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Follow UsBANGALORE, INDIA: Online shopping has assumed a new meaning with the entire world going the e-way. Putting an end to the futile exercise of visiting shops, people opt for an easy and flexible way of shopping. But that doesn't mean people are unaware of the flip side of online shopping.
/ciol/media/post_attachments/fbe929486979f2dfc3692f956703a6c8b91ca4a470edf1be734538d46ae86a1d.jpg "This BSNL's damaged Penta T-Pad IS701R Tablet was delivered to Bijay Raj of Odisha")
If it is easier to survey different websites, there are chances that what comes home is not what you rally wanted. The only way to get a website that delivers what it promises is to check if there is an option of trial and error. But there are a very few websites providing that option.
Almost every website offers huge discounts on products. Rejecting a cheaper deal on branded products could be sheer stupidity for shopaholics, who are often lured by heavy discounts online. But they normally realise the side effect of online shopping when they need to constantly follow up on their order as date of delivery is postponed frequently. And in the end, the item delivered is in the wrong colour.
That was the experience of Shalini Mehta, home-maker, who had placed an order for a red T-shirt. "What I got was an orange T-shirt. I was so disappointed, but they offered me a replacement."
Agreed, there are no sales persons harassing you or interrupting you while shopping online, but choosing a trustworthy website is not easy. If the product is not delivered after making the payment, it can be a torture for the person. And even if it is delivered, but it is in a bad condition, it certainly negates advantages of making selections in the comforts of the home.
Most reputed companies promise to deliver safely and in case of damage on transit offer a replacement, but that takes time.
Bijay Raj from Odisha was delivered a damaged Penta T-Pad IS701R Tablet by BSNL. After pursuing the issue with BSNL, he was offered a replacement, but that wasn't easy for him.
"Though I had given my address as Khariar Road, Nuapada Odisha, I was asked to change it as the DTDC courier doesn't have a branch there. So, they offered to send it to Raipur, 100km from my place. But by the time it reached my hands it was damaged," he said.
Recently, many customers, who made payment through PayPal for the low-cost Android tablet by Angel Technologies, didn't get their product, but were fortunate to get a refund from PayPal.
Also read: Relax Angel Pad buyers, PayPal will help you
Nair (name changed on request) had booked the Angel Pad tablet on June 2 on the website of Angel Technologies. He made a $40 payment via PayPal from his credit card.
He was promised a delivery on June 10, 2012, but that wasn't to be. Apparently, Nair was lured by the technical specifications mentioned in the website of Angel Technologies.
Nair wasn't alone, but there were several others who didn't get the tablet despite making the payment. After CIOL highlighted the issue, several readers were lucky to claim and get a refund from PayPal.