How to buy on Hacoo (Saramart) safely and why is so popular

This shopping app is known by their (very) low prices. I has managed to be among the top 10 most downloaded apps in several countries.
Teléfonos muestran apps de compra de ropa en línea y video de moda. A la izquierda, catálogo; en el centro, categorías; a la derecha, un video de "HAUL HACOO".
October 8, 2024
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Hacoo, previously known as Saramart, is an online store originating from Asia that offers a variety of products, including clothing, footwear, electronics, and accessories. Its operation is similar to other online stores like Temu, Shein, or Aliexpress, and it is also characterized by selling products at a (very) low cost.

However, it has managed to get everyone talking about it and has ranked among the top ten most downloaded apps in the United Kingdom. Why?

 

What is Hacoo

Hacoo is the result of the rebranding of the former brand known as Saramart. It has managed to rank among the most downloaded apps in several countries, such as Spain or the United Kingdom due to its extensive product catalog, which, according to their own app description, includes 5 million items.

How to buy on Hacoo

You cannot shop via their website; instead, you must download the mobile app to make purchases. The app is available for both iOS and Android. You do not need to register immediately, as the app creates a user account for you upon entry and then gives you the option to sign up using your Google account, phone number, or Facebook.

One of its advantages is that the more you use the platform, the better it adapts to you and your preferences when shopping, similar to other platforms like Shein or Aliexpress. Additionally, it has an sales section where weekly discounts of up to 80% are available, and you can also obtain discount coupons by entering certain codes. They do not offer free shipping, and their standard shipping fee is $4.99.

When you click on a product you like, you have three options:

  • Add it to your cart
  • Save it to your wishlist
  • Access the store of the product, allowing you to view its catalog of products on the platform

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The product pages are usually very detailed, as they show the item in more detailed images, include size charts, and offer similar recommendations. Additionally, they indicate the estimated delivery time and provide information on their returns and refund policy. The platform accepts various payment methods, both standard and installment options: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Klarna, Apple Pay…

Is it safe to buy on Hacoo?

Apparently, yes. However, as with any purchase we make online, there are certain things to keep in mind.

The most important thing is to pay attention to the comments and reviews of the product you’re interested in. This way, you can see what other users think about it and whether it’s a good idea to buy it. Another precaution you can take is to use virtual or prepaid cards instead of your regular credit card linked to the account that holds your life savings. After all, it’s a store with years of experience, and many users have reported having good service on Hacoo, including after-sales service.

What happened with Hacoo

This platform began gaining popularity over the past year. Many social media users, especially on TikTok, have made hauls showing the products they bought from the platform, similar to what has been done with other platforms like Shein.

However, what stands out about these hauls is that most of the products are very well-made imitations of items from well-known brands. If you have been out recently, you may have noticed that the fashionable everyday footwear includes Adidas Gazelle or Adidas Samba sneakers in various colors.

Many people want to get their hands on them, and Hacoo has granted that wish at a more than affordable price (though not entirely legal). Here’s a secret: Hacoo is not just known for its low prices but also for the large number of, ahem, supposed counterfeits that you can (or could) find on the platform by following certain tricks.

@kiahelaine obsessed with the burgundy trainers! all hacoo l!nkz in b!0 #hacoo #hacoohaul #hacoofinds #hacoolinks #hacoounboxing #hacoouk #hacoosaramart #baghaul #trainers #boots ♬ bed chem (instrumental) – no/vox & karaokey

To find imitation products of well-known brands like Dior, Versace, Nike, or Adidas, you had to enter specific combinations of letters in the search bar (for example, “D1111” to find Dior imitations) or access the products through a link. These links were often provided by users themselves, either by placing a link in their TikTok bio, sharing it through Telegram channels, on X (formerly Twitter), or sending it directly to friends. The reason for this is that, due to legal issues, they couldn’t use the actual brand names on the platform.

@natloufashionfinds ♬ original sound – Nat Lou

But it does not end here. A few days ago, Hacoo updated their app, and many users are now complaining that they can no longer find what they are looking for, or that the links are no longer working for them.

Some speculate that they have been “caught” selling imitations and have stopped offering them. Others believe they have simply changed their methods. There is also speculation that they might have joined forces with similar websites like Pandabuy, another low-cost Chinese online store, or Dhgate, a B2B platform that allows bulk purchases of Chinese products.

Of course, we still don’t know exactly what has happened with the platform, as it remains operational and you can still purchase products there. Will it stay in the top 10 for long? Only time will tell.

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Creator, writer and proofreader of content for both the Spanish and English Marketing4eCommerce editions.

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