FAQ

Yes. Our inventory comes from major retailers' return and overstock channels, and we inspect every item before listing it. Learn more on our How It Works page.

Every product has a label under its price: New, Imperfect Packaging, Missing Box, Open Box, Partial Fill, or Cosmetic Imperfection. Each listing's description and photos explain exactly what applies to that item. See the full condition guide on our How It Works page.

It's where we list higher-end makeup with a little wear: slight damage to a palette or its packaging, or signs that the product has been lightly tested. Every item is photographed, and every imperfection is described in the listing, so you can see exactly what you're getting before you buy. Because these items are damaged or tested, they follow our policy for opened health and beauty items: they can be returned only if they arrive damaged beyond what the listing describes or not as described. Browse them in our Damaged/Tested Makeup collection.

Yes. Every photo shows the exact item you'll receive, not a stock image.

A lot or pack is multiple units of the same product sold together for one price. You'll receive every unit shown in the photos. If anything is different about one of them, like an opened box or a missing piece, the listing description will say so.

Sometimes the original box was damaged or missing when we received the item. Other times we remove a bulky box to keep shipping costs down. Either way, the listing will say so, and the product itself is described in the listing.

Some products are made without a seal, so a missing seal isn't always a sign of anything wrong. When a product should have a seal and doesn't, or when a box has been opened, we say so in the listing.

Occasionally a bottle leaks a little in transit. If the product is otherwise fine, we still sell it, and we mark the fill level in the photos so you can see exactly how much is there.

No. We check expiration dates on every item that has one and list the date in the description, so you always know before you buy.

Yes. Electronic items like hair tools, shavers, and toothbrushes are tested and cleaned before they're listed.

Most of our items are one of a kind, so once something sells, it's usually gone. Sometimes we get more of a product in a later shipment, and it'll reappear on the site. Sign up for our emails to hear about new arrivals first.

Yes. Our items are listed on more than one marketplace, and most are one of a kind. If someone buys an item somewhere else before you complete your purchase, it may no longer be available. The first completed payment gets the item.

Orders under $25 ship for a flat $6.95 within the contiguous United States (the lower 48 states and Washington, DC) and to APO/FPO/DPO addresses.

Yes. Orders of $25 or more ship free within the contiguous United States and to APO/FPO/DPO addresses, including orders with heavy items. The $25 is measured after any discounts and before tax. Our "Buy 3 or more items, save 10%" offer applies automatically at checkout. For example, a cart of $26 before the 10% discount comes to $23.40 after it, so shipping would be $6.95. A cart of $28 before the discount comes to $25.20 after it, so shipping is free.

Heavy items (5 lb or more) ship for a flat $9.95 when your order is under $25. Orders of $25 or more ship free, including heavy items.

Yes, one. Orders shipping to Alaska, Hawaii, and U.S. territories are charged calculated shipping rates regardless of order total.

Orders ship within 1–2 business days after payment, excluding weekends and holidays. You'll get a tracking number by email when your order ships. Most orders arrive within 2–5 business days after that.

Sometimes. To keep shipping costs low and our prices down, some items may be removed from bulky retail packaging or repackaged in protective materials before they ship. The product itself matches your listing, and if an item will ship without its original box or packaging, the listing will say so.

We ship with USPS, UPS, or FedEx, choosing the best option for each package.

Not at this time. We currently ship within the United States only. See our Shipping Policy for full details.

On select items, yes. If a product shows a Make an Offer button, you can offer a price. Items without the button are firm priced.

Click Make an Offer on the product page, then enter your name, email and the price you'd like to pay. We'll reply by email. Your offer may be accepted, countered with a price we can accept, or declined. Some replies are sent automatically within minutes. If your offer is accepted, the email includes a checkout link and a discount code that brings the item to your offered price.

As soon as you can. Our items are one of a kind and are listed on more than one marketplace, so an accepted offer does not hold the item for you. If someone else buys it elsewhere first, it may no longer be available when you check out. The first completed payment gets the item. If the item is already gone, we'll let you know and refund any payment right away. Your checkout link also has an expiration date, shown in your email.

If it's declined, you're welcome to send a higher offer. If it's countered, the email shows the price we can accept and a checkout link for that price, and the same advice applies: pay promptly, since the item isn't held for you.

No. An accepted offer can't be combined with other discount codes or with our "Buy 3 or more items, save 10%" offer.

Our usual shipping rates apply. Free shipping on orders of $25 or more is measured after your offer price is applied.

Offer emails come from our offer system, so they may not come from our support address. Check your spam or promotions folder. If you still can't find it, email us at support@theshopalternative.com.

Most items can be returned within 30 days of delivery. Health, beauty, and supplement items can only be returned if they're unopened and sealed, unless they arrived damaged or not as described. See our Return & Refund Policy for full details.

Contact us within 30 days of delivery with your order number and photos, and we'll make it right, including covering return shipping.

No. If an item matches its listing description and condition label, it isn't considered damaged or not as described.

We accept major credit and debit cards, PayPal, Shop Pay, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.

We collect sales tax on orders shipping to Pennsylvania, as required by state law. Some items, like most vitamins and certain personal care products, are tax-exempt in Pennsylvania.

Email support@theshopalternative.com with your order number (it starts with #SA). We typically reply within 1 business day.