The most common complaints in India’s Consumer Forum are related to e-commerce frauds.E-commerce websites offer sales for every occasion – and sometimes without any occasion at all. Many people are drawn to the 50-70% discounts, giving middle-class Indians a chance to experience brands and labels. But did you know that one in five Indians gets scammed during these sales? This is often due to faulty or fake products and complicated return or refund processes. Kanoon360 is here to provide you with guidelines on how to snag the best deals without falling victim to scams and how to do online shopping complaints:
Here Are Some Common Types of Fraud that Occurs During Online Sales:(Online Shopping Complaints)
Here are a few online shopping complaints that happens around these frauds :
Counterfeit Products: These are fake items that are sold as if they are from a well-known brand. They might look similar but are not genuine.
Very Old Stock: Products that have been sitting unsold for a long time. They may be outdated or near their expiration date.
Faulty Products: Items that have defects or don’t function as expected. They might have manufacturing issues or malfunctions.
Damaged During Shipping: Products that get damaged while being transported due to poor packaging or handling.
Misleading Advertising: When the product is advertised with false claims or exaggerated benefits that don’t match the actual product.
Short Shelf Life: Products that have a very limited time before they expire or become unusable. They may not last long after purchase.
How can a sale offer up to 80% off on a product?
Many of us are surprised by the huge discounts offered online compared to brick-and-mortar shops, but these discounts are designed to attract customers, not generate profit. First it’s important to note that discounts are usually applied to older products, not new arrivals. Here’s why e-commerce platforms use them:
Inventory Management: Successful brands closely monitor inventory levels and sales trends. To clear excess or slow-moving products, they offer steep discounts, making room for newer items.
Seasonal Changes: Brands use large discounts during off-seasons to quickly sell seasonal inventory before the new season arrives.
Customer Acquisition: Big discounts are often used to attract new customers, building a larger customer database for targeted marketing and future sales.
Bulk Purchasing Power: E-commerce giants buy products in bulk at lower rates than regular retailers, allowing them to offer deep discounts.
Marketing Strategy: A significant portion of their budget is dedicated to marketing, which includes offering big discounts as a way to attract customers and boost sales.
Competitive Edge: In a highly competitive market, lowering prices during sales is a strategy to stand out, increase sales, and capture market share.
Monetization Opportunities: Acquiring more customers through discounts also opens up opportunities for additional revenue streams, like advertising and larger external funding.
Tips to Keep in Mind Before Shopping on a Sale to Avoid Online Scams :
With various e-commerce platforms rolling out catchy names for their sales like “Big Billion Day,” “G.O.A.T Sales,” and “End of Reason Sale,” it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement. However, to avoid potential monetary loss and to not let them turn into online shopping complaints, keep these tips in mind:
- Review Return and Refund Policies: Some sale items may not be eligible for return or exchange, so read the policy thoroughly before purchasing.
- Examine Discount Coupon Terms: Discount codes often come with hidden clauses that could affect your ability to return the product.
- Check Reviews and Ratings: Don’t rush past reviews—pay attention to real user feedback. Be cautious if reviews seem overly positive, as they could be paid or biased.
- Understand Return Conditions: Make sure you know the specific grounds on which returns are accepted to ensure your request will be valid.
- Opt for COD When Possible: If ordering something valuable, choose cash on delivery and open the package in front of the delivery person to check for any issues before accepting it.
- Chargeback: If you paid with a credit card and the return period is still valid, you can request a refund from your credit card provider.
What to do if the product bought on sale is faulty ?
If you’ve purchased a product and found it faulty, try to resolve the issue directly with the e-commerce site before making an online shopping complaint . Here’s how:
- Record an Unboxing Video: Always video record the unboxing process; it can serve as crucial evidence for return or refund claims.
- Contact Customer Support: Reach out to customer service, explain the issue clearly, and provide relevant photos and videos as proof.
- Send an Escalation Email: If the customer care executives are not helping then write escalation mails to the e-commerce platform.Here is the format for that :
Subject: Damaged Product Received – [Order Number]
Hi,
I am writing to escalate an issue regarding my recent order, [Order Number], placed on [Date]. Unfortunately, the product I received, [Product Name], is either incorrect or defective.
Details of the Issue:- Order Number: [Order Number]
- Product Name: [Product Name]
- Date of Purchase: [Purchase Date]
- Description of the Fault: [Clearly describe the problem, e.g., “The display is flickering, and there are visible scratches on the screen.”]
I’ve already contacted customer support and raised this concern under [Reference/Ticket Number], but the issue remains unresolved.
Request:
- An immediate replacement of the faulty product, or
- A full refund if a replacement is not available.
Please address this issue urgently, as this experience has shaken my confidence in your service.
I look forward to your prompt response. You can reach me at [Your Contact Information] for further details.
Thank you for your immediate attention.
Sincerely, [Your Full Name] [Your Contact Information] [Order Number]
- Follow Up Consistently: Keep following up with customer service and through escalation emails. Mention that if the issue isn’t resolved, you’ll file a complaint with the consumer forum
- Keep Tags and Seals Intact: Do not attempt to use the product; keep it in its original condition.
- File a Complaint on the Consumer Forum: Attach screenshots of your online shopping complaint on Consumer Forum to the escalation email sent to the e-commerce site to increase the urgency of your case.
How can you get legal help for this?
When all else fails, consider legal action. The Consumer Protection Act 2019 can help address consumer fraud and issues with unsatisfactory products or services by helping you lodge online shopping complaint against the e-commerce company :
Steps to in India
- Register or Log In: Visit the website and either register or log in if you already have an account.
- Draft Your Complaint: Provide evidence of your complaint attempts, product details, and the issues with the product.
- Specify Relief: Clearly state what resolution you seek, such as a full refund or a replacement.
- Submit the Complaint: File your Consumer Forum complaint in India with either the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (DCDRC) or the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (SCDRC), depending on the claim amount.
Legal Support from Kanoon360:
National Consumer Forum is free but often slow and overloaded, making it hard to get quick results, especially for smaller claims. Kanoon 360 specialises in consumer cases with an 88% success rate. For significant claims or if you feel mistreated, sending a legal notice to the e-commerce site can make them act quickly to resolve the issue.
If you’re unsure how to start the legal process, our blog offers a simplified guide for filing consumer court complaints.https://kanoon360.com/blog/consumer-complaint-in-consumer-forum/
If dealing with the e-commerce site is taking a toll on your peace of mind, Kanoon’s experienced lawyers are here to help and ensure you get the best outcome for your online shopping complaint .
Also Read: Easy Guide to Handling Consumer Complaints in India
Also Read: Common Toll Plaza Complaints: What Every Commuter Should Know
Tip of the day:
- What should you avoid buying during sales ?
Large Appliances: Online deals on appliances are tempting, but in-store purchases are safer. Shipping issues can lead to damaged items and complicated returns. In-store buying also allows you to discuss delivery, installation, and warranties with a salesperson.
Makeup: Sales on makeup often feature products nearing their expiry dates, and these items are frequently non-refundable.
Underwear: Innerwear is usually non-returnable, and if it is, it might have been used and returned by someone else. Avoid buying underwear online.
Perishable Foods: Refunds are hard to get for perishable items like fruits, vegetables, or meat if they spoil quickly. It’s best to buy these items in person.
Luxury Goods: High discounts on luxury items can be risky due to potential fraud, counterfeiting, or damage.
Stay vigilant and stay informed. If you face any issues, reach out to Kanoon 360 without a second thought. Our expert team is ready to assist you whenever you feel stuck with your . Demand compensation for any distress or inconvenience – you deserve it!