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Saturday, February 4th
Light in the Box presents itself as a one-stop shop for, well, just about anything. Isn't everyone shopping for light fixtures, cosplay costumes, and a car vacuum cleaner - all at the same time? "Eclectic" is the best way to describe the inventory at this online store.
Choose a category
The easiest way to shop is to choose a category to browse, like Ceiling Lights & Fans or Chandeliers. Unlike most stores that sell light fixtures, Light in the Box doesn't give you filters to sort results by size, bulb type, or any other useful characteristics. You just have to click around and look for items that catch your eye. That's actually not a big downside, because the light fixtures here are often one-of-a-kind, in unique shapes and configurations not found in traditional lighting stores. But, we're a little suspicious of the five-star ratings on seemingly every light fixture sold here.
Figure it out yourself
Light fixtures aren't really this retailer's area of expertise, if they even have one. That leaves you on your own to choose a fixture and determine if it'll work for the space you've got in mind. There are no in-depth product guides or experts you can contact via live chat.
You'll always pay for shipping
Continuing the downward trend, this store charges for shipping - no matter what. It doesn't matter how much you order, you'll always pay for delivery. For example, on a candle-style chandelier we liked, priced at $346.65, our shipping fee was $46.29.
No satisfaction guarantee here
It likely won't come as a surprise that Light in the Box doesn't have a stellar satisfaction guarantee - or one at all. Take a look at their guarantee page and you'll learn all about how they source their products and test them, then package your order with tracking for a safe delivery. Notice, though, that there's nothing about what they do if something goes wrong: poor product quality, late (or totally missing) delivery, and so forth.
Worst reputation
And go wrong it will, if customer comments are any indication. Many shoppers who have tried to return their disappointing merchandise - all the way to China - found out they were on the hook for the shipping fees, if they could even get a response from Light in the Box's customer service team. Back in 2020, the Better Business Bureau got reassurances from the company that they were going to make major improvements, and yet there were still dozens of complaints filed after that. No wonder the BBB still lists this business as having an "F" rating!
Come for the laughs but order from another store
Have you gotten the impression that Light in the Box is the last place you should buy your new light fixtures? You're right! Browsing this store is fun, but the actual customer experience is worse-than-disappointing. We assume that you want a high-quality product, and no hassles with delivery or returns - you'll need to choose a higher-rated retailer to get it. Light in the Box earns our lowest possible rating.
Whether you're looking for bright, new outdoor lights to increase your home's security or a gorgeous pendant light to update your entryway, there are literally tens of thousands of options - but only when you take advantage of the selection offered by internet retailers. No brick-and-mortar store near you can even come close!
What if I'm not sure which light fixture I need? Is it really a good idea to buy something I haven't seen in person? Rest assured that most online retailers of light fixtures go out of their way to help you get the perfect lighting, with detailed product descriptions, ALA-certified experts on standby for any questions before or after you place your order, and generous return policies that let you get a refund or make an exchange if needed.
Of course, if you want the best of both worlds, you can always consider buying your lighting online from a big-box home improvement store near you: better selection with the convenience of local returns!
Best of all, shopping for light fixtures online makes it even more likely that you'll find something you truly love - not just what happened to be in stock at the local hardware store. If you're looking for lighting that's not a carbon copy of everyone else's in your neighborhood or you've got a unique decor you're trying to enhance, you'll definitely want to have as many options as possible.
Which store should you use for buying your light fixtures? There are many excellent retailers out there and it could feel a little overwhelming deciding where to start. Consider the following criteria as you choose which store gets your business:
To help you find the right lighting for your home or office, TopConsumerReviews.com has evaluated and ranked the best online retailers of light fixtures available today. We're confident that this information will make it quick, easy, and affordable to change the look and feel of your decor!
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