That Deal on Shoes Might Cost You More Than You Think

Finance & Tips Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

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4 min read
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Published Jul 7, 2025

What to Know Before Ordering from Zz Heels

Ordering shoes online can be a gamble, especially when buying from a lesser-known brand. ZZ Heels is one of those brands. A fast-fashion retailer with a glossy website and trendy designs, Zz Heels has been growing in popularity. 

 

In a digital landscape filled with pop-up shops and overseas warehouses, doing your homework before purchasing from an unfamiliar retailer is more important than ever. Here’s what’s currently verifiable about ZZ Heels and what you should consider before making a purchase.

The Basics: Who Is ZZ Heels?

ZZ Heels is an online footwear company that appears to operate out of China. It offers fashion-forward shoes primarily aimed at women, and the website promotes regular discounts and international shipping. However, despite the polished web presence, certain policies and reported customer experiences have prompted caution.

 

Currently, ZZ Heels is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau, and at the time of writing, it does not appear to even have a listing on BBB.org. Third-party review platforms and online complaint boards have some mentions of delayed deliveries and difficulties with returns, though full confirmation of trends is limited.

 

What we do know is this: ZZ Heels’ return policy places the burden of international return shipping on the customer, even if the product is the wrong size or simply unsatisfactory. This can become costly and logistically difficult, especially if the package must be sent back overseas.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, online shopping scams were among the most reported consumer issues (iStock)

How to Shop Smarter from New or International Brands

If you’re intrigued by a product but uncertain about the company, take a few precautionary steps before buying:

  • Look up reviews on independent websites, including those with verified purchase indicators.
  • Review the return and refund policies carefully, especially if returns must be shipped internationally.
  • Pay with a credit card, not a debit card, so you have the option to file a chargeback if you don’t receive your item or a promised refund.
  • Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true, particularly from ads on social media platforms.

It’s also helpful to check whether the business has a presence on trusted platforms like the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, or Google Reviews. Lack of transparency or third-party verification doesn’t automatically make a company illegitimate, but it does increase your risk as a buyer.

A Growing Trend: Unfamiliar Retailers, Familiar Risks

The rise in online-only fashion brands, particularly those based overseas, has made it more difficult to distinguish between emerging brands and unreliable operations. According to the Federal Trade Commission, online shopping scams were among the most reported consumer issues in 2024, often involving products that never arrive or are significantly different from what was advertised.

 

When companies don’t offer robust customer service or make returns prohibitively expensive, consumers can be left with few options for resolving complaints. In these situations, your safest bet is often prevention. Seriously, if any doubt remains, exit out and weigh the risks. Sleep on it. Those shoes (or whatever it is) will still be there if you change your mind, and if they’re not, well, you probably dodged a bullet.

Bottom Line

ZZ Heels may offer the latest looks, but the policies and limited available feedback suggest caution is warranted. Always weigh the risks before buying from an international or unknown retailer. A stylish deal isn’t worth it if it leaves you empty-handed and out of pocket.

AI was used to assist our editors in the research of this article.
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