Light in the Box Review

Saturday, February 4th

2023 Light Fixture Store Reviews

Light in the Box

• Over 5,000 light fixtures to choose from
• Unique selections you might not find elsewhere

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.