OnlyGizmos

I have been a online shopper for over 6 years now. Its nothing new in India. But over the past few years the adoption of Online Shopping in India has increased considerably. And as we know - Growth is directly proportionate to Drawbacks. So here I would take this opportunity to highlight a key issue in buying goods online: Warranty!

Just to be competitive, the mantra for most of the online shopping portals in India is to sell products at lowest possible prices. Buyers often get fascinated by the offering of these online portals. But have you ever wondered how can someone sell a digital camera woth Rs 20000 at Rs 14000? Does that mean these companies are selling goods at losses? They are not making money out of it or giving these products at throw away prices just to boost their sales?

Answer is obviously "NO". Most of the vendors on popular market places (I refrain myself from naming these portals, however I can take the questions offline) are selling these products for gray. They procure goods from gray market where prices are as much as 30% less. These goods are procured illegally without paying custom duties and sales Tax to the government. There is no manufacturer’s warranty and bill for all these products. But very cunning these products are posted online claiming to be genuine and give 6 months or even a year long of seller’s warranty. Seller’s warranty means these portals will be responsible if any mishap occurs with the product. This is similar to buy a camera from local gray markets like Gaffar market in New Delhi and Richie’s street in Chennai. This ‘sellers warranty‘ is a simple service warranty wherein they offer free servicing but will charge you for any new parts or components that has to be added / replaced. It doesn’t require a genius to guess that you are being tricked here! 

Online forums are full of negative and bad buyer experience while shopping online. Yet the market continues to grow strong. Online ticketing has boomed, the next one certainly is Online Shopping in India, but are we ready for it? So next time you shop from any of these websites just see if they are offering seller’s warranty or manufacturer’s warranty. Save yourself from getting cheated.

Very few online portals offer every single product with genuine manufacturer’s warranty. One of them I noted is CafeGadgets.in, Although they are rookie in this market but basic seems right. CG is looking for establish itself as a long term player in this niche market. Once the consumers are aware and educated enough, I hope they would start making a wise decision. Happy Shopping!