SmallBizGenius Analysis

Oriental Trading is a popular online retailer offering a wide variety of party supplies, novelties, and craft items. While many customers praise the company's unique selection and fast shipping, some reviewers report issues with unexpected charges and inconsistent order fulfillment.

Category Breakdown

Scores based on analysis of 96 recent reviews

Product Selection

8.5/10

Many reviewers praise Oriental Trading's wide and unique selection of products. Customers appreciate the ability to find items they can't find anywhere else, particularly for parties, events, and educational purposes.

28 reviews mention this

Shipping & Delivery

7.0/10

Shipping speed is frequently mentioned, with many reviewers noting fast delivery times. However, some customers report issues with inaccurate delivery dates, delayed shipments, and items not arriving on time for their events.

25 reviews mention this

Customer Service

6.0/10

Customer service experiences are varied, with some reviewers praising helpful and responsive representatives. Others report negative experiences with unhelpful staff, unresolved issues, and difficulty obtaining refunds or returns.

18 reviews mention this

Unexpected Charges/Rewards Program

2.0/10

A significant number of reviewers complain about being charged for a 'fun rewards program' without their consent. Customers report difficulty cancelling the membership and obtaining refunds for unauthorized charges.

15 reviews mention this

Product Quality

6.5/10

While some reviewers are satisfied with the quality of the items they receive, others report issues with damaged, defective, or low-quality products. Some reviewers note that the quality matches the inexpensive prices, while others are disappointed.

12 reviews mention this

Order Accuracy

5.5/10

Several reviewers report receiving incorrect items, missing items, or someone else's order. This leads to frustration and the need to contact customer service to resolve the issues.

8 reviews mention this

Pros & Cons

What Customers Love

Wide and unique product selection Mentioned 28x
"Oriental Trading offers unique mostly quality items at reasonable price. Cannot find some of items offered anywhere else."
Fast shipping and delivery Mentioned 18x
"Shipped very quickly and arrived sooner than expected."
Competitive pricing, especially for bulk purchases Mentioned 10x
"Our church likes to give away holiday gifts to kiddos and OT is a great way to stay in budget."
Easy ordering process Mentioned 5x
"Ease of ordering! Quick shipping!"
Helpful customer service representatives (in some cases) Mentioned 4x
"I AM SHOCKED AT THE AWESOME CUSTOMER SERVICE OF ORIENTAL TRADING."

Common Complaints

Unexpected charges for 'fun rewards program' Mentioned 15x
"OTC Charged my account for 'rewards' that I didn't authorize!"
Inconsistent order fulfillment and accuracy Mentioned 8x
"I didn't get anything I ordered but got someone else's shipment which had my name and address on it."
Issues with product quality and damage Mentioned 7x
"Ordered a wooden Sunflower to hang on front door. It came in a perfect box but looked like it was RUN OVER by a DumpTruck."
Inaccurate delivery dates and delays Mentioned 6x
"Poor communication: I placed an order on March 22nd and paid to have it delivered by March 28. Once my money was taken I was then told the order wouldn't arrive until April 1 which is well after my party date."
Difficulty with returns and refunds Mentioned 4x
"Went to return it and I dont get refunded the $6.99 shipping i already paid. AND i have to PAY $6.99 to ship this POS back."

Common Questions About Orientaltrading

Answers derived from customer review patterns

Is Orientaltrading legit and trustworthy?

Oriental Trading is a legitimate online retailer that has been in business for many years. However, some customers report issues with unexpected charges and order inaccuracies. While many customers have positive experiences, it's important to carefully review your order and payment details to avoid potential problems. Checking your account regularly for unauthorized charges is also recommended.

Based on 45 reviews

Does Orientaltrading have good customer service?

Customer service experiences with Oriental Trading appear to be mixed. Some reviewers praise the helpfulness and responsiveness of customer service representatives, while others report negative experiences with unhelpful staff and unresolved issues. It seems that the quality of customer service can vary, and some customers have had difficulty obtaining refunds or resolving order problems.

Based on 18 reviews

Is Orientaltrading worth it for small business?

Oriental Trading can be a worthwhile option for small businesses, particularly those needing bulk supplies or unique items for events and promotions. The company offers competitive pricing and a wide product selection. However, small business owners should be aware of the potential for unexpected charges and order inaccuracies, and carefully review their orders before finalizing them. Weighing the potential cost savings against the risk of potential issues is crucial.

Based on 25 reviews

What is Orientaltrading's return policy like?

Based on the reviews, the return policy can be problematic. Some customers report having to pay for return shipping, even for damaged items. Others have had difficulty obtaining full refunds, with deductions made for original shipping costs. It's important to carefully review the return policy on the Oriental Trading website before making a purchase and to document any issues with photos or videos.

Based on 4 reviews

Why are customers being charged for a 'fun rewards program' without consent?

Several reviewers report being automatically enrolled in a 'fun rewards program' and charged a monthly fee without their explicit consent. This appears to be a recurring issue, with customers claiming they did not sign up for the program during the checkout process. Customers report difficulty cancelling the membership and obtaining refunds, suggesting a potentially deceptive practice.

Based on 15 reviews