BY SYEDA UMME AIMAN
People in Pakistan always show concern about their looks, especially when it comes to Eid or Wedding occasions. So in this quarantine Eid, many online brands have taken the lead to serve the thirst of growing trends.
Online shopping is a feasible way that can save your time and energy. It restricts movement of consumers, thus keeping them protected from the crowd.
In the future, nearly 60 percent of small and medium businesses plan to invest in a new website or improve the one they already have.
However, another side of the picture is that the rise in online shopping has stimulated fraudulent groups to misuse the trust of consumers by either selling manipulated products or by fake websites and Instagram pages.
Here I will tell you about the basic do’s and don’ts you should consider before shopping online for Eid or any other special occasions.
Shop from Renowned Websites Only
This will reduce chances of becoming a victim of fake pages and websites that can waste your time, energy and most significantly your money. If any online store is unknown to you, try to find their physical existence and contact details. That is why it is always a best idea to shop from familiar or trusted stores; this may include brands with good customer feedback.
Exploring Websites
When shopping online, do explore the target website to be aware about description, specification and price difference of the product. Nevertheless, compare the price of products from various websites. This may save you from cracking your budget.
Do Read Reviews
Make a habit to read reviews and customer feedback before purchasing. This may save you from buying stuff that is eye catching but not worthy. Apparently, expenditure on your favorite attire with no quality will be a bad deal.
Keep an Eye on Return Policy
Before proceeding with the check-out option, remember to see the return or refund policy so that the faulty or wrong product may be returned with cashback. Take a wholesome tour of terms and conditions too!
Do Not Make Advance Payments
Paying in advance will always keep you at risk. The fake websites take advantage of unaware or new customers and cheat them by taking advance payments.
Be Aware of Gift Scams
If you are new to online shopping then remember not to respond to such emails that ask for the details of your credit card or banking information for delivery of gifts. These bogus emails will take you nowhere.
Grab the Discount Coupons
Be a smart online customer and make use of discount, promotional or coupon codes. To avail them, get in touch with high rated bloggers who are affiliated with various brands.
Confirm Dispatch Date
Do confirm the number of days it will take to get the product delivered. When you are on a valid website, before placing an order you receive an estimated delivery date. Keep tracking your product dispatch information.
Conclusion
Online shopping is the need of time as it is beneficial for those customers who want to go for convenient shopping by remaining at home.
Youngsters are taking a lead in this journey of virtual purchases.
So, ‘SMART’ customers like you can extract value out of it and can go for happy shopping with your family.
(The writer is a Business (HRM) graduate from Karachi University Business School and an educationalist. She intends to enlighten the mindset and add colour to thinking through her articles and blog posts.)
