Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid When Shopping Online in Pakistan

Online shopping has become a part of everyday life in Pakistan — from ordering clothes on your phone to buying electronics or groceries from the comfort of your home. But with this convenience comes risk. Thousands of Pakistanis lose money every year due to fake stores, scam pages, and unverified sellers.

At Sastewala store, we believe online shopping should be safe, affordable, and stress-free. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a regular Daraz user, this guide will show you the top 10 mistakes to avoid when shopping online in Pakistan, and how to protect yourself from fraud.

Mistake #1: Not Checking the Seller’s Reputation

One of the most common mistakes Pakistani buyers make is trusting any website or page that looks professional. Many scammers run temporary websites or Facebook pages that vanish after taking payments.

What to Do:

• Always read reviews and ratings before placing an order.
• Search the store’s name on Google; if there are no results or reviews, that’s a red flag.
• Trusted platforms like Sastewala. Store proudly shows customer feedback and maintains an active support system.

Mistake #2: Ignoring Website Security (HTTPS)

If you ever notice a website that starts with ‘http://’ instead of ‘https://’, stop right there!

The ‘S’ stands for secure, which means your data, like passwords and payment details, is protected.

What to Do:

• Always check for a padlock icon in the browser bar.
• Avoid making payments on unsecured sites.
• Sastewala. store uses secure SSL encryption, ensuring every transaction is safe.

Mistake #3: Falling for Unrealistic Discounts

“iPhone 14 for Rs. 25,000?” Sounds impressive, right? But these offers are too good to be true.

Fake websites often lure customers with huge discounts only to deliver counterfeit or no products at all.

What to Do:

• Compare prices on multiple sites.
• Avoid sellers with extreme discounts or limited-time offers without proper reviews.
• Genuine stores like Sastewala offer fair prices and genuine discounts.

Mistake #4: Not Reading Product Descriptions Carefully

Many people in Pakistan buy clothes or electronics based only on pictures — and then get disappointed when the product arrives.

What to Do:

• Always read product details, sizes, specifications, and materials.
• Check for images from multiple angles.
• Sastewala. store provides detailed product descriptions to ensure clarity.

Mistake #5: Skipping the Return & Refund Policy

A clear return policy is a sign of a trustworthy business. Many scam sites never mention returns or refunds.

What to Do:

• Always check for a “Return Policy” page.
• Avoid stores that don’t offer returns or have unclear return policies.
• Sastewala store provides easy returns and exchanges for a worry-free experience.

Mistake #6: Using Unsecured Payment Methods

In Pakistan, online payment fraud is increasing rapidly. Some fake stores use unofficial payment links or personal accounts.

What to Do:

• Prefer Cash on Delivery (COD) when available.
• If paying online, use secure gateways like JazzCash, Easypaisa, or verified bank portals.
• Never transfer money directly to a random bank account.

Mistake #7: Ignoring Delivery Timelines

Many scam stores promise “3-day delivery” and then take weeks, or never deliver at all.

What to Do:

• Always confirm delivery timelines before ordering.
• Choose platforms that track shipments transparently.
• At the Sastewala store, we ensure on-time delivery across Pakistan with verified courier partners.

Mistake #8: Ignoring Customer Reviews & Photos

Honest customer feedback is gold. Before buying anything, read what others say.

What to Do:

• Check for verified buyer reviews and real photos.
• Avoid sites that have “no reviews” or only fake-looking 5-star ratings.
• Sastewala. store displays genuine customer feedback on every product page.

Mistake #9: Sharing Too Much Personal Information

Fraudsters often trick users into providing unnecessary details, such as CNIC numbers, OTP codes, or bank information.

What to Do:

• Never share OTPs or sensitive data with anyone claiming to be from “support.”
• Legit stores will only ask for what’s necessary for delivery.
• Sastewala. store protects your privacy and never sells user data.

Mistake #10: Shopping from Random Social Media Pages

Many Pakistanis fall victim to fake Instagram and Facebook stores that vanish after payment.

What to Do:

• Check for official websites, contact numbers, and addresses.
• Search for the brand’s name on Google.
• Avoid paying in advance unless you trust the store.
• Shop from verified online stores like Sastewala. store.

Bonus Tips: Stay Safe While Shopping Online in Pakistan

• Use strong passwords and change them regularly.
• Always log out after shopping from public devices.
• Keep screenshots of your order confirmation and tracking info.
• Stay informed by reading safe shopping guides, such as How to Shop Safely Online in Pakistan.

Conclusion: Shop Smart, Stay Safe

Online shopping in Pakistan is exciting and convenient. But only if done wisely. By avoiding these 10 common mistakes, you can protect your money, data, and peace of mind.

FAQs

Q1. How can I avoid fake online stores in Pakistan?

Check the website’s domain, reviews, and contact information. Avoid sites with no social proof or refund policies.

Q2. What’s the safest payment method for online shopping in Pakistan?

Cash on Delivery (COD) is the safest option. If you pay online, use verified platforms like Easypaisa or JazzCash.

Q3. Is it safe to shop from Instagram or Facebook pages?

Only from verified business pages with a website, contact number, and active customer feedback.

Q4. How do I know if a website is secure?

Look for “https://” and a padlock symbol in the browser bar before making a payment.