The first step to safely buying kratom online is thoroughly researching vendors before making a purchase. There are review websites where customers’ rate and review kratom sellers based on their experiences. Spend time reading through reviews of a vendor before buying from them.  You also research vendors by looking for online certifications. Check if a vendor has obtained a current Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certification, which means they adhere to strict FDA guidelines for supplement manufacturing.

Check payment and return policies 

Reputable kratom vendors should always provide detailed payment and return policies on their websites. Avoid vendors that only accept cryptocurrencies, wire transfers, or other unusual payment methods. Secure payment methods like credit cards and PayPal typically offer buyer protection.  Also, look for fair return policies that allow you to get a refund or reshipment if your order arrives incorrectly or you are dissatisfied with the quality. Scam kratom vendors often have no return policy or make returns extremely difficult. A vendor that stands behind their product will have a transparent return policy.

Review lab testing practices

High-quality kratom vendors test their kratom in laboratories to ensure it is free from contaminants like heavy metals and pathogens. Ask vendors to see copies of recent lab reports that include testing for contaminants. Reputable sellers will have no issues providing lab reports. You kratom near me   also check if the vendor is part of the AKA Kratom Vendor Qualification Program, which requires extensive lab testing. Buying kratom that has been lab-tested for purity gives you peace of mind that the product is safe to consume. Be wary of vendors that make no mention of lab testing on their site.

Start with small test orders

When ordering from a new kratom vendor, always start with a small trial order just a few ounces or a variety pack to evaluate the quality before making larger bulk purchases. This allows you to vet out the vendor. Was shipping fast? Did your order arrive correctly? Is the kratom high quality? Trying samples from a vendor first reduces the risk of wasting money on large orders from disreputable sellers.

Avoid too good to be true claims

Some shady kratom retailers make ridiculous health claims or say their product has magical effects to lure in unsuspecting customers. No seller promises kratom will cure illnesses or provide other unrealistic benefits. Be wary of any vendor that seems more like a snake oil salesman than a professional kratom retailer. Only buy from sellers making factual, appropriate claims about their products.

Watch out for other red flags

There are a few other red flags that indicate an online kratom seller is not legitimate:

  • They don’t provide any customer service contact information besides an email 
  • They sell kratom labeled as “not for human consumption” 
  • There are multiple complaints of credit card fraud after ordering 
  • Their website looks amateurish or is filled with grammatical errors
  • They sell other illegal substances or research chemicals 
  • They offer “enhanced” kratom secretly laced with other compounds

Use trusted online forums to check for warnings about sellers exhibiting these behaviors. Any reputable kratom vendor should be easily reachable by phone or various contact methods. They should also clearly label kratom for its intended use.

By Alexander James

Beau Alexander James: Beau, a mental health advocate, shares personal stories, coping strategies, and promotes mental health awareness and understanding.