Online shopping problems and solutions.
Mr. JUNEESH K KURIACHAN
Assistant Professor (Ph.D Research Scholar), Amity University, Noida, U.P, India
Email : juneeshkuriachan@gmail.com
Abstract
Purchasing goods from the comfort of your own living room certainly is more convenient than actually driving
to a store, while offering a virtually unlimited array of choices and the ability to compare prices. While online
payment and security technology have come a long way, you still may experience problems with online
shopping from time to time. This article covers some of the more common issues, such as getting the wrong item
or falling prey to online scams, and ways to minimize these potential pitfalls.
Many of the problems seem to arise because the retail and online divisions of major stores are run by entirely
different groups, or at least they were until recently—and these groups sometimes seem more like competitors
rather than players working on the same team. The consumer sees the same store brand name, and
understandably assumes the entities are identical, but they’re not—and the results are heaps of confusion and
frustration.
Introduction
Today, INDIA is a big market that is growing day by day. In this fast and pace competition, the Indian online
shoppers have specific expectations for online shopping websites in INDIA .First of all, in India online
shoppers have started expecting the option to return items purchased online, and some retailers already have
made doing this convenient .Further, the retailers believe that this option is quite necessary to develop consumer
trust and confidence in online shopping. Secondly, free door-to-door shopping is very much needed, say online
shoppers. Already many online shopping websites are providing these services. But, even today there are certain
limitations regarding this. Today ,in India online shoppers have been trained to expect
Common problem in online shopping
1.Receiving wrong products:
Many a times the product received are not of the same quality as promised customer have this fear since many of
them wrong products or those are unfit to their expectations.
2.Damaging products in transit
This happens usually ,in long distances,product gets damaged in the way and then customer fail to avail its
benefits.they are totally at loss then.
3.Delay in delivery of products
Companies located at far of distance tends to more delievry time. This is another feature due to which customer
are not satisfied with online shopping.
4.Sometimes customer failed to receive the product
Federal law (the Mail or Telephone Order Merchandise Rule) requires retailers that process orders by mail,
telephone, or the Internet to deliver items within 30 days. If you have not received your order within that time
frame, you have the right to a full refund of the purchase price. Likewise, retailers are required by law to explain
your right to a full refund for undelivered goods.
Likewise, the Fair Credit Billing Act protects you from being billed for items that are not delivered, but
nevertheless charged to your credit card. If the online vendor is unwilling or unable to help you, or denies your
claim that the item was never delivered, you may write to your credit card issuer's billing inquiries department
about the problem. Make sure you send it within 60 days after the bill with the errant charge (specifically, the
charge for an item not received) was sent.
5. Concerns When Buying from Foreign Companies
Problems with online shopping can be especially difficult to resolve if the seller is located in a foreign country.
Before you order, you will want to know how the item is priced and when it is converted to U.S. dollars (if listed
in a different currency); whether the retailer will ship to other countries; the likely length of time it will take to
fulfill the order; any applicable special duties or taxes.
If there are problems with your order, such as getting the wrong item, most vendors require you to resolve the
dispute in their local court. So is it worth traveling to Switzerland, for example, to assert your claim that you
were sent the wrong Swiss Army Knife? A safer alternative may be to look for a U.S. reseller who offers the
same items.
As a general rule, though, you should approach international online orders with caution.
New Media and Mass Communication www.iiste.org
ISSN 2224-3267 (Paper) ISSN 2224-3275 (Online)
Vol.23, 2014
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6. Watch Out For Any Scams When Buying Online
In addition to general problems with online shopping pertaining to legitimate retailers, you also need to be aware
of the various kinds of scams targeting online consumers. Some suggestions for avoiding scams are listed below:
• Beware of "Gray Market" Items: So-called gray market goods may be either illegal sold in a way that
sidesteps regulations, or unintended for the . market You may get something that doesn't work properly
or which has instructions in another language. Also, gray market merchandise typically lacks a
warranty.
• Be Skeptical of Service Contracts: Extended-service packages from retailers or third parties usually are
overpriced and generally are not a good value.
• Make Sure You Understand Shipping Charges: A retailer may try to squeeze a profit from heavily
discounted items by tacking on an extremely high shipping rate, most of it not actually used for
shipping.
• Know How to Spot the " Warranty" Scam: Sometimes gray market goods are sold with a warranty
provided by a third party, but described only as a " warranty." This is not the same as a manufacturer's
warranty and typically provides an inferior level of protection.
• Other online scams includes phishing and spoofing and identity theft( which is not limited to the
Internet). ). Consider speaking with a consumer protection lawyer if you are unable to resolve one or
more problems with online shopping.
Benefits
• If you are like most people who use the Internet, you will probably purchase something online within
the next month or two. because You have so many choices, with a world of products at your fingertips,
and you don’t have to waste gas or deal with parking hassles, mall crowds, and long lines.
• Perhaps the best thing about shopping online is that you can do it barefoot in the comfort of your home.
• Purchase with Care Unfortunately, there are some drawbacks to shopping online.
A big one is fraud. In April 2008
• The Internet Crime Complaint Centre reported that online payment fraudcomplaints filed by consumers
in 2007 reached $239 million compared to $198 million in 2006. Many consumers are rightfully
concerned about providing their financial information, such as credit card numbers, online.
How do you know which web sites are safe to transact with and which ones are not? How can you
avoid problems when you purchase online? Then follow :
DO’S
Before you type in your credit card information, you should take time to research the web site.
Start with making sure the web site has a trustmark - consider contacting the seller if this is your first
purchase. Most reputable e-sellers will have a toll-free customer service phone number.If the site has
only an email address and no phone number, start an email or instant message dialogue with the people
running the site before you buy anything from them.
pay by credit card or an online payment service
You are protected by the law and liable only for $50 if your credit card number is stolen and misused.
Online payment services offer some protection as well.However, you may want to use your credit card as
the payment source to get an extra degree of protection for any disputes.Be sure you read and understand the
consumer-protection programs and money-back guarantee sections in the terms and conditions on the etailer’s
web site. If it seems like it will be difficult to get your money back, consider buying somewhere else
Encryption is key to secure Internet purchases. It is a feature that automatically codes your personal data
when it’s entered.
E-stores know how important this is to their business. The safest web sites have a key or closed lock displayed in
the web browser, meaning encryption is used.
New Media and Mass Communication www.iiste.org
ISSN 2224-3267 (Paper) ISSN 2224-3275 (Online)
Vol.23, 2014
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Check the web site’s policies before you order
Read the web site’s return policy and other terms and conditions, as well as the site’s privacy policy, before you
order anything.
A good online seller will permit you to return items and get a full and immediate refund without having to jump
through a lot of hoops. Also, they will not share your personal information with others.
Make sure you have up-to-date,comprehensive security software, such as quickheal Internet Security or
quickheal Total Protection before you do any online shopping.
This will greatly reduce the risk of contracting a virus or
some other form of malware and will help you avoid identity theft
on dangerous web sites.
1. Malware is a generic term used to describe malicious software, such as viruses, Trojan horses, spyware, and
malicious active content.
2. Identity theft can occur while shopping online at disreputable web sites that may offer goods and services at a
low price just to get your credit card information and other personal data.
Check your credit card statements
Make sure you were charged the proper amount and that no extras were added to your bill. Keep copies of sales
transactions for future reference in case a dispute arises.
Dont’s
Don’t buy from, spammers
If you get an email inviting you to buy something like “Discounted Rolex Watches,” you should think two
things: 1) spam and 2) possible scam.
Most spammers are just looking to make a quick buck. Some will steal your credit card or financial information
and use it fraudulently. If you do purchase from spammers, there’s a good chance you’ll never get what you
ordered. It is a risky deal. Also, it just motivates them to continue to spam you, alo