybuilding. Additionally, Bodybuilding provides help to customers through workout plans for a total fitness journey, making this a unique one-stop shop for fitness enthusiasts.
Modern website design
In terms of usability, Bodybuilding is a top-tier site. The design is minimal and focused on a fitness customer base. Customers can start shopping from the "shop” tab which gives them an at-a-glance look at all the products sold at Bodybuilding. Alternatively, customers can use the search bar at the top to begin looking for specific items. When you get to the creatine supplements, you can easily filter by the type of creatine you want, brand names, dietary restrictions, ingredients, flavors, form, and package size.
Competitive rates, but fewer selections
To compare the pricing at Bodybuilding to the prices at other retailers in this review, we looked at three items: a powder supplement, a capsule supplement, and a supplement that is part of the Bodybuilding proprietary brand. The powder prices ranged from $14.99 to $67.99. For capsules, the prices were similar with the lowest-priced product starting at $16.24 and the most expensive capsule supplement costing $34.99. Finally, the proprietary brand at Bodybuilding, the Signature brand, ranges in price from $24.99 to $29.99 with both powder and capsule options as well as different size containers to support long- or short-term use. Additionally, Bodybuilding offers creatine supplements in a variety of flavors, as well as other unique supplement styles like gummies.
Sales and free shipping are available
If you're looking for deals, Bodybuilding is a great place to shop. At the time of this review, the entire selection of creatine supplements was on sale at 50% off. Additionally, Bodybuilding offers a clearance section where all of the items are 40% off. This includes a range of supplements, workout gear, water bottles, and clothing items. Bodybuilding also offers free shipping on orders over $75, making it easy for customers to take advantage of this perk, especially if they are buying more than one item.
Fitness membership
Another standout feature of Bodybuilding is the Bodyfit membership available. For either $49.99 per year or $9.99 per month, you get access to a variety of fitness perks such as individualized help with a workout plan and fitness regimen as well as discounts when shopping with Bodybuilding. The company promises that the membership is like having a "personal trainer in your pocket.”
Membership perks
The list of perks you receive with a membership includes:
If you don't want the membership, don't worry: you still get some of these benefits just from shopping with Bodybuilder, though they are a little more limited. For example, you can still qualify for free shipping by meeting the order threshold, and you still have access to 100s of workouts and some of the best trainers in the industry to help you with your fitness plan.
30-day unlimited returns
While we wish the return window was a little longer at Bodybuilding, they do offer competitive returns with no restrictions on items or conditions. The Bodybuilding website values customer satisfaction and aims to make things right if a customer is unhappy with their purchase for any reason. Customers have up to 30 days after their purchase to contact the Customer Service team for a full refund or a Bodybuilding e-gift card equal to the value of their product.
Reviews of individual products
What sets Bodybuilding apart from other supplement retailers is the detailed customer reviews on individual products. These reviews not only provide an overall score but also offer ratings for flavor and ingredient quality. Additionally, the website indicates how many of the ratings come from verified buyers, ensuring that the product rating is unbiased. Reading through the comments, one can glean crucial information such as whether the powder mixes well or leaves a gritty residue, if there has been a noticeable increase in muscle mass, or just if customers like the flavor of a particular creatine supplement more than another.
Customer ratings call the company into question
Unfortunately, in terms of user satisfaction Bodybuilding hasn't been doing so well lately. The company has a "D-” rating from the BBB, and although the negative customer complaints relate mostly to their subscription program and not the retail store, there are concerns about customer service across the board, which is disappointing. From third-party review sites, Bodybuilding has a 3-star rating out of 5. Customers who purchased supplements from Bodybuilding generally gave the company 5 stars for effectiveness, shipping, and selection. However, some 1-star reviews also complained that products were expired when they arrived or didn't taste right.
Good one-stop shop despite reviews
Bodybuilding offers a one-stop shop retail location for supplements, workout plans, and fitness-related content, making it great for fitness enthusiasts. The website is easy to use, and the prices are competitive. However, with a "D-" rating from the BBB and mixed reviews, there are concerns about the company's customer service as well as some of the products they offer. Overall, Bodybuilding is a good service and has a lot of amazing features that would normally put it at the top of the pack in this review but cannot due to its poor customer ratings. However, if you're looking for a full package of fitness gear and creatine supplements, Bodybuilding is still worth checking out.
Started back in 1935 by David Shakarian, GNC began with a $35 sale at his corner market. As the concept of good nutrition gained popularity, GNC became the industry leader. Today, GNC's headquarters is located near the original Pittsburgh store, and the company continues to pursue Shakarian's vision of a healthier world.
Good variety but pricey
As one of the longest-standing health companies, it's no surprise that GNC offers a decent variety of creatine supplement products. With over two dozen brands and all the typical formats, including powder and capsules, there are 52 individual options available at GNC for your next purchase. GNC's creatine supplements are also on the pricier side, but there are ways to save money while shopping.
Streamlined site and good search features
The user experience at GNC is streamlined and makes it easy to find what you need quickly. You can search for creatine supplements either in the performance section of the shop or search for them directly in the website search bar. Additionally, you can limit your search depending on brand, price, flavor, product form, diet restrictions, goals, or additional options like GNC proprietary only or sale items. The listings show a clear photo of the products available as well as the single-purchase price along with a price for the same item if you buy it on a subscription plan.
Higher-than-average pricing
To compare the prices between GNC and other retailers, we looked at the price ranges from powder creatine supplements to capsules, and the range of supplements sold by GNC's proprietary brand. There are 42 different powder-style creatine supplements at GNC which range in price from $24.99 to $89.99 which is about $10 higher than the starting price at many competitors, and more expensive on the high end too. The subscription price range is from $22.49 to $80.99. For the capsule supplements, there are 7 products to choose from that range in price from $24.99 to $94.99. If you decide to subscribe, the prices range from $22.49 to $85.49 instead. Finally, for the proprietary brand, there are two options at GNC, the GNC AMP products and the GNC Pro Performance products. The prices for these products range from $24.99 to $64.99 or if you subscribe, from $22.49 to $58.49.
Promises for price match
One thing that offsets the slightly higher pricing at GNC is their price match guarantee that ensures that customers can purchase their preferred high-quality vitamins and supplements without worrying about the price. The guarantee allows GNC stores to match the prices of competitors for identical products. This includes several stores and websites, such as Walmart, Costco, Vitamin Shoppe, and even some of the other options in our review.
30-day 100% satisfaction guarantee
Another thing that sets GNC apart from other retailers is its 100% satisfaction guarantee on both unopened and opened products. This policy shows that the company genuinely cares about its customers and is willing to let them return products that are not a good match. You can return any item within 30 days of purchase for any reason.
Low ratings don't back up customer service claims
Unfortunately, in terms of customer satisfaction, GNC isn't a top-rated retailer. While it doesn't have the lowest ratings overall, the company only has an average score of 2.7 stars out of 5 across third-party review sites. Further, GNC only has a "C-” rating from the BBB for customer responses, which doesn't make us feel confident about their service. Many of the customer complaints concern shipments that are missing or late and aren't resolved by the company or that customers are shipped expired merchandise. Although there are a few positives to balance out the negative reviews, these concerns are enough to set GNC as a middle-ground retailer of creatine supplements. Getting your purchases is essential for a good shopping experience, and many customers just aren't receiving their orders.
Good on paper, not great for customers
Overall, while GNC may have a decent selection of creatine supplements, and they have a competitive return policy and price-match guarantee, the reviews don't back up the promises GNC makes about customer satisfaction. With repeated reviews about customers not receiving shipments or not being offered refunds for products that never arrived, it's harder to recommend GNC as a retailer for supplements. For these reasons along with the higher-than-average pricing, GNC only made it to the 3.5-star level in our review.
A1 Supplements is an online retailer that offers a wide variety of supplements like creatine. The company specializes in sports nutrition and supplements to promote healthy lifestyles. The company is based in Miami, FL, and has been in business since 1999. The listings available from A1 Supplements range across 52 individual products with capsule-style creatine supplements as well as powder-style. A1 Supplements promises to have the newest products available as they keep up with fitness and health trends.
User-friendly features
The site is nice to use. You can easily select the kind of supplement you're looking for, or limit the listings in the top bar, including looking for specific brands or use cases. Once you've found creatine supplements, it's quick to limit the options by brand or price. You can also sort listings by popularity, low-price-first, or those with discounts. The photos for the listings are clear and high-quality, though you do need to click into the listing properly to see all the details about dosage and container contents.
Reasonable prices even in bulk
To compare the products at A1 to those at other retailers, we looked at the pricing for powder creatine, pill-style creatine, and any options that are from the retailer's brand. In the case of A1, there are a total of 52 different products for creatine supplements. The prices at A1 for capsule-style creatine supplements range from $11 to $49.95. The most expensive option is a bulk pack with 2500 capsules which will last 1250 doses. For powder supplements, the prices range from $26.95 to $67.95 with a range of top brands like ALLMAX and EFX Sports. For the A1 brand itself, there's one product available: a 60-scoop powder creatine container for $34.95.
Badge of Approval program underway
One of the benefits of ordering with A1 is that the company has recently introduced its A1 Select Badge of Approval. The company's goal is to highlight and award supplements that meet their strict standards. To achieve this distinction, A1 Supplements products must have accurate and safe dosages and ingredients, be made with high-quality ingredients from reputable sources, and provide maximum results. Additionally, A1 Supplements verifies the effectiveness of the product by trying it themselves. The manufacturing standards are also strict and require that products be manufactured in a cGMP and FDA-registered facility in the USA and have a Certificate of Analysis to support the ingredients and final product. While the A1 Select Badge program is currently in a pilot phase and only available on A1 Supplements proprietary brands, the company is working to partner with other brands.
Terrible return policy
One area where A1 Supplements doesn't stand out is with their return policies. Within 30 days, customers are required to obtain a return authorization and instructions from a customer service representative and then merchandise must be returned at the customer's expense, in perfect condition, and unopened to receive credit. On top of not allowing any food items returned at all, there is also a 20% restocking fee.
Good BBB ratings, but no reviews
In terms of company reputation and A1's rating from customers, the company is doing fairly well despite the less-than-friendly return policy. A1 Supplements has an impressive "A+” rating from the BBB. On the other hand, in terms of third-party reviews, there aren't a lot of reviews posted online. While there are reviews on multiple sites, there aren't more than 20 total reviews for A1 Supplements. Across the total reviews, the average star rating is 2.5 stars out of 5, though it's hard to judge how accurate that rating might be with so few reviews to back up the comments.
Not the best, but not the worst
A1 Supplements is a middle-ground option for purchasing creatine supplements online. With a wide variety of products and a user-friendly website, A1 Supplements makes it easy to find the right supplement at competitive prices. However, the strict return policy and limited third-party reviews put a ding on the potential customer satisfaction with this retailer, so it doesn't stand out as one of the top companies in our review. On the other hand, with a few shopping benefits like the Approval Badge, there is still some hope for A1 Supplements. While it may not be the best supplement retailer out there, it is worth browsing for its variety of creatine supplements.
Based in West Babylon, New York, Same Day Supplements has been in business since 2007. However, for an online business well into the modern era, the site doesn't necessarily engender feelings of confidence in its design. While the prices are good and the range of 42 different creatine supplements is on par with many options we reviewed, the cluttered website and old styling don't make it one of the most pleasant sites to visit. With that being said, the selling point for Same Day Supplements is their "same day shipping” not their web design, which does help the company stand out from the pack.
Way too much going on visually
If you're looking for a streamlined shopping experience, you're not going to get it at Same Day Supplements. The listings are some of the most cluttered visuals on any shopping website out there. It's hard to read product names and to see the product photos, and customers can almost miss the red "Out of Stock” text on nearly half the products with so many other text styles and colors going on. While you can limit your search by manufacturer, there isn't much else in the way of filters to help you find the product you need.
Some of the lowest prices out there
To compare prices between Same Day Supplements and other retailers in this review, we looked at the price ranges for powder creatine and capsule creatine. While we also usually look at the pricing for proprietary products, there weren't any available at Same Day Supplements. For the powder creatine supplements, the prices ranged from $9.99 to $59.99 which is very low compared to other retailers in this review. For the capsules, the prices ranged from $7.60 to $29.95, which is also highly competitive pricing.
Same-day and low-cost shipping
The biggest benefit of shopping with Same Day Supplements is the shipping. Not only do they offer same-day shipping on all items ordered before 3 pm EST, but the company also offers free standard shipping on all US-based orders over $69 with the ability to ship worldwide as well. So, if you don't want to break the bank on shipping, or you need your supplements right away, Same Day Supplements may be an option for you.
30-day limited returns only
Same Day Supplements offers a 30-day return policy, but only for unopened and unused products, as long as the product is returned in its original packaging. Customers are responsible for the original shipping cost and the cost to return the product unless it is defective. This is standard with many other retailers in our review, but it doesn't stand out as being particularly focused on serving customers.
Good BBB rating, but few customer reviews
In terms of customer feedback, Same Day Supplements has a great "A” rating with the BBB as well as accreditation. However, in terms of customer feedback, there are only a few reviews out there for the company. With just over 30 reviews on Trustpilot and only 5 reviews on the BBB site itself at the time of this review, it's hard to say if the "A” rating is backed up by customer experience.
Polarized ratings from customers
The average rating for the company on Trustpilot is 3.7 with almost all 1 and 5-star ratings, showing that the customers who have used Same Day Supplements feel very polarized about the company. The high ratings compliment the fast and inexpensive shipping. On the other hand, the low ratings complain about losing money, not being able to get into contact with customer service, and feeling "scammed” which does not raise our confidence in this business.
Good for customers who need fast shipping? ...maybe
Same Day Supplements has some major drawbacks, including a cluttered website, a less-than-optimal return policy, and polarized customer reviews. However, they do offer fantastic shipping rates and a same-day shipping option, which is a significant selling point. While the customer feedback is mixed, with some praising the fast and affordable shipping, and others feeling scammed and struggling to reach customer service, the company still has an "A" rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau. Despite the flaws, if you need your supplements quickly or want to save money on shipping, it may still be worth checking out Same Day Supplements.
When compared to other creatine retailers, i-Supplements is one of the worst contenders. They carry 33 results for creatine supplements, which is about average, but a little lower than some of the other companies in this review. However, since the site promises over 7,000 different health products, we were disappointed in how few products there were for creatine specifically. But, beyond creatine, i-Supplements offers powder, capsules, and even gummy options for supplements, which makes them competitive in terms of inventory despite the low number of individual listings.
Outdated, slow website
In terms of user experience, i-Supplements is an older-looking website and there aren't a lot of features that make it easy to browse. Customers are only able to see 12 items per page, and there's no way to expand this list - forcing customers to wait long loading times to move from page to page to browse the full list of inventory.
More filters would be nice
Additionally, there are very few filters to make finding your ideal product easier. You can add a minimum or maximum price, limit by rating, or by "other” which just allows you to see which products are "featured” or in stock, which at the time of this review was 32 out of the 33 total products. As an additional example, when we were working with the filters to compare i-Supplements prices with other companies, the site crashed and did not load any products.
Prices are higher-than-average
To compare the prices between i-Supplements and other retailers, we examined the cost of powder creatine supplements, capsule creatine supplements, and i-Supplements' proprietary brand supplements. For powder supplements, the prices ranged from $23.99 to $73.75. For tablets/capsules, the prices ranged from $15 to $73.75. As far as we could tell during our review, there are no proprietary supplements available from i-Supplements. While there are more expensive options out there, i-Supplements isn't the most competitive in terms of price.
Flat rate shipping but only for 2 lb packages
The company's shipping policy is also just average. i-Supplements offers a flat rate of $7.45 for its Super Saver shipping for any order under 2 pounds. For orders over 2 pounds, standard shipping rates will apply, which may be frustrating for customers who think they will get flat-rate shipping and are charged more later. The shipping method for Super Saver is either USPS, UPS, or FedEx, which is selected by the company. The website also offers a 10% discount on orders using the coupon code "info10" during checkout, however, this appears to be a one-time option.
Customers are responsible for return fees
On top of less-than-friendly shipping policies, i-Supplements also has a disappointing return policy. i-Supplements' return policy states that they do not accept returns on opened merchandise due to their low prices as a wholesaler. Unopened merchandise can be returned for exchange or credit within 30 days of purchase, with the customer responsible for all shipping charges and subject to a 20% restocking fee. No returns are allowed on special orders, and customers must contact i-Supplements before returning any items. Failure to do so will result in the package being marked "return to sender" and sent back. If a free shipping code was used, and the item is returned, the customer will be responsible for paying back the original shipping cost, which will be deducted from the credit.
Conflicting ratings
While i-Supplements has an "A+" rating from the Better Business Bureau and overall positive feedback on the store's social media channels, the company has almost no review presence on third-party review sites, which is suspicious. The few reviews out there range from 1-2 stars on average out of 5-star ratings, and customers generally are disappointed with the customer service at i-Supplements. Customers also complained about missing shipments and being charged on their credit cards for things they didn't buy. These concerns point to a lack of care for customers at i-Supplements and might mean shopping at one of our higher-rated options is better for your next creatine supplement purchase.
Not worth the trouble
In summary, i-Supplements doesn't stand out as a great option for supplement shopping. The prices are competitive, but shipping fees can be expensive, and with no protection for customers with shipping or returns, this company doesn't have a lot to recommend over other companies in this review. For these reasons, this is one of the lowest-rated supplement retailers for creatine supplements. If you're looking for a reliable shopping experience, check out some of the top-rated retailers instead.
Supplement Mart has grown to become one of Australia's biggest and most trusted retailers of nutritional products and supplements. The company was built by two brothers in 2010 and prides itself on its strong online presence with fast delivery services across Australia.
New and nice, but not available in the U.S.
Supplement Mart provides an array of different health products including 32 different products for creatine supplements. However, while Supplement Mart is one of the newest, and nicest options in this review, there's one drawback. If you're not a citizen of Australia, you can't get the products. For this reason, we had to rate it the lowest in our review, simply because you can't get it anywhere in the US. On the other hand, if you're located in AUS, definitely consider giving them a chance.
Clean website that's easy to use
In terms of user experience, shopping with Supplement Mart is a breeze. Along with easy search features, and an entire section dedicated to creatine supplements, Supplement Mart's clean design and modern listings make it easy to see the product, the price, and whether or not there's any special going on for that item. Additionally, there are clear filters for price, brand, size of the container, color, and review ratings to make it even simpler to narrow down the products to the supplement you need.
Competitive prices and bulk options
In this review, we compared the range of prices at Supplement Mart to those at other retailers based on their pricing for powder creatine and capsule creatine, as well as the pricing for Supplement Mart's proprietary brand listings. The price range for powder creatine supplements was from $14.95 to $84.95, about average compared with prices offered by other retailers. Similarly, the prices for capsule creatine ranged from $24.95 to $69.95 starting higher than some retailers yet still competitive. For their proprietary products, you can only buy those in bulk quantities, so the prices start quite high. The options are Precision Nutrition and EHP Labs which range from $149 to $185.80. Additionally, at the time of this review, more than half of the products were on sale at various discounts, making these supplements even more affordable.
Free shipping on $99+
The deals don't stop with sales. It carries over into the shipping policy for Supplement Mart. The company offers free shipping for any order over $99 and a flat rate of $9.95 for all other orders within Australia. Customers can also pre-order products that are currently out of stock and expect their orders to be dispatched within 1-2 weeks, provided that the supplier has the stock available. If there are any major delays in the delivery, the customer service team will inform the customer. The only downside to this? US customers just can't get the products. We tried, and could only select areas within Australia to ship. So, if you're from AUS, you're in luck, but otherwise, you'll need to keep shopping.
Buy wholesale for a fitness business
As a unique standout feature, Supplement Mart offers wholesale purchases through its parent company, Muscle Worx, which provides a direct supply of high-quality sports nutrition and general nutritional supplements. This is available for individuals or businesses looking to stock these products in their stores, health and wellness facilities, or e-commerce platforms. So, while it might not be ideal for the average workout enthusiast looking for creatine supplements, this is a great option for nutrition fans looking to start a business based on their passion.
No returns at all
One place where Supplement Mart doesn't support customers as well is their return policy. Frankly, they just don't offer one. Supplement Mart's return policy states that customers must choose their products carefully as refunds will not be given for changes of mind or incorrect decision-making. In the case of receiving an incorrect, faulty, or inaccurately described product, Supplement Mart will offer exchanges or refunds, but customers must provide valid proof of purchase and must raise the issue within 3 weeks of the purchase date.
Customers aren't talking about Supplement Mart
Unfortunately in terms of reviews, Supplement Mart is another place that just doesn't show up on third-party review sites. So, we don't know what customers think about the site. There are 3 total reviews on Trustpilot leaving Supplement Mart with an average star rating of 3.2, but we don't know if this is truly representative of customer experiences as it's such a small pool of reviews.
Good for Australia, but not for US shoppers
So, while Supplement Mart has some high and low points, the review of this site (for US citizens) is mostly academic. Though, with some of the great things we've seen at this site, we hope they start shipping overseas. Supplement Mart makes it easy for customers to navigate and find the products they need and their pricing is comparable to other retailers and especially competitive with sales. Unfortunately, if you're not located in Australia, you won't be able to purchase from Supplement Mart. If it were available in the US, Supplement Mart could have been a 3.5-star retailer. But, since it's impossible to buy from this company outside of Australia, we are forced to give it a one-star rating. However, if you're hanging out "Down Under” and need creatine supplements, this would be a great place to check out.
Supplement City is an online store that offers high-quality fitness supplements. They believe that effective supplements are crucial to any fitness plan, which is why they are dedicated to providing the best products available. They offer a wide range of brands and products suitable for fitness enthusiasts, athletes, or those looking to improve their overall health including creatine supplements. However, their selection of creatine supplements is smaller than many other health retail sites in this review with only 20 individual options on the website.
Pretty site...
If you're looking for a seamless website experience, Supplement City unfortunately isn't it. We admit the site is pretty. The white and blue styling is minimal and modern. Additionally, the listings are easy to read, which will be nice for users who are looking for something in particular.
...but it's a little buggy
However, while Supplement City does offer a more modern design than many companies in this review, their site is a little buggy. For example, when you change the number of listings visible on a page (there are options for 24, 36, and 48), the filters for the products disappear, and you can't access them anymore, which could be frustrating for customers hoping to look at all the creatine supplements in one place and narrow down from there.
Prices are higher than average
For this review, we compared prices for powder creatine and capsule creatine between Supplement City and other retailers. We usually also compare the proprietary brand prices, but Supplement City doesn't have its own brand of creatine. The powder creatine supplements at Supplement City were priced from $19.99 to $39.99, which isn't the cheapest starting point in this review, but is also not the most expensive at the high end. The prices for capsule creatine supplements ranged from $28.99 to $65.99 which is much more expensive than capsules at other retailers.
Shipping isn't disclosed
If you're hoping Supplement City will make up for lackluster pricing and slim pickings for creatine products by having great shipping, you're going to be as disappointed as we were. The company calculates the shipping charges and adds them to the order, and those charges are not disclosed in the shipping policy statement on the website. In case of any cancellations or delivery interceptions to processed orders, a $10.00 charge will be incurred. Additionally, if orders are returned to Supplement City LLC due to incorrect addresses or order cancellation, a $10.00 charge will also be imposed. Luckily they do ship to all US states and territories, but we would love to know what it costs.
30-day returns for only a few items
As for the return policy, Supplement City doesn't support customers here either. Supplement City has a 30-day return policy for unopened items in their original packaging. Additionally, the list of items you can't return to Supplement City is much longer than the list of items you can return. Many items, such as perishable goods, intimate or sanitary items, hazardous materials, and flammable liquids are not eligible for return. Further, gift cards, downloadable software products, and certain health and personal care items are also non-returnable.
No buzz for Supplement City
We wanted to see if user ratings might change our minds about Supplement City, but there just isn't any buzz about this retailer. The company is not rated by the BBB, and while there is one third-party site that has reviews for Supplement City, this single resource doesn't make us feel confident about this company's trustworthiness and commitment to customer service.
Keep shopping somewhere else
All things considered, it might be better to pass on shopping for creatine at Supplement City. While there's nothing wrong with their listings and products, nothing is exciting at this particular retailer either. It has fewer products than many other retailers in this review, and the prices are more expensive. Further, with no support for returns or shipping, there aren't many bonuses to get customers in the door. And since no one is talking about Supplement City, it might just be safer to check out one of the top-rated services in this review instead. For these reasons, this retailer is the lowest-rated option in this review.
Around 95% of creatine in the body is stored in skeletal muscle, where it is used to provide energy during short bursts of intense activity such as weightlifting, sprinting, or jumping. The remaining 5% of creatine is stored in the brain, kidneys, and other organs. Creatine has been repeatedly demonstrated to deliver improvements in muscle mass, power, and strength with little to no side effects.
While anyone can enjoy the benefits of creatine, it can be particularly essential for vegetarians who lift weights, as meat is the most common natural source of creatine. However, even for those who consume meat, it can be challenging to eat enough to get the amount of creatine necessary for building muscle. In small doses (3-5 grams of creatine per day), most athletes see significant gains in a short period of time.
Interestingly, creatine has been shown to have additional health benefits beyond muscle gains. For example, some studies have shown that creatine supplements can improve many neurological conditions like Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's as well as brain and spinal cord injuries. Since 5% of creatine is stored in the brain, this could be a reason why it can have positive effects on neurological functions.
If you're looking to add creatine to your workout regimen, keep in mind that not all creatine products and retailers are equal. When deciding which creatine supplier to choose, you should consider factors such as product quality, safety, and pricing. By keeping these criteria in mind, you can ensure that you are getting the best creatine supplements at the most reasonable prices from a trustworthy retailer.
If you're still not sure where to start, don't worry. We've created this list of key factors that might help you narrow down the many options for buying creatine:
To help you find the best support for your gym sesh, Top Consumer Reviews has reviewed and ranked the best creatine supplement retailers on the market today. Now you can focus on getting those gains with the best creatine supplement for your needs.
Select any 2 Creatine Supplement Stores to compare them head to head