Ground Rules for Shopping on Daraz

Between 2009 and 2020, Sri Lanka experienced the emergence and evolution of numerous online shopping startups, among them My Deal and Anything. My Deal, despite its initial presence, gradually faded from the scene without leaving a lasting mark. In contrast, Anything underwent a significant transformation, rebranding itself as WoW, which eventually caught the attention of Daraz and was subsequently acquired by them. Daraz, entering the Sri Lankan market in 2016, swiftly established itself as a formidable force in the e-commerce realm, often drawing comparisons to eBay for its expansive reach and influence. As a seasoned shopper on Daraz, I have honed six ground rules that I regularly employ to ensure an optimal shopping experience. These ground rules not only enhance convenience but also contribute to maximizing the benefits and satisfaction derived from using the platform.

Choose from Products at Daraz Mall

When I used Daraz for the first time I used to wonder what the tiny blue colour label “Mall” meant. I asked another frequent buyer at Daraz and a friend of mine. He explained it means Daraz Mall is a curated section within Daraz featuring only authorized retailers and brand flagship stores. Therefore the products advertised in the Daraz Mall are much more reliable. Additional research revealed the undermentioned benefits.

• Guaranteed Authenticity: Daraz Mall only features authorized retailers and brand stores, ensuring you receive genuine products rather than imitations.
• Peace of Mind: With Daraz Mall vetting its sellers, you can shop confidently, knowing the products are legitimate.
• Hassle-free Returns: Many Daraz Mall sellers offer a 14-day hassle-free return policy, making it easier to return defective items.
• Brand Benefits: Purchasing from brand stores in Daraz Mall may come with additional perks such as brand warranties or special offers.
• Focus on Established Brands: If you’re searching for products from trusted brands, Daraz Mall simplifies browsing and finding their offerings.

The benefits to the shopper mentioned above are the reason why I have established choosing from products within the Daraz Mall as the first ground rule for shopping at Daraz (You can use the filter “Mall – Authentic Brands” on the left column on the website or the 3rd row from the top of the Android App to display items from the Mall.) What if you can’t find a product you want in the Daraz Mall? The answer to that question brings me to my next point.

Choose from Daraz Verified Products

The regular section of Daraz provides a broader assortment of products compared to Daraz Mall. Nevertheless, there’s an additional alternative to consider before browsing through the regular section, namely products that have been verified by Daraz. I have established this alternative as the second ground rule for shopping on Daraz, and I’ll explain the reasons behind this choice.

• Product Source: Daraz Verified products come from two trusted sources. Daraz warehouses (These products are stored and shipped directly by Daraz, ensuring proper handling and storage.) and exclusively selected sellers (These sellers are chosen by Daraz based on their history of excellent service and product quality.)
• Verification Process: While Daraz doesn’t guarantee the functionality or specific details of the product (like size or working condition), they do perform some verification checks such as Visual Inspection (Daraz’s fulfilment team conducts random visual checks on products stored in Daraz Warehouses to ensure they match the displayed image. This includes checking for expiry dates if applicable, physical damage, missing parts, or wear and tear.)
• Packaging: Daraz Verified products are shipped with secure packaging to minimize the risk of damage during delivery.

In short, Daraz Verified acts as a trust signal, highlighting products that are likely to be genuine and handled with care. It’s not a guarantee of functionality or specific details, but it signifies a higher standard from both Daraz and the seller. Hence it’s advisable to buy products verified by Daraz. You can use the filter “Daraz Verified” to display only the products verified by Daraz on the website and the Android App as well.

Avoid Koko as a Payment Method

I’ve previously emphasized the issue with Koko in my post titled “I’ve got a Problem with Koko” but I find it necessary to revisit it because of its critical importance. In that post, I explicitly outlined my decision not to use Koko due to several significant concerns: Dodgy app Permissions, Unsolicited & Unethical Emails, High volume of Push Notifications, and the Highly evasive Privacy Policy. These issues alone are substantial enough to warrant serious reconsideration of using the platform. Adding to these concerns, feedback from merchants who rely on Koko for managing instalment payments paints a troubling picture. Many have expressed dissatisfaction with Koko’s operational practices and its customer care policies. This dissatisfaction is particularly alarming considering that these merchants are crucial partners whose livelihood depends on reliable and supportive service from such platforms.

If Possible order from the same Seller

Imagine you went to Cargills Food City to buy a bulk of sugar. You wouldn’t go to Keells Super or Laughs for a bottle of water—you’d get both items from Cargills if you were satisfied with the brand. However, many of us make a common mistake when shopping on Daraz. Suppose you search the Daraz website for an Apple iPhone and buy one from Seller A. Then you search the entire site again for a protective case and tempered glass, choosing a different seller. Now you have to pay delivery fees for two different sellers. If you had checked Seller A’s store for protective cases and tempered glasses instead, you would only need to pay one delivery fee. Sometimes you can also get good discounts by buying multiple items from the same seller. Therefore, my 4th rule for shopping on Daraz is to order multiple items from the same seller whenever possible.

Don’t Discard the Original Packaging

Most sellers on Daraz provide generous return policies, which allow buyers to return faulty items within 14 days of purchase. Additionally, many clothing and footwear items can be returned even if you simply change your mind about the purchase. One key aspect to keep in mind is that the return process is much easier if you retain the original packaging. For example, I recently ordered a table lamp [See here] with a ceramic base from Daraz. Unfortunately, when the lamp arrived, the ceramic base was smashed due to mishandling during delivery. Returning the damaged item was straightforward because I had kept the original packaging. This experience reinforced the importance of retaining original packaging, which I have now established as my fifth ground rule for shopping on Daraz. This practice not only protects my purchases but also gives me peace of mind, knowing that I can easily return items if needed.

Comparing Prices in Physical Stores

I recently wanted to buy a portable USB LED night light priced at just Rs. 90 [See here]. Sounds like a great deal, right? But then I saw the delivery charges—Rs. 280. So, I would be paying Rs. 369 for an item worth only Rs. 90. I decided to look around in local electrical shops and found a similar item from a different brand for Rs. 120. Always check the delivery fees, because an item might not be worth it once the delivery charges are added. Now, take a look at the travel adapter below.

A few days ago, I ordered the travel adapter shown here through the Daraz Smartphone app for 250 rupees. However, the item I received is different and of substandard quality, as shown in the picture above. It works, it serves my purpose but I could have bought it at a local electrical shop for half the price! (Also, did you notice that it’s not from Daraz Mall and isn’t Daraz verified either? I broke my own rules.)

Wrap Up

In conclusion, shopping on Daraz can be highly rewarding if you follow the essential ground rules I mentioned above. I guarantee it because these are ground rules that I follow myself. In summary, first, prioritize products from Daraz Mall for guaranteed authenticity and reliable service. Second, opt for Daraz Verified items to ensure a higher standard of product quality and secure packaging. Third, avoid using Koko as a payment method due to its significant privacy and operational concerns. Finally, always compare prices with local stores and retain original packaging for easier returns. Be mindful of delivery charges to avoid overpaying for inexpensive items. By adhering to these guidelines, you can enhance your shopping experience on Daraz, ensuring you get the best value, convenience, and satisfaction from your purchases.

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