It is not futile to pursue online vendors who fail to deliver promised goods and services. Chitra Vittal from Bangalore has won an out-of-court settlement from online vendor of cakes
Far too many of us have felt cheated by online vendors but have let it go because of the apparent futility of fighting for our rights. However, Chitra Vittal’s story tells us that it is indeed possible to win out-of-court settlements with online vendors with the help of consumer rights organizations like the International Consumer Rights Protection Council (ICRPC).
Chitra Vittal from Bangalore ordered a combo package including cake from Flowers n Cakes to India, an online florist and gift store that guarantees same day delivery and the “delivery of fresh products – always.” Flowers n Cakes to India failed to deliver the product on the specified day, and when they finally did deliver it the next day, the cake was “smashed up, made of cheap wine” and of a quality that was entirely unacceptable to the customer.
When Ms Vittal attempted to complain about the non-delivery of the product on the scheduled day, she found that the customer care numbers displayed on the website were not attended. She managed to find contact details of their Hyderabad-based sub-vendor, only to be told that they had only received their orders from Flowers n Cakes to India the morning after the scheduled date.
Five days later, Ms Vittal complained about the delayed delivery of a substandard product over a chat conversation with the company representative, Rahul, who, according to her was rude and paid no heed to her complaints.
Ms Vittal then approached Arun Saxena, President of ICRPC, which runs a consumer helpline. Mr Saxena sent an email to the vendor on behalf of Ms Vittal, informing them that they had conducted Unfair Trade Practices under Section 2 (1) (r) of the Consumer Protection Act. If the vendor did not refund the full amount to Ms Vittal and pay Rs50,000 as compensation for her losses, harassment and inconvenience, Mr Saxena said, severe action would be initiated against them, seeking higher compensation of Rs1 lakh with the legal costs.
What ensued was a series of emails exchanged among Mr Saxena, Ms Vittal and Flowers n Cakes to India, where the vendor attempted to seek refuge in its disclaimer against “unavoidable delays”. Ms Vittal felt that the vendors entirely ignored the accusation of no-response to complaints and were repeatedly rude to her. The emails reveal comments from the vendor to the tune of “If she doesn’t understand simple English language then it’s not our responsibility” and “she is the only one who we can call Fake”.
When Mr Saxena finally said that the matter was headed to consumer court and they would have to appear in person to justify their position, Flowers n Cakes to India beat a hasty retreat. With a sudden and radical change of tone, it sent a politely apologetic email to Ms Vittal, with the promise of a full refund on the same day.
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Maine apne Ghar k liye bhagwan ka temple order Diya tha uniform soft company walo ko online through Jiska price 8000/- tha par Maine unse kaha tha payment Mai cash on delivery karungi aap tabi le Lena par in logo ne kaha atleast half payment karna hoga yane 4000 Maine unse unka card bhi pucha tha tho vo log mujhe uniform soft company ka card dikhaya par paise Milne k baad usne call tho pehle ek bhi receive nahi Kiya baadme jab Maine uska msg Kiya tho mujhe dhamkiya Diya k apko pura payment karna hai vo bhi half an hour k andar nahi tho hum block Kar denge aur usne block kiya.pls mujhe help kijiye vo darinde par kuch action lene k liye mujhe pata hai I will not get my money back par usko rokna hai kisi aur k sath thagg karnese....uska no bhi Mai upload karti hun-7078899722
Go classic (feel the nature) is the online shopping site that had cheated me for think these folks do this often
Recently, one more website, ariyafashion online showed 6 kurtis for 499/-. I just went through, did not order first. I got WhatsApp message advising me to buy. I asked her, who is that. Her number- 92054 15073. She told, Sonia gupta from confirmation department. She also sent address saying, it is a manufacturing company, Near, 4020 New Sardar Traders Market, Sahara Darwaja, Sardar Vegetable Market, Surat, Gujarat 395010
It seemed so genuine with a couple of chats with her and sent me google pay number- 8800126553(crafters villa). I paid through my google account and she messaged, order confirm and dispatched. Since 6 th August, 2021, I am asking her to send me tracking number, but not responding, though she is online. Today I checked website, no website not available. I was awestruck. I want my money back or ordered kurtis. Someone help me
The process was very fast
And I did payment even.
But then I didn't received any confirmation of
placed order. An amont of 531 was deducted from my account
But I didn't got any message yet.
The payment was made to some other company named payu payments.
Not to the one I ordered clothes from.
What should I do now?