I was freaking out on online shopping. In fact I had first purchased online way back in 2001 and was quite happy about it. No credit card frauds happened, the items were delivered promptly to any location in India. I found it a very convenient mode of sending gifts to my friends and relatives, particularly during the festive seasons.
My first jolt came sometime back, when I purchased Air Deccan tickets online and they deducted Rs. 14000/- odd extra. However, thanks to the promptness shown by ICICI bank, the amount was refunded in a week’s time.
Thereafter, with almost every purchase I made online I met with harassment and financial loss. Indiatimes delivered certain items and didn’t some, but I must say they refunded the money somewhat promptly(in about two weeks time).
The worst online shopping experience I am having is with Indiaplaza( http://www.indiaplaza.in). Initially they were very good with prompt service, next day delivery, quality products and all. I was very happy with them, and they had even promptly refunded the amount mistakenly deducted for a transaction that snapped midway. But since last December 2007(I do not know if there is a change of guard, worker unrest or whatever), they have started giving me nightmares. They do not refund the money and take months to deliver the simplest of items. It has happened with not just one purchase, but a few of them.
I would suggest not to make online shopping anymore, there is no point in paying money in advance and waiting endlessly for an item. Often we get lured of the convenience attached with shopping from home, but if one is doing so to dispel boredom, let him buy only small value items of optional use, so that he doesn’t loose much money or is stuck for something. It is best to drop in at a neigbourhood shopping mall or store, pay the money and bring the item.
Regarding air tickets and railway tickets, perhaps there is not much choice there now-a-days, but the risk is there and one might end up doing more running about than choosing not to buy online. For air tickets and railway tickets, a travel agent is still a better bet if just safety is concerned.
S.R.Saha