By Muthukumar K
ET Intelligence Group

Shopping has changed so much over the last few years that one no longer has to physically visit a shop to shop, thanks to all those teleshopping companies. For people who don’t quite enjoy the shopping experience, this is a pretty convenient alternative.

Unlike catalogue shopping, where you don’t get to see the products alive and kicking, teleshopping offers a vicarious audio-visual way to experience the product, which is even delivered right at your doorstep.

Payments
The payment options available are — bank cheques, money orders, demand drafts and credit cards. If you are looking for faster delivery of the order, avoid paying through cheques. That’s because teleshopping companies wait for cheques to be cleared before shipping orders.

Using a credit card, though, has its own pitfalls. One, there is a possibility of misuse of a credit card number given on the phone. And second, you cannot change your mind about buying the product after you have given your card number, since these orders are generally not cancelled.

Another problem with this mode of shopping is that most companies don’t give a Cash On Delivery (COD) option, which would have allowed you to scrutinise and check the product, before actually making a payment.

Benefits And Value
All the same, teleshopping can be a useful medium to buy, say, kitchenware, books or gift items, where you can gauge the value and quality of a product without touching and feeling it. And were you to insist on that, some even have retail outlets in main cities, where you can go and see the product.

However, for health care products, it is always better to learn more about the product before buying it. Take an example of the Power Glider that contains a hardwearing spring that rolls on and off your body as you glide through.

The manufacturing company claims that its regular usage would stimulate, tighten and tone the muscles. But on seeking additional information, you find that it is not advisable for people having back, abdominal and muscle complaints.

The Catch
Some times, the products are highly priced, but bundled with freebies to make them look attractive. So you should ensure that you are not taken for a ride, and should make buying preferences strictly based on quality and pricing of the original product.

Also, some advertisements offer discounted prices if orders are given in the “next one hour”. Here, you should check whether the discounted prices are applicable for a longer period too.

Before buying a product, check with the company whether the amount is refundable, or the product exchangable, if it is faulty. Teleshopping companies showcase products of different manufacturers. And for many products, its manufacturers provide a six-month warranty. However, you can’t hold a teleshopping company liable if such services are not provided.

Check List
Avoid credit card payments
Don’t get lured by freebies
Look for at least six-month product warranties
Check about actual applicability of discounted time-bound offers
Pricing and quality should be important buying parameters
Ensure there are replacement or repairing options available Visit its retail outlets, if any
Consult your family doctor, especially while buying health-care products

GOT COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS? E-MAIL US AT femina@timesgroup.com WITH ‘ODDS ON EVE — TELESHOPPING SAVVY’ IN THE SUBJECT LINE