I recently bought two file folders from Flipkart.com. I have been used to online shopping in the US and wanted to try it out in India. So, I just thought of something of less value and gave the Cash on Delivery a shot. I think India has not yet come to the point where you can use your credit card to do online purchases. I think it is best to stick to COD as of now since it removes multiple headaches like online security, and whether the order will be honoured or not.
The folders were nicely packed and were delivered within a week and were of good quality. Flipkart is good in terms of good website design and also because of the reviews in their products which is of paramount importance with regard to online shopping. I bought those folder for keeping certificates. But one was of A4 size and does not fit big certificates. Even though A4 size was listed one the product page, I felt that a slightly more descriptive product detail could have helped me to buy something different. The decision to purchase something online is mainly dependent upon well informative pictures, detailed item description and reviews by others who have bought it. I think Flipkart is very good compared to other sites which fare very poorly in all these aspects.
I would recommend Flipkart. Other online sites are only a concept as of now. Couple of years of competition and most of those sites wont exist. In a couple of years , I think, online shopping in India would really mature. This is good as it eliminates all those totally clueless people who usually man the brick and mortar shops at the point of sales and sadly customers have to rely on what they say regarding the product. This totally screws up the reward system for the businesses which make products.
I feel sites like Flipkart and Mouthshut are not just sites which have reviews but gain and offer more value with each customer review and will have a profound impact on the quality of merchandise that are bought and in turn the quality of businesses that operate in India.