How important is it to check reviews while purchasing products online? What is your experience?

I always check reviews and gather as much information as I can before making a purchase, no matter whether I'm shopping in-store or online. It's been incredibly helpful and saved me from making regrettable decisions numerous times. Online reviews provide valuable insights from real users that you often can't get from just looking at the product description. Personally, I find platforms like PissedConsumer to be particularly useful for getting honest feedback and learning about others' experiences with a product or company. Just for example, here are direct digital reviews. So, in my opinion, checking reviews is essential to find the best option and avoid unpleasant experiences.

I will not buy one single thing without reading reviews first! My exemption to this rule is books because it's so subjective, but for cosmetics, skincare, and clothing, I do read carefully and check for issues/praises mentioned consistently. In-store, it depends on what I'm looking to buy, but typically I've looked online before I went there!