Amazon and Flipkart sales and consumer grievances: How to be a savvy online shopper

Here are some ways you can save yourself from being scammed while shopping online for high-value gadgets.

E-commerce platforms like Amazon and Flipkart are pulling out all the stops to entice shoppers with exciting new deals on gadgets and electronics this holiday season. However, some unhappy customers are venting out their frustrations online about purchases gone awry.

They have complained of broken objects and tampered seals, different low-value products in the package, sellers cancelling orders without a reason after accepting payments, same-day deliveries not taking place as expected, shifting delivery dates, and help desk tickets being closed without a resolution.

What are some ways to handle such grievances?

First and foremost, question whether an expensive gadget or electronic item needs to be bought online. Most brick-and-mortar stores run holiday deals in tandem with e-commerce platforms, and some of them offer a good price match. This way, you can come home with a thoroughly checked and secure product instead of waiting for one you can only check after the purchase.

Check for the most recent review of the product on the shopping platform - and not the top reviews - to see whether the most-recent buyer has listed complaints or concerns. Next, check the seller’s credentials online. There will usually be an aggregated rating for them, or customer reviews. Check the latest reviews here as well.

When having high-value purchases or gadgets delivered to your home, it is strongly recommended that the person who made the order and understands the technical specifications of the device be available to collect the delivery personally. Do not allow neighbours, friends, family members, roommates, or domestic help to pick up your delivery.

Leading from the previous point, make sure that the product is promptly given to you, and do not allow the delivery person to take it away after presenting the OTP. In case a delivery person insists on taking back the product after you have given them the OTP, cancel the order immediately through the website/app and raise a ticket to confirm the act so that the item once again becomes the company’s responsibility.