Planning to order Christmas gifts online, this year? A few online shoppers share some tips to avoid getting scammed, with Avril-Ann Braganza
Issue– I ordered a tab from Amazon. They have various vendors selling products on their website. The vendor, who sold me the tab through Amazon.in was somewhere in South India. The parcel was well sealed in Amazon's brown corrugated box. But the box of the parcel inside was open. In fact the tab came with a keyboard, which was already connected and a case which was already fitted. They took a lifetime to come pick up the tab after I had made several phone calls for extended periods of time. I must have also sent them over seven e-mails to finally get their attention to come and pick up the tab before the return date. From now on I'm definitely not ordering any electronics online ever again.
Lesson learnt– Opt for cash on delivery. Before you sign for it, open the parcel and check the security seal. If you say you don't want it and don't sign for it, they have to take it back. If the package is open or the seal broken don't accept it. If you have already paid for it, accept it and follow up on their return policy, which is just a click away and mostly provided in their email.
–George Remedios
Issue– When I ordered gym gloves through amazon, it took close to a month to reach instead of the assured 1week delivery. The gloves were not the same as the product booked. It was frustrating to even get in touch with the dealer.
Lesson learnt– I think cash on delivery makes better sense then, because then they are compelled to give better service. But then there's the inconvenience of being free to make the transaction at the time of delivery. If it's possible, one option is keeping the cash with the building security or if it's allowed, it would be better to give the office address.
–Jovito D'Mello
A few additional tips to remember
Always read the return policy before you buy.
Research about shipping. If you spend more than a certain amount, some websites offer free shipping. So make a list of everything that you need and buy them in one go.
If you find a pair of shoes that you like online, but you're not sure if it will fit, head down to the store, try it out and then grab the deal online.
For clothes, When you pick a dress, click on the size chart option and choose your size before you make a purchase. Remember, every brand has a different size chart.
Don't feel bad about changing loyalties. Check other websites for better deals. You never know when that book you wanted may be the last in stock and may have a 50% discount tag attached to it.
With inputs from Rama Sreekant
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