Everyone has a story. The phone that turned out to be a dummy. The dress that looked nothing like the photo. The "store" that disappeared after the money was sent. Online shopping in Pakistan has come a long way, but it still pays to know a few rules.
Why Cash on Delivery is still king
Cash on Delivery (COD) lets you pay when the parcel reaches you, so you're not trusting a stranger with money upfront. At Xportius you can check your parcel before paying, which adds another layer of confidence.
7 rules for safe online shopping
1. Check the store is real
A genuine store has a working contact page, clear policies and a consistent brand across its website and social media.
2. Read the return and refund policy
Before you order, read what happens if something arrives damaged or wrong. Ours is here: return and refund policy. If a store doesn't have one, that's a red flag.
3. Be wary of "advance payment only" deals
Scam pages on social media often push you to send money via mobile wallet first. If they refuse COD for no reason, walk away.
4. Prices too good to be true usually are
A 90% discount on a branded item is almost never real.
5. Check the parcel properly
- Look at the packaging for damage before opening.
- Check the product matches what you ordered — model, colour, quantity.
- For electronics, check it switches on or charges if possible.
- If something is wrong, don't pay — refuse the parcel and contact the store.
6. Keep records
Screenshot your order confirmation and save the tracking number. It makes any complaint much faster.
7. Never share OTPs or banking PINs
No genuine store or courier will ever ask for your OTP, CNIC copy over WhatsApp, or banking PIN to "confirm" a delivery.
What to do if something goes wrong
- Contact the seller first with photos and your order number.
- Give them a fair chance to fix it under their policy.
- If you've been defrauded, you can report cybercrime to the FIA, and complaints against federal agencies go to the Wafaqi Mohtasib (Federal Ombudsman).
How Xportius keeps it simple
- Cash on Delivery nationwide
- Check your parcel before you pay
- Free delivery across Pakistan — see the shipping policy
- Answers to common questions on our FAQs page
Ready to shop with confidence? Start with our list of trending home gadgets in Pakistan.