Hello readers,
You will read various good things about Paytm online, like Ratan Tata buys share in Paytm or Aliexpress.com backs Paytm now( https://paytm.com/blog/paytm-indias-first-digital-wallet-to-allow-transfer-to-bank-account/ )....But what I am going to write in this blog is what many more users of Paytm like me have faced in reality. Altough, Paytm has duped me of money several times now but those were small recharge amounts, this is not what this blog is about. This time Paytm harrassed me and caused huge mental agony which I am about to share with you.
I had used Paytm for recharges now and then which then grew into a e-commerce company. I didn't have much faith in them but then they offered huge discounts on premium headphones in Sep 2014. I fell into the trap. I called my friends and pooled money to buy 4 headphones for me and my friends. I was too exited. For we were planning to buy these from aboard anyway but when I saw the prices on Paytm at even lower costs with Indian warranty, I mustered some courage and took the bait. I ordered via two accounts as they had spending limit from one account. I had no idea what Paytm had in store for me.
September 25th 2014, I ordered four(two orders) headphones via Paytm(as shown in the pics).
I ordeal had begun. Next day, Paytm sent me two tracking numbers from bluedart for the two orders. After a couple of days, I inquired about the packages via the tracking number Paytm sent me but there was nothing on the bluedart courier's website. It kept telling me "We are unable to track your shipment right now. Please try later."
So, I raised a ticket with Paytm's so called 'customer care'(there is none, coming to that in a while). I got a automated reply as they will get back at the earliest. (I deleted the original complaints to Paytm from one account in frustration so no screenshots for those).
Out of the four headphones I ordered via Paytm, two were from a seller named 'Snrama' and 2 from seller who like to call themselves 'Toduprice'. Though, 'Snrama' delivered the headphones the other seller 'Toduprice' didn't. After a few days I received an email and an sms saying "
Toduprice has received your returned product. We have initiated a refund to your bank/paytm account." Meanwhile I couldn't track the items on Bluedart's website, the truth is they were never dispatched. After all communication with Paytm failed, actually their customer service is handled via Zendesk(outsourced). I got desperate and finally started writing to 'Toduprice' via email(
vinayak.gautam@gmail.com), FB page (https://www.facebook.com/ToduPrice?fref=ts) and now they have their own website too (http://www.toduprice.com/). All fell on deaf ears.
Paytm refunded only the amount minus cashback in my bank account. I tried posting on Paytm's FB page and twitter too but still only mechanical reply once but no action, not even a reply thereafter.
In fact, visit their FB page and you will find endless disputes ignored/not replied and probably unresolved forever. I had enough and complained on the Government PG portal(http://pgportal.gov.in/). As it has always helped me resolve disputes with several companies before, I had hope it will again come to my rescue. It did make an impact! But, still Paytm didn't stop screwing with me.
Paytm again sent me this sms and email..."
Toduprice has received your returned product. We have initiated a refund to your bank/paytm account." This was for the second order.
After complaining on the government portal, this is how Paytm 'resolved' the issue...
1.
Paytm only returned the money minus the cashback in my bank account! The rest amount they only refunded in the wallet(means it still lies with Paytm).
2. Paytm returned only Rs.16247 instead of Rs.17905(see the pics of the order and do the math).
Again, I filed fresh complaints with Paytm but now they just ignore me. Mind you, this not the first time they have refunded/cashback less than what was required. It happened to me 3-4 times in the past but they were in the range of 40-50 rupees so I didn't wasted my time following their non-existent 'customer care' mail after mail.
With over Rs.35000 lying in my two Paytm wallets I had no option but to keep ordering from them and 'burn' my money. I ordered everything from household items and cookware to pendrives and memory cards whenever and whatever I could and kept my fingers crossed. The cookware/household items received were of poor quality and 'dented'. Looked like the sellers were trying to sell of their defective stock via Paytm. But, Paytm again has no CC for grievance redressal.They outsource their CC to Zendesk, a company who handles CC for small websites who can't afford having their own CC service. I myself have owned an online trading company so I know their 'service' better. So, Paytm-who has investors backing them in millions of dollars don't have their own CC? This goes on to show how much they care about their customers!
Bottomline:The issue is still unresloved and even though I have spent all the money in the Paytm wallets somehow, it still stings. I have again raised a fresh ticket for the second issue regarding wrong cashback.
There was an article in 'Business Standard'
stating
Paytm doesn't allow users to withdraw their money to bank accounts. To which Paytm had responded immediately as it is false and the money can be withdrawn. But, Paytm had denied me withdrawing the money stating that
"The amount received as cashback is not allowed to be withdrawn". Also, refer to this site ( http://www.moneylife.in/article/wallet-money-can-be-refunded-says-Paytm/39783.html ) and read what Paytm says later on. To quote "You can only transfer money if it has been refunded to your Paytm
Wallet. If you have added the money to your Paytm Wallet then that money
cannot be transferred to your bank account/ credit card." My question to Paytm is
how come money refunded for unfulfilled order is a cashback and why refund money for cancelled items(your side) in wallet?
If you love your money, then please don't give Paytm any kind of service. I didn't have the time to goto the consumer courts and keep wasting my time over and over again. But, if you do then do it on your own discretion as you have been warned! Some people say "I haven't faced anything as such from Paytm". My answer to them is "Are you waiting for it to happen to you?" If you are then I have posted my ordeal, again use your judgement. It's your money, not Paytm's. But what will you do if they take it and there would be no one to listen to you?
Update:
27/03/2015
Got reply for the latest ticket I registered. And my reply.
Paytm is telling lie. Proof attached as wallet screenshot for 13th oct 2014 and adjacent dates. There is no refund.
AND IT CONTINUES....
UPDATE: Finally, after I started pestering them on twitter, they listened. And, claimed to have refunded me. Bank statement says otherwise.
And, a new development....
THEY BARRED ACCESS TO MY ORDERS AND TRANSACTIONS FOR THE GIVEN MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2014. So, now whatever they say is the truth. And, hence this is the ultimate ending of my ordeal with Paytm.
