Are you wondering whether OnBuy sells fake products? You’re not alone. As one of the UK’s fastest-growing online marketplaces, OnBuy has drawn attention due to its surprisingly low prices and wide selection of products. Naturally, many UK shoppers are left questioning the authenticity of what’s being sold on the platform.

Is it too good to be true? Or is OnBuy simply a better alternative to eBay and Amazon? Understanding how OnBuy works, what protections are in place for you as a buyer, and how to identify counterfeit listings is essential before you hit “buy now.”

This guide will explore everything UK buyers need to know, from how the platform operates to customer reviews, safety tips, and what makes it stand out. By the end, you’ll be equipped to decide whether OnBuy is a trustworthy option for your next online purchase.

What is OnBuy and How Does It Work?

What is OnBuy and How Does It Work

OnBuy is a UK-based online marketplace launched in 2016, offering over 35 million products from both global brands and small businesses. Unlike Amazon, OnBuy does not sell or stock any products itself.

It acts solely as a platform where independent sellers can list items for sale, handling payments and offering support services for transactions. This business model is similar to eBay, allowing various sellers to compete on the same product listings.

Because it doesn’t hold inventory or run its own warehouses, OnBuy keeps its operating costs lower. This enables the platform to charge reduced commission rates to sellers, who can then pass the savings on to customers through lower prices.

OnBuy promotes itself as a fairer, more transparent marketplace where sellers are supported, and buyers are protected. Its rapid growth and customer-centric approach have positioned it as a competitive alternative for online shoppers in the UK and beyond.

Can You Trust Sellers on OnBuy?

Trusting an online seller is crucial, especially on marketplaces like OnBuy that host thousands of independent vendors.

Before you buy, it’s natural to question how reliable the sellers are and whether they deliver genuine products. Let’s break down the key aspects that determine seller trust on OnBuy.

How Does OnBuy Vet Sellers?

OnBuy requires all new sellers to go through a comprehensive verification process.

Sellers must:

This vetting process helps filter out fraudulent sellers before they can list products. Once a seller is active, OnBuy continues monitoring them for policy violations, negative feedback, or customer complaints. Sellers that breach these rules or receive repeated complaints can be suspended or banned.

Are All OnBuy Sellers Based in the UK?

Not all sellers on OnBuy are UK-based, although many are. The platform allows international sellers to join, which can explain why some products are significantly cheaper than their UK high-street counterparts.

Overseas sellers often list items directly from manufacturers or wholesalers, sometimes resulting in longer shipping times or slight differences in packaging.

However, international sellers are subject to the same onboarding process and are expected to comply with UK consumer protection laws.

Have Fake Products Been Reported on OnBuy?

Yes, some buyers have reported receiving counterfeit products, particularly in high-demand categories like cosmetics, electronics, and branded fashion.

While these cases are relatively rare, they do highlight the importance of being cautious. Most sellers are legitimate, but the few that slip through make it essential for buyers to research before making a purchase.

In conclusion, OnBuy sellers are generally trustworthy, especially top-rated ones, but it’s wise to check seller ratings and reviews, just as you would on any online marketplace.

What Buyer Protections Does OnBuy Offer?

What Buyer Protections Does OnBuy Offer

Shopping online always comes with a level of risk, especially when dealing with third-party sellers. Fortunately, OnBuy has established several buyer protection mechanisms to ensure your experience remains safe and reliable.

One of the most reassuring policies OnBuy offers is its 180-Day Buyer Protection. This policy automatically covers eligible items, giving you a generous time frame to identify issues and request support if something goes wrong.

Buyers can raise a claim under this protection if:

For example, several verified Trustpilot Reviews describe situations where buyers received incorrect electronics or missing accessories. Thanks to the 180-day policy, these buyers were able to claim full refunds with minimal effort.

In addition, OnBuy integrates PayPal into its checkout process, adding another layer of protection. Through PayPal’s Buyer Protection, you can initiate disputes and receive full refunds for unauthorised transactions or goods that don’t meet expectations.

UK buyers using credit cards also benefit from Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, which allows disputes to be raised with the card issuer for amounts over £100.

These protections demonstrate that OnBuy takes customer satisfaction seriously, giving UK shoppers peace of mind when buying online.

Why Are OnBuy Prices So Cheap?

One of the main reasons buyers question the authenticity of OnBuy’s products is because of the low prices. However, cheap doesn’t always mean fake, and OnBuy’s pricing model is built to support affordability.

Unlike platforms like Amazon, OnBuy charges its sellers a significantly lower commission fee, usually around 5% to 7%, compared to up to 15% on other platforms. This enables sellers to list products at lower prices without compromising on quality.

Additionally, OnBuy does not sell its own products, so it doesn’t compete with sellers by undercutting them. This encourages more sellers to join and offer competitive pricing.

For smaller sellers, OnBuy even waives shop fees if they don’t meet a £500 monthly threshold, further supporting lower overheads.

Some of the low prices also come from overseas or direct-to-consumer sellers, who can offer reduced costs by cutting out middlemen.

These sellers often list products at rates below typical high street prices, which can seem suspicious, but in many cases, they’re just taking advantage of the platform’s leaner operating structure.

So, while some listings might raise eyebrows, OnBuy’s affordability is largely a result of its seller-friendly business model, not counterfeit products.

How to Spot a Fake Product on OnBuy?

How to Spot a Fake Product on OnBuy

As a shopper, your best protection is knowledge. While OnBuy has many genuine sellers, some counterfeit products do slip through. Understanding how to spot fake listings can help you avoid low-quality or unsafe purchases.

What Are the Red Flags in Listings?

Identifying a suspicious product starts with the listing itself.

Be cautious of:

These signs suggest that the seller may not be offering genuine goods, or worse, they’re disguising counterfeit items as legitimate brands.

How to Verify Genuine Sellers and Brands?

Verifying authenticity starts by looking at the seller’s profile:

Many legitimate sellers offer brand guarantees, clearly state if items are new or refurbished, and provide warranty information.

What Makes a Listing Look Suspicious?

Suspicious listings tend to overpromise with vague language and use minimal branding. They may advertise popular names like “Apple”, “Nike”, or “Samsung”, but avoid using trademarks properly. These are tactics used to avoid platform takedowns while still misleading buyers.

If something looks too good to be true, it probably is. Always compare listings with official brand websites to ensure consistency in price, packaging, and description.

By spotting these red flags and being proactive, you’ll drastically reduce the risk of ending up with counterfeit goods from OnBuy.

What Do UK Buyers Say About OnBuy?

What Do UK Buyers Say About OnBuy

Feedback from UK buyers is a valuable resource when deciding whether to shop on OnBuy. The platform has gained mostly positive reviews but also has its share of complaints, especially around delivery issues and counterfeit concerns.

Many buyers on Trustpilot praise OnBuy for:

However, a small percentage (around 10%) have reported receiving:

For example, one buyer received what appeared to be a branded smartwatch, but on inspection, it had no brand packaging or serial number. They quickly raised a dispute and received a refund under OnBuy’s protection policy.

This mix of feedback suggests that while most purchases are smooth and safe, vigilance is still necessary. Choose sellers with strong reviews and always check the return and protection policies before confirming a purchase.

Is OnBuy a Safe Platform for UK Shoppers?

OnBuy is generally considered a safe platform for UK shoppers, especially when compared with other online marketplaces. It has implemented strong verification processes for sellers and maintains policies aimed at protecting consumers.

While it doesn’t sell or ship products itself, it partners with PayPal and other secure payment gateways to ensure safe transactions.

What makes OnBuy safer than it appears is its commitment to transparency. The platform provides full seller profiles, shows customer ratings, and outlines its buyer protection coverage in detail.

Moreover, it adheres to the UK’s Product Regulation and Metrology Act (2025), which obligates it to remove counterfeit listings quickly and assist with investigations.

Although some counterfeit items have made their way onto the platform, this is not unique to OnBuy. All marketplaces that host third-party sellers, including Amazon and eBay, face similar challenges. The key difference lies in how well the platform handles these issues.

For UK shoppers who do their research and use available safeguards, OnBuy can be a secure and rewarding place to shop.

Conclusion

So, does OnBuy sell fake products? The answer is both nuanced and clear. OnBuy itself doesn’t sell or ship products, it acts as a third-party marketplace where the responsibility lies largely with individual sellers.

While the majority of transactions are legitimate and backed by solid buyer protections, there are occasional reports of counterfeit items, especially in high-demand product categories.

The platform has taken steps to improve trust and safety through seller vetting, buyer protection policies, and partnerships with secure payment processors like PayPal. UK laws further protect consumers by holding marketplaces accountable for listing removal and transparency.

Ultimately, OnBuy can be a trustworthy, affordable place to shop, especially if you take the time to evaluate sellers, read product reviews, and shop with awareness. Like any online marketplace, your best defence is caution, but with the right approach, you can enjoy the savings without compromising quality.

FAQs

Does OnBuy directly sell any products?

No, OnBuy does not sell or stock any items itself. It operates as a marketplace connecting buyers with independent sellers.

Can I trust products sold on OnBuy?

Many products on OnBuy are genuine, but you should verify seller ratings and reviews before purchasing. Most issues arise from third-party sellers with low reputations.

What should I do if I receive a fake product?

You can raise a claim through OnBuy’s 180-day protection or open a dispute via PayPal. Always keep records and images of the item for your claim.

Why are some items on OnBuy so cheap?

OnBuy charges lower commission fees and doesn’t sell its own products, allowing sellers to offer better prices. Overseas and direct sellers can also reduce pricing.

Are there protections if something goes wrong?

Yes, OnBuy provides 180-day protection for issues like non-delivery or faulty items. You also have PayPal and credit card protections under UK law.

How can I avoid counterfeit items on OnBuy?

Check for seller ratings, detailed descriptions, and verified branding. Avoid listings with extremely low prices or poor image quality.

Is OnBuy better than Amazon or eBay in terms of safety?

All three platforms carry some risks, but OnBuy provides strong buyer protections and avoids competing with its sellers. Safety depends more on your research and the seller.