For the past two months, due to the complex nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the government has urged society to practice social distancing and limit outdoor activities. As a result, online shopping has become a top priority for many, as it offers the convenience of having products delivered to your doorstep without having to step outside.
It is understandable that online shopping has become a popular choice, given its obvious advantages. However, along with the undeniable positives, there are also some drawbacks that shoppers need to be aware of to avoid unnecessary spending on top of an already tight budget during these challenging times.
1. Choose reputable online stores
Ms. Lan, a housewife from Hoang Mai, Hanoi, who frequently shops online, shared her experience: “Due to my busy work schedule, I often opt for online shopping. Over the years, I’ve found that finding trustworthy online stores is not as difficult as one might think. It’s important to pay attention to the brands of the products and choose well-established names in the market that have gained the trust of consumers. Alternatively, you can also purchase goods through websites or fanpages recommended by friends or colleagues to ensure quality.”
Additionally, when time allows, Ms. Lan also researches the website or fanpage of the store on social media to check customer reviews and interactions. She finds that stores or fanpages with a significant number of positive reviews from users are more trustworthy. However, she also cautions against fake interactions used by some pages to attract customers, emphasizing the need to thoroughly research and observe before making a purchase decision.
According to Ms. Lan’s experience, reputable and quality-assured stores will always provide transparent information, including the address and contact details of the manufacturer or store owner, so that customers can easily reach out or file a complaint if any issues arise. This transparency helps build trust and confidence among consumers.
2. Compare prices
Ms. Ngoc Bich, another housewife who frequently shops online, shared her insights: “It’s not always true that higher prices guarantee better quality. Instead, it’s crucial for consumers to thoroughly research product information. If the product has a clear origin and comes from a reputable brand, you can rest assured about its quality. Keep an eye out for promotions or customer appreciation events where you can get good deals on quality products. But remember to always verify product information on the manufacturer’s official website.”
3. Request real photos
Remember, advertisements are often just illustrations, and the actual product may differ significantly. To avoid disappointment and ensure you get what you pay for, it’s essential to request real photos from the seller before making an online purchase.
Requesting real photos from the seller is crucial to avoiding disappointment when shopping online. (Illustration)
Ms. Huong, a resident of Dong Da, Hanoi, shared her experience: “I’ve had a few shocking experiences with online purchases. I once ordered a dress based solely on the model photo without asking the seller for real pictures. The sales assistant assured me of its quality and asked me to transfer the money first, saying that I could exchange or return the item if I wasn’t satisfied. However, when I received the dress, it looked completely different from the photo, both in terms of design and quality. When I contacted them about exchanging the item, they refused. After that, I learned my lesson and always ask for real photos before buying anything online.”
4. Inspect the goods before payment
Reputable brands and stores are usually more than happy to let customers inspect the goods before paying. On the other hand, shady businesses that sell low-quality products will often make it difficult for customers to view the items before purchase.
Ms. Ha, a resident of Thanh Xuan, Hanoi, recounted her experience: “Due to the pandemic, many restaurants in my area were closed, but my family still wanted to enjoy a hot pot meal. So, I ordered a hot pot set for five people online. The restaurant staff assured me that the set would be sufficient for everyone. However, when the order arrived, it was mostly vegetables and broth, with only a few pieces of meat. The meat was also not very fresh. Since the order included many bags and the broth, I didn’t find it convenient to inspect the contents at the time of delivery. It wasn’t until we sat down to eat that I realized how disappointing the order was. When I called the restaurant to complain, they insisted that the set for five people was always like that. I felt cheated, having paid for something that was not as advertised. So, remember to always inspect your online orders before handing over the money.”
The restaurant staff assured a full and satisfying meal, but the customer was disappointed to find mostly vegetables and broth. (Illustration)
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