Mystery Buys (Test Purchase) in Online Stores
A dependable method for identifying violations of your sales regulations, counterfeit products, and grey market imports.
Test Purchase: Evaluating the Actual Performance of Online Stores
A test purchase is used to verify the real-world operations of an online store and the actual conditions under which your products are sold. It is conducted as a regular purchase, allowing you to gather accurate information about product availability, pricing, origin, and authenticity in the market.
When a Test Purchase is Needed Online:
- There are suspicions of MAP (Minimum Advertised Price) violations or counterfeit sales.
- You need concrete data for negotiations with partners.
- Documented evidence is required to confirm unauthorized use of your trademark.
Why this is crucial for your business
What a Test Purchase Can Help You Achieve
- Verify that your products are genuinely being sold and are available to customers.
- Identify online stores that violate commercial policies or engage in the sale of counterfeit or grey market goods.
- Obtain verified information on actual selling prices, including applied discounts and purchase conditions.
- Justify your actions to partners and regulatory authorities — backed by documented evidence.
A test purchase does not replace automated price monitoring, but it complements it with real, verified data — especially when automated reports raise concerns or appear inconsistent.
How We Conduct a Test Purchase
We carry out test purchases across Ukraine following a clear and structured process:
Types of Online Test Purchases (Checks)
Choose the verification format from a simple inquiry call to a full purchase with documented evidence.
1. Verification Call / Inquiry Without Purchase
Used for basic checks:
- Confirm that the store is active and responsive
- Verify product availability through conversation
- Gather information about sales terms and delivery options
A fast and cost-effective option.
2. Test Purchase Without Finalizing the Transaction
We place a real order and take it up to the point of payment or delivery — without completing the purchase.
- Full process check: ordering, communication, payment, and delivery steps.
- Photo documentation of serial numbers, identifying product markers, correspondence, and payment details.
- Detailed photo report included.
No costs for purchasing the product.
3. Test Purchase With Product Acquisition
A full-scale check that includes purchasing and receiving the product:
- Inspection of packaging, documentation, and serial numbers
- Photo and video evidence
- Option for expert evaluation or product return
The most reliable way to confirm a sale has taken place.
Suitable for legal proceedings.
🔔 We recommend choosing the type of test purchase based on your goals:
If you only need to confirm product availability — a verification call is sufficient.
If you require solid proof of sale — a full test purchase with product acquisition is the better option.
Not sure which type of check is right for you?
Submit a request — we’ll recommend the best solution for your specific case.
Transparent Pricing. Maximum Value. Pay Only After the Test Purchase Is Completed.
Verification Call
1 Test Purchase- 1 online store
Order Without Completing the Purchase
1 Test Purchase- 1 online store
Test Purchase With Product Acquisition
1 Test Purchase- 1 online store
Need a Custom Plan? Contact Our Consultant.
FAQ (Test Purchase)
Who can benefit from a test purchase?
- Manufacturers and importers looking to detect MAP violations or counterfeit sales.
- Online retailers seeking to verify competitor pricing, especially when monitoring data seems questionable.
- Brands monitoring compliance with their intellectual property rights.
Why conduct a test purchase if price monitoring is already in place?
Price monitoring is an automated data collection method, but it doesn’t always reflect the actual situation, especially when:
- competitors have anti-scraping protection;
- listed prices differ from real ones due to promotions.
A test purchase provides factual, verified information.
Who conducts test purchases?
How often should test purchases be conducted?
What will I receive after a test purchase?
How to order a test purchase from Price Control?
Under what conditions is a test purchase useful?
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