New Delhi16 minutes ago
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The government has started a formal investigation to impose extra charge on cash on delivery orders on e-commerce platforms. Consumer Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi wrote in a social media post, ‘E-commerce platforms imposing additional fees on COD are a kind of’ dark pattern ‘. Following complaints received this year, the department has intensified the investigation.
According to Joshi, taking more money on COD is an example of drip pricing. It is one of the 13 dark patterns under the Consumer Protection Act. In July, complaints were reported on social media against platforms like Jepto, where ‘cash handling fees’ were added on checkouts.
The minister said, ‘There will be a thorough investigation of the platforms. Strict action will be confirmed against those who violate the rights of customers, so that transparency in e-commerce remains.
More trends of these dark patterns
- Drip Pricing: Adding hidden fees in the final stages of order
- Falls Arms: False messages like ‘only 1 item left’
- Subscription Traps: Memorship not easily canceled
Adopting these methods is a violation of rules. It also includes extra charge on COD. Fines and other action can be taken under the Consumer Protection Act if found guilty in the investigation.
This e-commerce platform is a tax invoice for purchasing Amazon, in which an extra charge of Rs 10 has been charged for cod.
Answers to some questions related to ordering online goods …
Question 1: What to do if you get defective or separate products in online shopping?
answer- In such a situation, the customer should first make photos and videos of the product as evidence. Then a request should be filed for returns-replacement by visiting the shopping app or website. Most companies have a return policy of 7 to 10 days.
Question 2: Does the customer have the right to return the goods even without giving any reason?
answer- It completely depends on the return policy of that e-commerce website. Some websites have the facility of ‘no-evolution return’, where the customer can return the goods within the fixed time (usually 7 or 10 days) without giving reasons. However, many times undergarments, personal care items or customized orders are not included in it. Therefore, it is necessary to read the website’s return and refund policy carefully before shopping.
Question 3: What should be done if the company is reluctant or delayed in giving refund?
answer- The customer should first keep all his records. Such as order receipt, customer care call or chat screenshot, email proof etc. If the company is repeatedly postponing the refund or is not responding, then take these steps after this-
Question 4: What should be kept in mind while shopping online?
answer- It is important to take care of these things while shopping online …
- Choose a reliable website: Shop only with well-known and safe websites (eg https protocol). Read customers reviews and ratings.
- Read product description: Read the details of the product, size, material, and the return policy carefully.
- Compare Price: Compare prices on different platforms and check the authenticity of discount offers.
- Make safe payment: Use a credit card or trusted digital wallet; Avoid unsafe links or unknown payment method.
- Understand returns and refund policy: Understand the conditions of returns, refunds, and delivery time before purchasing.
Question 5: Are there similar consumers rights in both online and offline?
answer- Yes, the consumer has the same legal rights in both online and offline methods. E-commerce platforms have also been clearly included in the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. Companies have to follow the rules related to transparency, quality, safe transactions and returns policy.
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Read this news too …
Quick-commerce game; ₹ 57 items coming for ₹ 200: Quick delivery companies like Jepto-Blinkit are charging in the name of rain and small order
Quick commerce companies that deliver grocery in minutes are quietly putting additional burden on customers. In addition to delivery, handling charge, membership fees, rain fees, processing fees, platform fees and surge charge are also being charged in busy time. This is all different from standard delivery and platform charge.
Click here to read the full news …
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