A Quick Guide to spotting Scams vs Genuine Brands

We totally get it you find a super cute product online and suddenly you’re wondering:

“Is this for real… or am I about to lose my money?”

With so many small businesses blooming on Instagram and new websites launching every day, it can be tricky to know who’s real and who’s just pretending. Don’t worry we’ve got you. Here’s your gentle checklist to figure it out.

✨ 1. Feel the Vibe

Trust your first impression.

• Does the page look thoughtfully made?

• Do the posts, highlights, and bio tell you what they actually do?

• Is there a face or a story behind the brand?

 

✨ 2. Payment = Protection

This one’s important:

• Are they asking for full payment via UPI or bank transfer only?

• Do they offer secure gateways like Razorpay, Paytm, Stripe, etc.?

• COD (Cash on Delivery) is always a safe start!

 

✨ 3. What If They’re New?

We’re a small business too  and we love new brands.

But even new pages should be open and kind:

• Do they introduce themselves, share BTS, or say “We’re just starting out”?

• Are they open to chatting and answering your doubts?

• Do they share even a few happy messages or customer DMs?

Transparency is the prettiest filter. 💖

 

✨ 4. Start Tiny

If you’re still unsure, try this:

• Order something small.

• Ask for a close-up pic or video of the actual product.

• Keep payment proof + chat history (just in case).

 

💭 Final Sprinkle of Advice from Marshmalloww:

Not all new brands are scams. Some are just beginning just like we once did. Be cautious, ask questions, and trust your intuition. if you do find a beautiful, honest small business doing their thing with heart support them! Your one order could mean the world to them.

Thanks for shopping smart (and cute).🌷

📌 PS:If you ever want to check if we at Marshmalloww are legit message us! We’re always happy to chat, show you behind-the-scenes, or share love notes from our customers.

We’re here, handmade and heartled. 🤍