10 Things People Get Wrong When Buying Electronics Online in India

July 2026 · 5 min read · Buying Tips

Based on the most common questions we get from our readers and YouTube community at Smart Choice, here are the 10 things that cost Indian shoppers the most money — and how to avoid them.

1. Not Comparing Prices Across Stores

The same Samsung 55-inch TV can be Rs 4,000 cheaper on Croma than Amazon on the same day. A 65-inch QLED can be Rs 6,000 cheaper on Flipkart during a sale. Yet most people open one app, see the price, and buy. Use PecificChain to see all stores on one screen before deciding.

2. Buying Last Year’s Model at Full Price

When a new TV model is released, the previous year’s model gets discounted by 15–30%. This is one of the best-kept deals in electronics retail. A 2024 model QLED TV with a 15% discount often outperforms a 2025 budget model at the same price. Check our product pages for last-checked dates.

3. Falling for Inflated MRPs

Some listings inflate the original price to make the discount look massive. Check the price history on sites like camelcamelcamel (for Amazon) or look at the product on multiple stores. If everyone is selling it at Rs 39,999, it was never actually Rs 99,999.

4. Ignoring the “Fulfilled by Amazon” Label

On Amazon India, third-party sellers can list products at suspiciously low prices. Always check: is it “Fulfilled by Amazon” (FBA)? FBA products have Amazon’s return and quality guarantee. Third-party-fulfilled products do not.

5. Buying a TV Without Checking the Panel Type

All TVs look the same on a product page thumbnail. The difference between an IPS LED and a QLED panel is dramatic in a bright Indian living room. Always read the specifications, not just the headline. We cover this in our full TV buying guide.

6. Not Checking EMI No-Cost Terms Carefully

“No Cost EMI” is often “cost hidden elsewhere.” Sometimes the product’s effective price is higher because the discount you’d get for a direct payment is removed. Calculate the total outgo vs. paying cash before signing up for EMI.

7. Skipping the Warranty Card Check on Delivery

When your TV or appliance arrives, check that the box is sealed, the serial number matches the invoice, and that a physical warranty card or digital registration link is included. Report any discrepancy to the seller within 24 hours before accepting the product.

8. Buying the Cheapest AC Brand Without Checking Service Centres

A local brand AC 15% cheaper than Daikin or O General will cost you more in service calls over 5 years. In smaller cities, some brands simply don’t have authorised service centres. Always check the brand’s service centre locator before buying.

9. Assuming 512GB Storage on a Budget Phone is Useful

Budget phones with 512GB often use UFS 2.1 storage that’s slow for apps. Meanwhile a phone with 256GB UFS 3.1 will feel significantly faster day-to-day. Storage spec alone doesn’t tell the full story. Read reviews from Indian tech channels (like ours!) before buying.

10. Not Reading the Return Policy Before Buying

Amazon and Flipkart have different return windows for different categories. Large appliances (ACs, washing machines, refrigerators) often have 10-day return windows with installation conditions. Electronics typically have 7–10 day returns. Read the specific policy for your product before purchasing.