Buyer guides
Guides to buying from Instagram sellers
What seller policies and warning signs actually mean, how to check a seller before you pay and what to do if something goes wrong. Written from what we see across the sellers we check.
Checking a sellerIs this the shop's real Instagram? Check if their website links back
Anyone can put a real shop's website in their Instagram bio. How to check the website links back to the same account and what it means when it doesn't.
Updated 3 Nov 2026 · 6 min readRead the guide
Checking a sellerInstagram seller changed their username: should you worry?
An Instagram seller who changed their username can leave old complaints behind. When a rename is normal, when it's a red flag and how to find a seller's old names.
Updated 3 Nov 2026 · 5 min readRead the guide
Checking a sellerComments turned off on an Instagram shop: should you worry?
An Instagram shop with comments off hides the one place buyers complain. Why it's a warning sign, when it's a red flag and eight ways to check if a seller is legit.
Updated 3 Nov 2026 · 5 min readRead the guide
Returns and refundsNo refund, only exchange: is that allowed?
Many Instagram sellers in India offer only an exchange or store credit. When that's allowed, when the law says you must get your money back and what to do if they refuse.
Updated 3 Nov 2026 · 5 min readRead the guide
Scams and recoveryPaid an Instagram seller by UPI and got scammed? What to do now
Paid an Instagram seller by UPI and they blocked you? Call 1930 first. What to do in the first hour, how to file a UPI fraud complaint and how money gets returned.
26 Oct 2026 · 5 min readRead the guide
Returns and claimsIs an unboxing video mandatory for returns?
Many online sellers in India won't accept a damage or wrong-item claim without an unboxing video. Is that allowed, how to record one and what to do if they refuse.
Updated 3 Nov 2026 · 6 min readRead the guide
Cash on deliveryIs a COD advance a scam?
Many Instagram sellers in India ask for a small COD advance, also called partial COD or a booking fee. Why they do it, how common it is and when to be careful.
Updated 3 Nov 2026 · 4 min readRead the guide