Bad experience buying bike accessories online: Returned it the same day

I would rather pay more for shipping and procure the products directly from the manufacturer.

BHPian Sman999 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

This might be quite long and look like a rant. So kindly excuse me.

The scenario is, I tried to order a rear luggage rack for my motorcycle (CB650R) from one of the big baddy accessories sellers online. The listed model was different from what I was looking for and inquired them regarding the same through WhatsApp. The support person confirmed it is what I was looking for and will fit my CB, no doubt. I thought the website description might be wrong since the support person claimed otherwise. So I went ahead and ordered the rack which was Rs 15,300.

The product arrived 3 days later and as I doubted earlier it didn't fit my CB. The part number says it's for CB650F. So I didn't even bother to open it completely, put it back as safe as it came and shipped them back to the seller the same day after confirmation. I paid the return shipping cost of Rs 240.

When asked why was wrong info given on the product, he said that the back-end team confused it for the CBR650R. That was utter crap because it won't fit the CBR as well. It might fit the CBR650F.

The next day he confirmed that they received the product and then this was his exact reply. "As checked, there are a lot of blemishes on the paint on the product at the fitment points. Kindly allow some time to provide you with an update on the same."

I got furious and called him and said that he must be either joking or looking at the wrong product as I didn't even bother to open it fully. Then he said he will give me a credit note and I can use it to purchase any other product. I argued it was not my fault that I ordered the wrong product and asked him to refund for which he agreed later on. I got the refund as well. Thankfully I was lucky.

Most of the online sellers are listing the product as a pre-order item which is fair as certain items do not sell. But they expect the customer to pay in full for the pre-order item and wait for months without any proper reply. When they are into a business, why can't they have the courtesy to take a part payment as a confirmation and then collect the remaining payment once the product arrives, before delivery? I believe they are selling such products at a comfortable profit margin. This kinda business strategy is ridiculous.

I would rather pay more for shipping and procure the products directly from the manufacturer.

Also when asked if I can return a boot if it doesn't fit me right, almost all the sellers reply that can't refund the money but only a credit note. What kind of atrocity is this?

Is this really the scenario everywhere or is it my bad luck that I experienced such a thing?

Here's what BHPian raptor_diwan had to say on the matter:

This is why I always make it a point to record videos while unboxing products, and even when returning them, I capture a video of myself thoroughly packing the items. This practice would have been beneficial in your situation, especially if there had been any denial regarding the paint issue.

I'm glad to hear that you received the refund. In my experience, other online providers do not engage in such malpractices. I have tried lluvia, bandidpitstop, and many others, and I must say that Bandidpitstop is the best. They kept me consistently updated on each and every aspect and responded quickly to various issues, including refund-related matters.

It's possible that the seller initially considered attempting to take advantage of the situation, but seeing your firm stance, couldn't go head further.

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