We have to be extremely careful while going for offers -- more so in online stores. Even if we are careful, we can get into trouble easily.

This is often true for products that require activation, such as DTH and anti-virus. I realised this recently when I bought ESET Internet Security on Flipkart.

Flipkart clearly said the product had to be ‘purchased’ before October 31 to get a year’s extra validity, and I went ahead and bought it. It was delivered on November 2. But when I tried to register the product, I got only a year’s validity, ESET maintained that it had to be activated -- not purchased -- by October 31.

Finally, after several days Flipkart admitted they had made a mistake in mentioning ‘purchase’ instead of ‘activate’, and offered compensation.

Many also fall for ‘cashback’ offers without realising that there is usually a fixed ceiling like Rs 500. There are also many who end up buying products with dealer warranty as they are cheaper, that is, if at all they take pains to check warranty details.

It is also important to confirm whether the product you are buying has the exact specifications you want. There are people who have ordered tablet computers ‘thinking’ they all come with SIM card option and use them as glorified e-book readers as they don’t have access to wi-fi.

The worst thing is that there are those who have no clue about the grievance redressal process. Twitter is full of people who wonder “how to” get defective products bought from e-shops replaced.

Buying products and services online is easy, but you will be in soup if you don’t check properly for minor aspects.

dinakaran.rengachary@thehindu.co.in

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