Online Purchasing Evasion: Escaping the Challenges of E-commerce Sales
Online Purchasing Can Be Swift and Convenient, Yet Troublesome at Times: Initially, the product fails to arrive, subsequently falling short of expectations, and finally, dealing with returns leads to a long journey overseas? Recognizing Red Flags Prior to Purchase.
The item seems appealing online and the price is justified. A simple click seals the deal. However, the delivery process takes an unreasonably long period. And when you wish to return the item, you discover that it wasn't even dispatched from Europe, possibly headed to China or other distant locations. This is a situation explained by European Consumer Centre Germany (EVZ), anticipating "unending trouble".
Exports from Asian Manufacturers
When an online store simply processes the order and sends the product directly from the manufacturer or wholesaler, it's referred to as 'dropshipping'. Typically, this involves low-cost items from Asia. Returning such items can then prove to be quite challenging.
At first glance, the site may appear trustworthy with a ".de" domain, German text in the ads, and a European address in the imprint. However, this doesn't guarantee a return will be possible there.
Identifying Keywords
So, what are the warning signs for avoiding dropshipping? Carefully check the imprint, return information, and terms and conditions. If the text is too lengthy, you can use a search function to look for specific keywords like "China", "Asia", "Far East", "return", "address", and "costs". According to the EVZ, there might be a hidden indication that the return will be your responsibility and will be sent to Asia, or the return address may only be disclosed upon request.
In certain instances, the imprint may also specify that the listed address is not the return address. This often means that the online shop demands the return to be delivered to a non-EU country. Reviews on other platforms can also serve as warnings. If there are numerous complaints about the shop, it may be a cause for concern.
Most Online Shoppers Neglect Essential Precautions
A survey conducted by the EVZ reveals that numerous consumers disregard the importance of checking return conditions before making a purchase. Only about 20% of those who shop online at least once a month pay heed to this, while approximately 25% never bother with it.
The item purchased through dropshipping is often sourced from Asian manufacturers, making returns very challenging. Despite having a trustworthy appearance with a German domain and text, returning the product might still be an international journey due to the direct shipping from the manufacturer.
