A payment facilitation website called ‘Laklak’ (meaning stork) has been launched allowing people to purchase from sites such as Amazon, Aliexpress and Ebay.
Iranians cannot buy directly via foreign websites due to restrictions and Iranian bank cards not connected to the western credit card payment systems like Visa and MasterCard.
Buyers can pick from the inventory provided on Laklak or choose the goods from the foreign e-retailers and then copy the link into Laklak’s search box, local technology website WEBNA reported.
The “Laklak calculator” provided on the website gives buyers an estimate price on their purchase according to the country of origin, weight of the package plus customs and excise duties.
The website has gained the electronic badge of trust (eNamad) from the Telecoms Ministry, which is a sign of online payment protection and credibility.
Laklak group offers free delivery services in Iran and provides insurance for goods sent to different parts of the country.
The website says items are delivered maximum within 10-15 working days.
However, this is not the first company to offer third-party purchases from foreign websites.
Prior to Laklak four companies had begun offering similar services, including Graphiciran, Charsooq, Cheap Safar and Courier Service Company.
However, the website’s prices are significantly higher than its foreign counterparts.
For instance, the digital e-book reader Kindle Oasis listed in the Laklak website is priced at 17.7 million rials ($470), while the original price in Amazon is $289.
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