This is a strong message from me, a person who had been involved in online shopping since its inception in India. You might e very interested and tempted to buy things online. I know its a prestige issue. It makes you feel proud to let your friends know that you have bought something online - a step forward than any of your friends.
But, Is it safe? Is it worth? Is it not complicated?
Before I tell you something about " How to identify some genuine online shoppers", Let us have a look at some of them in the market who are doing better service:
- ebay
- Indiatimes Shopping
- Rediff shopping
- Sify shopping
I have some of the chinese websites with whom I have made business and they seems to be great:
- Alibaba, great place for wholesalers
- chinavasion
- DHgate
- Your Netbanking/Credit card being exposed to other vendors. Please make sure that there is a genuine Payment Gateway like HDFC/CITIBANK and see if there are visa verified gateways to be safe. You can instead use your paypal account if possible.
- You might not know when your product will reach you. You can't book things for occasions...
- You might not know if the product that would be sent is the same that you see online. Most of them post fake images.
- You might not get warranty with most of the products.
- Call the online shopper before placing order. If they do not respond, you are safe. Do not shop with such traders.
- If you buy mobile phones from China/any other foreign shoppers, please check if the frequency range will work with India as well.
- Finally, please be known that the items shipped to you cannot be returned to the shopper most of the times and if you want, you have to bear the charges.
Have a happy Online Shopping!!!
