How to Buy Fireworks Online

If you have never bought fireworks before, shopping online can make the whole experience easier, as most companies offer a short description and suggestions to help you choose the right ones.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Find out what fireworks are legal in your area before you go online to shop for them. Because online companies sell to the whole country, they have little to no control (or even knowledge) of what is legal in your area. It is your responsibility to check what you can use and in what quantities.

2. Buy only from reputable companies with a license to sell fireworks. There are a lot of illegal fireworks for sale on the Internet, most of which are imported illegally from Mexico and do not carry any type of warranty. Not only are you at risk of injuries, but you can be committing a crime by buying them.

3. Keep in mind that federal laws prohibit fireworks to be shipped expedited, express or air mail, so you need to order with enough time to allow for possible delays, complications or lost packages. Private shipping companies may not accept fireworks at all, so you should check in advance.

4. Look through the website for a certification or seal that states the company meets the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Standards. This means the available fireworks will come with labels, precaution sheets and instruction guidelines.

5. Don't buy fireworks from private sellers. This means avoiding bidding websites, forums and mailing lists. Not only can the fireworks be illegal, but you also have no control over where and how the fireworks have been stored until the time of selling. Damp, hot storage places can damage the fireworks and turn them dangerous.

Tips & Warnings

• Online prices should be lower than what you would find at local shops, but you should keep in mind that you need to add shipping and handling charges to that. Taxes may also apply depending on where you live.

• Don't buy fireworks online in large quantities. Most cities have a limit as to how much can be bought for private use.

• Fireworks cannot be shipped internationally from companies located in the US. Shipments to Alaska, Hawaii and other territories may also be limited or restricted.