Buying everyday products online: what to check before you order

Buying creative materials, baby products, electronic devices or home equipment online makes it easy to compare prices and features. But a well-presented product listing isn’t always enough to help you make an informed choice. The weight of a sheet of paper doesn’t tell you everything about how well it works with watercolours; a nappy might seem suitable on paper but not fit your child properly; and two 5G smartphones can offer very different experiences depending on their storage, battery or level of protection.

When buying everyday products online, three pitfalls crop up regularly:

• Relying on a general promise without checking the precise technical specifications.
• Comparing only the price shown, without considering the number of sheets or nappies, or which accessories are included.
• Forgetting the practicalities of everyday use, such as the space available for a fan, the medium you’ll use with art paper or whether a charger is compatible with your phone.

Here’s what to check before you place your order.

Essential details to check

1. Size, paper weight and compatibility

When it comes to creative hobbies, paper weight gives you an initial idea of how thick the paper is, but it isn’t enough to predict how it will perform. A sheet of Clairefontaine A3 art paper weighing 250 g/m² may suit several techniques. For a pad designed for watercolours, you’ll also need to check the texture, sizing and water resistance.

A few useful pointers:

• 250 g multi-technique paper is generally suitable for pencils, markers, inks, gouache or acrylic, depending on the manufacturer’s guidance.
• A medium to fine texture adds more character than a smooth surface, but can make fine details less crisp.
• For watercolours, look for claims of double sizing or suitability for wet techniques.
• A 140 g sketchbook may be fine for dry techniques and light washes, but could buckle if you use a lot of water.

A3 paper measures around 29,7 × 42 cm. Remember to check the number of sheets and the type of binding, too: glued pads are easy to tear sheets from, while stitched bindings usually open wider.

2. Size, capacity and ease of use

For size 3 baby nappies, the weight range shown on the product page is a helpful guide. The Pampers models featured here are designed for children weighing 6 to 10 kg. You should still check how the nappy fits around the waist and thighs: a nappy that’s too tight can restrict movement, while one that’s too loose is more likely to leak.

Before ordering, compare:

• the recommended weight range and the number of nappies in the pack;
• whether it has a wetness indicator;
• the waistband shape and features designed to help prevent leaks;
• storage and changing instructions.

For a Samsung Galaxy 5G, check the storage capacity, RAM, operating system version and compatibility with French mobile networks separately. A 128 Go model may be more than enough for everyday use, but photos and videos can quickly fill up the available space. Also check whether it has a microSD card slot.

3. Safety, maintenance and running costs

Choose a device based on where you plan to use it. An adjustable, easy-to-move fan designed for a desk may not be suitable for a large room. The AIRMATE model featured here has an adjustable height of 0,45 to 1,08 m, three speeds, manual tilt from -10° to 90° and 60° automatic oscillation. Before ordering, measure the space available and make sure the base will be stable enough.

For electrical and electronic devices, check:

• the manufacturer’s details and, where listed, the details of the responsible person in the European Union;
• the voltage, plug type and whether a charger is included;
• cleaning instructions and safety warnings;
• replacement or recycling options if the product contains a battery.

For a glass tea infuser, check its capacity, removable parts and compatibility with your cup or teapot. The product page for the Su’s model lists a capacity of 400 ml and a three-piece set. If you need it to withstand particularly high temperatures, however, confirm the other specifications before buying.

Our picks for different types of shopper

Recommended for : beginners on a budget

CLAIREFONTAINE Aquapad Glue Block A3, 30 sheets, 300 g

Why it suits this type of shopper : Its A3 format and 30 sheets give you room to practise watercolour, gouache or liquid ink without building up a collection of different pads.

How it helps you avoid a common pitfall

At 300 g/m² with double sizing, it helps you avoid ending up with paper that’s too thin for wet techniques.

Main benefit and key features

Natural white paper with a medium to fine texture, made from 100 % cellulose, acid-free and suitable for regular use.

Recommended for : fans of premium products

Samsung Galaxy A36 128 Go 5G Lavender

Why it suits this type of shopper : It combines a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED screen with a 120 Hz refresh rate, a 5 000 mAh battery and 5G to cover most everyday needs.

How it helps you avoid a common pitfall

The listing specifies 6 Go of RAM, 128 Go of storage, 45 W charging and IP67 certification: much more useful details than a vague promise of speed.

Main benefit and key features

A triple 50 MP camera, NFC, dual Knox software protection and six generations of updates promised.

Recommended for : specialist uses and frequent users

Clairefontaine Illustration Manga A3 glued pad, 250 g

Why it suits this type of shopper : Its smooth Bristol surface is ideal for illustrators who switch between pencil, ink and alcohol markers within the same project.

How it helps you avoid a common pitfall

The protective sheet you place beneath the page helps stop marker ink bleeding through onto the next sheet. You’ll still need to protect your work surface, though.

Main benefit and key features

A weight of 250 g/m², an extra-white, smooth surface and acid-free, pH-neutral paper designed to withstand repeated corrections.

Frequently asked questions about buying online

How do you compare the real cost of an everyday product ?

Divide the price by the unit that really matters: a sheet, nappy, millilitre or estimated month of use. Remember to include any essential accessories, such as a USB-C charger for some smartphones, then check delivery costs and returns conditions.

How can you make sure you choose the right size of baby nappy ?

Start with the weight range shown on the product page, then check the fit around the waist and thighs. For the size 3 models featured here, the stated range is 6 to 10 kg. If irritation occurs, stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional, in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

How long can you use a smartphone or electrical device ?

It depends on the battery, software support, maintenance and how heavily it’s used. To help it last longer, use a compatible charger, avoid exposing it to high temperatures, clean a fan’s grilles when it’s unplugged and check the update policy before buying.