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The average Instagram user spends 30 minutes on the app daily. The platform boasts of 200 million users and 81% of them use it to research products and services. To sell successfully on Instagram, a business should have the following; -a perfectly curated feed
-aesthetics that are pleasing to the sight -convincing captions with videos and pictures – good reviews and followers. Lots of followers. However, it seems that a number of these businesses pay more attention to the packaging and display of their products and services instead of quality. Also, it’s as though they have favorites who they sell the best quality to. From personal experiences and from that of some friends, I have a few issues to address in this post.

Buying things online requires a good level of trust. I’m a Nigerian which means I automatically have trust issues. So, before I decide to buy something on the internet, I must have given it a long, hard thought and carried out my research. From observation, some businesses use celebrities and other influencers to advertise their products and services. Of course, this is good for business and I strongly advice anyone who has the means to go for it.

Packaging Gone Wrong or Deception?

Now, for example, I see a nice pair of shorts being advertised and it’s sitting right on the model. Well sewn, detailed and finished to perfection- I want it. I then proceed to send a DM to the seller with my size details and other requirements. Payment is made and I’m told that my item will be delivered in 3 days time. 3 days pass and I’m yet to receive my order. It eventually arrives on the 5th day and I’m happy. I open my package and what I see enrages me.

Uneven stitches, lose threads, a bulging side zip and poor finishing. This isn’t what I bargained for. I contact the seller to lay my complaints and I’m met with excuses. No way I’m getting a refund because it’s clearly stated in their terms and conditions. My money is gone for good and I’m left with a poorly sewn pair of shorts.

The above scenario has played out differently for other buyers. It’s a typical case of “what I ordered vs. what I got”. These questions come to mind;

• Are some online vendors more concerned about how their business looks on the internet than actually delivering quality products and services?

• Do these sellers offer different products to their celebrity clientele and sell substandard items to others?

• Is your follower count on Instagram instrumental in getting you the best customer service from some online vendors?

• Where do we draw the line between packaging and deception? You can share your thoughts with me below.

It is wrong on all levels to advertise ‘A’ and then deliver ‘C’. I don’t want to order a white shirt and end up with a sky blue one. What we see is what we’re meant to get. I love to shop online and I have some vendors who never disappoint. A few bad experiences won’t deter me. What has your online shopping experience been like? The comment section is yours.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend and stay safe. Wear a face mask when you go out and wash your hands. Cheers!