SmallBizGenius Analysis

iHerb receives generally positive feedback for its wide product selection and fast shipping, but some customers report issues with customer service and order accuracy. While iHerb is a popular choice for supplements and health products, small business owners should weigh the potential for occasional fulfillment errors against the platform's extensive catalog and competitive pricing.

Category Breakdown

Scores based on analysis of 280 recent reviews

Shipping & Delivery

8.5/10

Many reviewers consistently praise iHerb's fast shipping and efficient delivery services. Customers frequently mention receiving their orders earlier than expected and appreciate the careful packaging that protects products during transit; however, some reviewers report issues with damaged packaging.

40 reviews mention this

Product Range

9.0/10

Reviewers consistently highlight iHerb's extensive selection of products, including supplements, health foods, and beauty items. Many customers appreciate the ability to find unique or hard-to-find items that are not available in local stores, making iHerb a convenient one-stop shop.

35 reviews mention this

Customer Service

4.0/10

A significant number of reviewers express dissatisfaction with iHerb's customer service, citing difficulties in resolving order issues and contacting a live representative. Some customers report frustration with the automated chat system and the lack of personalized support, leading to unresolved problems and negative experiences.

25 reviews mention this

Product Quality & Authenticity

8.0/10

Several reviewers express confidence in the quality and authenticity of iHerb's products, particularly supplements. Customers appreciate knowing that they are purchasing genuine items and avoiding counterfeit products, which is a major concern when buying from other online retailers like Amazon.

15 reviews mention this

Website Experience

7.0/10

Many reviewers find iHerb's website easy to navigate and user-friendly. Customers appreciate the ability to search for products, read reviews, and manage their orders efficiently; however, some reviewers mention occasional glitches or issues with the ordering system.

10 reviews mention this

Order Accuracy

3.0/10

A recurring issue is order inaccuracies, with some customers reporting receiving incorrect or missing items. This leads to frustration and the need to contact customer service for resolution, which can be a challenging process based on other reviews.

8 reviews mention this

Pros & Cons

What Customers Love

Extensive product selection, including hard-to-find items Mentioned 30x
"I have been ordering from iherb for a number of years Initially getting supplements I couldn't buy anywhere else."
Fast and reliable shipping, often arriving ahead of schedule Mentioned 28x
"Living in SW Ontario, Canada, I get my orders shipped from Upstate NY in breakneck speed; orders fulfilled, packed, & shipped at lightning speed"
Competitive pricing and frequent discounts Mentioned 15x
"Great products at good prices. I also like the autistic and discount that comes with it. Fast shipping."
Easy-to-navigate website and app Mentioned 10x
"The website is easy to use, with a wide variety of high-quality products at great prices."
Assurance of product authenticity and quality Mentioned 8x
"Knowing the product was not fake. I was using magnesium breakthrough for months on Amazon and it was fake."

Common Complaints

Poor customer service and difficulty resolving issues Mentioned 20x
"My order has been lost yet again and IHerb is next to impossible to make contact with in any meaningful way."
Occasional order inaccuracies (wrong or missing items) Mentioned 12x
"Crazy items sent that I didn't order. AI robotic customer service could not understand."
Damaged packaging and potential for product leakage Mentioned 8x
"The packaging was disastrous. I lost half the contents of a bottle, which damaged the rest of the products."
Slow or unhelpful responses from customer support Mentioned 6x
"Late responseMy shipment was stolen because of delivery company"
Website glitches or issues with subscribe and save Mentioned 4x
"So when I try to add to my previous subscribe and save, it makes a new subscribe and save for me Instead of adding it to my previous subscribing and save!"

Common Questions About Iherb

Answers derived from customer review patterns

Is iHerb legit and trustworthy?

Based on the reviews, iHerb is generally considered a legitimate and trustworthy online retailer for health and wellness products. Many customers praise the authenticity of the products and the fast shipping. However, some reviewers have reported issues with customer service and order accuracy, which can raise concerns about reliability. While most customers have positive experiences, it's important to be aware of the potential for occasional problems and to carefully review orders upon arrival.

Based on 45 reviews

Does iHerb have good customer service?

Customer service is a significant point of contention in iHerb reviews. While some customers report positive experiences, a substantial number express dissatisfaction with the level of support they receive. Common complaints include difficulty contacting a live representative, slow response times, and unresolved order issues. The reliance on an automated chatbot system seems to be a major source of frustration, as it often fails to address complex problems effectively.

Based on 30 reviews

Is iHerb worth it for small business?

iHerb can be a worthwhile option for small businesses seeking a wide variety of health and wellness products at competitive prices. The platform's extensive selection and fast shipping can be beneficial for stocking up on supplies. However, businesses should be aware of the potential for order inaccuracies and the limitations of the customer service system. Weighing the cost savings and product availability against the risk of occasional fulfillment issues is crucial for determining if iHerb is the right choice.

Based on 20 reviews

What is iHerb's return policy like?

The reviews do not provide specific details about iHerb's formal return policy. However, several reviewers mention attempting to return items or resolve order issues through customer service, often with mixed results. Some customers report successfully receiving refunds or replacements, while others struggle to get their problems resolved. The lack of clear and consistent information about the return process can be a source of frustration.

Based on 10 reviews

Why are some iHerb orders rejected?

Several reviewers mentioned having orders rejected by iHerb, but the specific reasons for these rejections are not always clear. One reviewer noted that multiple orders were rejected in a short period, leading to frustration with the delayed refund process. It's possible that order rejections are related to inventory issues, payment problems, or other internal factors, but more information would be needed to determine the exact causes.

Based on 5 reviews

Ready to Try Iherb?

Save on your first purchase with 3 verified coupon codes.

View Coupons

Looking for Something Different?

Compare Iherb against 83 similar lifestyle & perks options.

View Alternatives