By · Last updated: October 19, 2026
Short answer: Before ordering a supplement online, review the seller’s contact information, return terms, and delivery details, and make sure the product listing matches the label when it arrives.
Buying supplements online means trusting a seller you cannot see. Before you order from any store, including ours, a few quick checks can tell you a lot about who you are dealing with and what happens if something goes wrong. This checklist covers the seller, the policies and the product listing.
1. Check who is selling
A trustworthy store makes it easy to find out who runs it. Look for a business name, a working contact form or phone number, and a stated location for where orders ship from. If you cannot find any of these, treat that as a reason to look elsewhere.
As an example, Valdivia Life ships from a fulfillment center in Jacksonville, Florida, and lists a contact form and phone number, (954) 248-8324, on the Contact Us page.
When you shop through a marketplace, check the seller named on the specific listing; the platform may only host that listing. If a seller claims to be authorized, confirm that through the brand’s own website or contact channel.
2. Read the return policy before you order
Look for a clear return window, what condition products must be in, who pays for return shipping, and how long refunds take. Vague or missing return terms are a red flag.
Our Refund & Return Policy sets out these details: a 30-day return window from delivery, refunds to the original payment method within 5 business days of an approved return, no restocking fee, and free return labels if an item arrives damaged or incorrect.
3. Separate handling time from delivery time
Stores often quote one number for both. Handling is the time to pack and ship an order; delivery is the time in transit. Check that the shipping page states both, and that it says where the store ships.
Our Shipping Policy states that orders are processed within 1–2 business days, standard U.S. shipping is free and takes 5–7 business days, and USPS Priority Mail is available for $12.50 with 2–3 business days delivery. We ship to U.S. addresses only.
4. Make sure the listing matches the bottle
- The photos should show the actual label, including the Supplement Facts panel.
- The product name, brand and capsule or gummy count in the listing should match the label.
- Pack sizes should add up. A “3 pack” should clearly state how many bottles and how many capsules in total.
Our guides on reading a Supplement Facts label and comparing supplement packs walk through the arithmetic.
5. Be cautious about big promises
The FDA does not approve dietary supplements before they are sold, and supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. A listing that promises dramatic results, names a disease, or offers a miracle fix should make you pause. The FDA explains how supplements are regulated in its dietary supplements overview, and we summarize it in our guide to how supplements are regulated
6. Check dates and storage when it arrives
When your order arrives, confirm the bottle is sealed, matches what you ordered, and shows a best-by or expiration date. Store it as the label directs. Our guide to date labels, storage and old bottles explains what the dates mean.
7. Talk to a health professional when it matters
If you are pregnant or nursing, take prescription medicines, or have a medical condition, ask your doctor or pharmacist before starting any supplement. The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements has a consumer guide, Dietary Supplements: What You Need to Know.
Quick checklist
| Check | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Seller | Business name, contact form or phone, ship-from location |
| Returns | Return window, condition rules, who pays shipping, refund timing |
| Shipping | Separate handling and delivery times, shipping cost, where it ships |
| Listing | Label photos, matching name and count, pack math that adds up |
| Claims | No disease or cure promises |
| On arrival | Sealed bottle, correct product, date and storage directions |
Ready to compare products? Browse the Valdivia Life shop.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Supplements are not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a qualified healthcare provider. Statements about dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, and supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.