7 common online shopping mistakes and how to avoid them

Most problems with online shopping start with the same small slips: tapping a button in a hurry, not reading the description, not checking the address. None of them is hard to avoid, but each one costs time and nerves. Here are the seven most common online shopping mistakes and how to avoid them in the Dona app.

1. Choosing by the photo alone#

A photo can look great, but size, material, colour and what comes in the box are in the description. Read the product page to the end. If something is unclear, do not guess: ask with the “Message seller” button on the product page. When a chat starts from a product page, that product card is attached to the conversation, so the seller knows at once what you mean.

In a live stream it is even easier: the seller turns the product in front of the camera, and you type “show it closer” in the chat.

2. Not looking at the final total#

The price on a card and the amount you pay are not always the same: delivery, a discount or a voucher changes it. On Dona the final price is shown on the checkout screen, and the delivery fee is visible before you confirm. Take a second to look at that screen before you tap confirm. Any extra cost shows up right there.

3. Not checking the address#

Checkout usually fills in the address you picked last time. If you ordered to the office yesterday, today’s order may go there too. Look at the address before you confirm. It also helps to fill in the “Landmark” field and leave a note for the courier: one line like “Call before coming” saves time for both of you.

4. Sending money to a personal card#

This is the most expensive mistake. In a social media deal like “send it to my card and I will ship it”, you have no proof once the money is gone. On Dona payment happens inside the app and is tied to the order. If someone pushes you out of the app, to an unknown link or to a card-to-card transfer, stop. Never share a one-time SMS code with anyone, even someone who says they are the seller.

5. Not knowing the return terms in advance#

What happens if the item does not fit is better known before you buy. The return process is described in the Payments and Refunds Policy. For clothes, shoes and anything where size matters, ask the seller about return terms in the chat: the conversation is saved, so it is easy to show later.

6. Not following the order status#

Placing an order and forgetting about it is also a mistake. On Dona the order status is shown step by step in the app: being prepared, handed to the courier, on the way, delivered. You get a notification at each step. Keep notifications on, so the courier’s call does not catch you off guard.

7. Rushing for a discount#

“Flash deals” and the “Live only” tag are real savings, but they also push you to hurry. A discount only helps if you actually need the item. Add it to your likes list first, look at the final total, then decide. If the discount is counted on the checkout screen, it really is yours.

In short#

Read the description, ask about anything unclear, check the total and the address, and pay only inside the app. These four habits prevent most online shopping problems.