Online shopping has changed how we shop, making it easier than ever to find deals and order products from the comfort of home. In Bangladesh, Daraz BD has become a leading online shopping platform, offering a huge selection of products, exciting discounts, and home delivery. Since being acquired by the Alibaba Group in 2018, Daraz has expanded across South Asia, including Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Myanmar.
From smartphones to shoes, customers trust Daraz for convenience and variety. But beneath the surface, some shoppers face a hidden challenge that can turn the excitement of online shopping into frustration: receiving the wrong or worthless product and then getting denied a refund.
In this post, I’ll explore this issue based on my own experience as a former Daraz seller, share how this kind of fraud might happen, and offer practical tips to protect yourself.
Why People Love Shopping on Daraz
There’s no denying that Daraz has made online shopping easier for people in Bangladesh. Here’s why it’s so popular:
- Massive product range across electronics, fashion, beauty, and home essentials.
- Exclusive deals and flash sales during major events like 11.11 sales, Eid discounts, and daily vouchers.
- Easy returns (at least in theory) and nationwide delivery.
- Independent sellers can reach customers without needing a physical store.
But as the platform grows, so do the risks.
When Online Orders Go Wrong: A Real Story
Let’s say you order a sleek wristwatch for ৳4,500 BDT (around $37). After a few days, you finally get the package. You unwrap it—only to find a bar of soap or some random junk inside. Confused and annoyed, you contact Daraz support. They ask you to upload a photo of the item. You do.
A few days later, you get this message: “Your refund request has been rejected.”
Why? The seller claims they sent the correct item. Since you didn’t record an unboxing video, there’s no solid proof. Daraz closes the case.
This kind of experience, unfortunately, isn’t unique. Many buyers in Bangladesh have reported similar incidents—especially with medium to high-value items. So how does this happen?
Inside the Deception: How Fraud Happens in the Supply Chain
To understand how products get swapped, it helps to know how Daraz’s logistics system works. When you place an order, the seller has two ways to ship it:
- Pack at home/shop and drop it at a Daraz station.
- Pack at the Daraz drop-off point under staff supervision.
After that, Daraz’s logistics network takes over. Your package passes through multiple hands, warehouses, and delivery hubs before it reaches you.
At some point during that journey, possibly warehouse staff or third-party delivery workers—may open the package and replace the item with something worthless. They then reseal the box and send it on its way. Because the package still looks sealed, the scam is hard to detect.
From what I and others have seen, carton boxes are more likely to be tampered with than Daraz-branded polybags, which are harder to reseal discreetly.
Who’s Affected by This?
- Customers lose their money and trust. They feel helpless when their refund gets rejected.
- Sellers suffer too. If customers think they’re dishonest, their reputation takes a hit—even when they did everything right.
- Daraz risks losing credibility, which could drive people away from the platform.
How to Protect Yourself as a Customer
While Daraz has policies to help customers, the best protection is prevention. Here’s how to shop smarter:
1. Always record the unboxing
Start recording before you open the package. Show the sealed box, your order details, and then film the unwrapping clearly.
2. Include key details
Make sure your name, the Daraz tracking number, and the package label are visible in the video.
3. Act fast
If you receive a wrong item, submit a refund request immediately via the Daraz app or website.
4. Send the video
If the app doesn’t allow video uploads, contact support via Live Chat and send the video through Google Drive or a similar platform.
5. Request polybag packaging
After ordering, message the seller and ask them to use Daraz polybags instead of boxes. They’re harder to tamper with.
Tips for Sellers: Protect Your Business
As a seller, you also need to protect yourself. Here’s how:
1. Record your packing process
Film each order as you pack it. Show the item, how it’s being wrapped, and the final sealed package.
2. Use drop-off stations
Pack your orders at the Daraz drop-off point, preferably under surveillance.
3. Keep digital records
Save your videos and shipping receipts. These can help you fight disputes later.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Avoid Daraz, Shop Smart
Let me be clear: I’m still a regular Daraz customer. I’ve ordered many things without issue. But I’ve learned to be cautious and follow these protective steps. When I do, I don’t face problems with refunds or returns.
This post isn’t meant to bash Daraz—it’s to highlight a real issue and help others avoid the same pain. I truly hope that someone from Daraz Bangladesh sees this and takes action to strengthen the delivery chain and build trust among users.
Have you had a similar experience with Daraz or any other e-commerce site? Drop your story in the comments below. By sharing our experiences, we can create a stronger, safer online shopping community for everyone.
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