20 Unlucky People Who Instantly Regretted Their Online Orders

I’ll admit it—I’ve fallen for a “too good to be true” online deal more than once (those Instagram ads really know how to reel me in, OK?). If you’re anything like me and prone to impulsive online shopping, take comfort in these hilarious r/ExpectationVsReality photos of people who definitely didn’t get what they paid for.

1. This “crystal” mug:

This picture perfectly captures the classic online shopping struggle of “expectation versus reality.” The buyer anticipated a stunning, geode-inspired mug that looked like a piece of art. However, what arrived was a poorly-executed version that barely resembled the product advertised. It’s a harsh reminder to always check reviews and sellers before hitting “Add to Cart!”

2. This “giant donut”:

Here’s a sweet treat turned sour disappointment! The buyer expected a beautifully glazed, fluffy giant donut perfect for indulging. Instead, they received a sad, misshapen version that looked like it had been cut into pizza slices—and not in a good way. When reality doesn’t match the expectation, it’s a real icing-on-the-cake kind of letdown!

3. This “bird” lamp:

This is what happens when attention to detail takes a backseat! The buyer expected a charming, hand-painted lamp with a delicately crafted bird. What arrived, however, was a lamp with a bird that seemed to have misplaced its eye—and its charm. It’s a stark reminder that not all artistic details survive the journey from screen to reality!

4. This reindeer “yard decor”:

This picture highlights the ultimate holiday decoration fail! The buyer envisioned a stunning set of glowing reindeer to light up their yard with festive cheer. What they received was a tiny, barely noticeable version that would get lost in a patch of grass. It’s safe to say this “mini” surprise didn’t deliver the magical Christmas vibe they were hoping for!

5. Yet another “donut”:

Cookie Monster fans, look away! The buyer hoped for adorable, Instagram-worthy donuts resembling the beloved character. What they got, however, were awkwardly decorated donuts that looked more like a failed art project than a sweet treat. This is a prime example of how not all baked goods look as good as they taste—or even meet basic expectations!

6. This “knitted” sheep sweater:

What looked like a cozy, stylish sweater with adorable sheep embroidery turned out to be a flimsy, poorly constructed knockoff that barely resembles the original. The once-fluffy sheep now look like smudged blobs, and the fabric seems better suited for a curtain than a sweater. This buyer learned the hard way that not all knits are created equal!

7. This “Hedwig” tree topper:

This is a true holiday decorating disaster! The buyer hoped for an elegant, majestic owl tree topper to bring a magical vibe to their Christmas tree. Instead, they received a paper-mache-looking mess with uneven eyes and ruffled feathers that scream DIY gone wrong. It’s safe to say this “owl” won’t be gracing the tree anytime soon!

8. This “Nashville-style” hot honey pizza:

This picture is the definition of a foodie’s nightmare! The buyer anticipated a mouthwatering pizza topped with crispy chicken, pickles, and a drizzle of hot sauce. Instead, they received a sad, underwhelming pizza with a few uninspired chicken strips slapped on top. No pickles, no sauce—just a culinary heartbreak served in a box.

9. This “Philly cheesesteak”:

This sandwich is a textbook case of “expectation vs. reality” disappointment. The customer expected a generously filled sub, packed with flavorful meat, veggies, and creamy sauce as shown in the ad. What they got instead was a sad, sparsely filled sandwich that looked more like an afterthought than a meal. Where’s the flavor, and where’s the love?

10. This “Snoop on a Stoop”:

This is the holiday elf that nobody asked for! The buyer expected a quirky and cool “Snoop Dogg Elf” that would bring some festive fun. What they received was a terrifying, off-brand version with distorted features that looks more like a Christmas horror story. This is a clear reminder that not all novelty items are created equal!

11. Oh, what’s that? Yup, another donut:

This festive donut was supposed to spread holiday cheer, but instead, it delivered pure disappointment. The buyer envisioned a neatly decorated Holiday Tree Donut with a smooth green glaze and carefully placed sprinkles. What arrived was a messy, unevenly decorated tree that looked like it went through a snowstorm of sprinkles. Not exactly the picture-perfect treat they were hoping for!

12. This Christmas “elf kit” with a whole lot to unpack:

This Elf Kit promised 24 days of festive fun and creativity, but the reality fell far short of the mark. Instead of delightfully whimsical activities, the buyer received poorly executed printouts riddled with typos, like “why clid the elf sit the compuert?” It’s hard to spread holiday cheer when the kit leaves you laughing for all the wrong reasons!

13. This “garage-sized” snowman decal:

This festive garage decoration was supposed to turn the buyer’s home into a winter wonderland with cheerful snowman faces. However, the reality was a lonely, undersized decal awkwardly placed in the corner of the garage. Instead of spreading holiday cheer, it’s spreading disappointment—and proving that size definitely matters when it comes to Christmas decorations!

14. This one-way ticket to “Flavortown”:

This meal was supposed to be a ticket to Flavortown, but it turned out to be a one-way trip to disappointment. The buyer expected a hearty and appetizing Philly Cheesesteak Tots Bowl, bursting with flavor and gooey cheese. What they got was a sad, soggy mess that looked more like leftovers than a dish endorsed by Guy Fieri. Flavortown? More like Letdownville.

15. These “Minion” — oh, my bad — “Minon” egg custard buns:

These Minion Egg Custard Buns were supposed to be a cute and fun treat, but the reality was more “Despicable Me” than delightful. The adorable Minions turned into lopsided, poorly decorated buns that barely resemble their animated counterparts. Instead of a whimsical dessert, the buyer got a confusing creation that looks like it’s seen better days!

16. These “Jordan” socks:

This is a prime example of counterfeit comedy! The buyer ordered sleek and stylish Jordan socks but received a hilarious knockoff featuring “Shag” instead of “Jumpman.” The distorted logo and misbranding make this purchase unforgettable—for all the wrong reasons. A hard lesson in trusting online retailers for branded items!

17. This “sexy catsuit”:

This outfit was supposed to be a daring and glamorous lace bodysuit, perfect for a stylish poolside photoshoot. Instead, what arrived looked more like a spooky Halloween costume left flat on the floor. The distorted shape and bizarre proportions make this purchase a comical disaster that screams, “What went wrong?” Sometimes, online shopping really is a gamble!

18. This “edible bouquet” for Mom:

This fruit bouquet was supposed to be a stunning and thoughtful Mother’s Day gift, bursting with vibrant, artfully arranged fruit and chocolate-dipped treats. Instead, what arrived was a sad, wilted collection of mismatched fruit chunks and a hastily scribbled “Mom” on a chocolate heart. A sweet idea turned into a sour disappointment—definitely not the display of love they had envisioned!

19. These “chocolate-covered strawberries” for Dad:

These chocolate-covered strawberries were meant to be a sweet and elegant gift for Dad, with perfect lettering spelling out “Best Dad Ever.” Instead, the reality was a sloppy presentation with uneven, rushed writing that made the gift look far less special. While the sentiment is still there, the execution left a lot to be desired!

20. And, lastly, this “cowboy” ring:

This ring was supposed to be a bold statement piece reading “Cowboys & Tequila,” perfect for fans of the Western lifestyle. Instead, what arrived was a tiny, poorly made ring that simply says “Cows” with a random heart. The buyer expected a party-ready accessory but ended up with a farming-themed fail. Definitely not what they signed up for!