The reviews for detec.in or Detech Devices Private Limited are overwhelmingly negative: either on Facebook, or Google, or anywhere else. But I found that out after placing an order. So here's what I learned:
It would appear they're from "Old India" where you'd place an order and they would either send it out if it's in stock, or would spend weeks/months trying to procure it for you.
Other characteristics of such "Old India" sellers (my terminology) is that:
- They will list out-of-stock items as available so their online inventory is not "live" or accurate
- They will contact you exactly once if there's an issue with availability
- They won't update or reply if they don't have positive news/updates
- The concept of a refund is based on myth and legend
And honestly, I understand, the excuses/reasons I've made up in my head as being acceptable for each of those points are:
- Search engine ranking favours in-stock inventory and this seller does have high ranking. Also a live inventory is not easy to keep track of when you also have a physical store and different platforms for billing of either one
- Their order volume is pretty large and they appear to be understaffed — about 4000 to 5000 orders per month with a staff of maybe half a dozen people
- Customer service becomes a challenge and a strain on mental health when the customer initiates contact vs you reaching out to the customer
- BIlling/Cashflow/Taxation makes refunds complicated
Timeline:
I placed an order for a used item and paid in full through their payment processor, CCAvenue.
Three days later I missed a call from an unknown number, I tried calling back a few minutes later but there was no pickup.
Then I spent five weeks following up with twice-weekly messages on Whatsapp, or calls, or a mix of both. And even an email.
Then I saw that CCAvenue had terms stating they would initiate a refund for any product not received in 15 days, so I emailed them about detec.in being unresponsive. That was on a Sunday.
On Monday, i got a call from Detec with someone being very apologetic saying they were trying to procure the product this entire time and offered an alternative instead. They didn't actually apologize though. But what they offered, at no extra cost, was something that was priced higher, but also something I had no interest in.
I countered with another alternative, which they accepted and shipped out on Tuesday. My counter was ultimately something that was valued less than what I paid for, but what I really wanted vs something I could've resold (which is what they were offering).
What I would have done differently is very simple and what I normally do with every new seller but somehow forgot in this instance: Ask for product photos over Whatsapp before placing the order (that way I'd have confirmation that they have the item in stock)
I don't think many people would have the patience or understanding needed to deal with sellers like this so I'd say this seller is not recommended for most people.