Purchasing online native cigarettes affordably can be quite convenient. However, with increased demand comes the prevalence of questionable websites with fake products posing as native brands. Here are some things you should keep in mind to make sure that the place you shop is a legitimate source.

A community-run or Indigenous-owned shop

The starting point is the knowledge of the background on the basis of the Native cigarette market: sovereignty and self-governance. Indigenous-owned businesses produce and sell many legitimate brands on First Nations territory. 

A reliable site will ensure that it is obvious that they work with these values in mind. They often include information on where the cigarettes are produced and who operates the system.

Transparency regarding the community or region to which the brand is affiliated should be visible. Vague terms such as native-style smokes or First Nations-inspired can be a red flag.

A reputable site

When a site gives the impression of being hurried, unfinished, or too minimalist, chances are that it is. Proper businesses that sell native smokes online tend to feature:

• An active customer care email or phone number
• Shipping details
• A refund/return policy
• Evident verification of age processes
• Community or physical address (not only a P.O. box).

When the best you can get is an e-transfer address and the promise that your smokes will be delivered, that is not enough.

Reasonable pricing

Yes, the native cigarettes are often cheaper, though there is a realistic price range. When you notice a carton going half the prevailing price elsewhere, hold back. Low suspicious prices may indicate:

• Fake or adulterated goods
• Unauthorized resellers
• Low-quality imitations with the actual brand name.

Seek reasonable, stable prices. Reputable dealers will not sell themselves short to get the product out the door quickly.

Simple packaging, but not unmarked

There is a popular misconception about native cigarettes that they have no packaging. It is not so. Although branding and labelling may be low-key, with little or no logo and health warnings, you should be able to read the brand name, size, and quantity on the carton or pack.

When you get a product in a plain bag and without a label that you can identify, then that is a red flag. It is most likely a fake product.

Word of mouth counts!

Word of mouth still reaches far, even in the digital era. Inquire on forums, among people you know, or locally to find out which brands people trust. Established brands are more likely to develop a reputation. But fly-by-night sellers only last a short time.

Wrapping up

Do yourself a favor and take a few minutes to research before purchasing native cigarettes online. Seek out transparency, fair prices, easy-to-find contact information, and some connection to an actual Indigenous business or community.

It is really not just about not wanting to get ripped off. It is also about honoring your source and every legitimate native economy, and understanding exactly what you are smoking.