Safe Online Shopping

Tips and hints to help with internet shopping safety

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When safe online shopping (as it was prematurely called) first became available I took an awful long time to warm to it as I had grave concerns for it's safety. I believe that I was wise to wait as many of the possible potholes have found solutions since then. Nonetheless everyone contemplating online shopping needs to make themselves aware that there are risks and care needs to be taken.

Some questions to ask first

Do they have a 'secure' server for their shopping cart?

How Do I Know ?
When you go into a secure server the key or lock in the bottom of your browser will appear locked or highlighted.
The address of the web site will also change from http://www... to https://www... the s is telling us that the site is secure. If this is not the case do not enter your credit card details.

What delivery time do they promise?

Check carefully delivery times FOR YOUR REGION - exta costs and times can be involved for counties outside the merchants own country. You may see special offers and deals for free delivery but check the details.
Ask yourself if the delivery time to your house is suitable for this particular item or would you be better off paying a little more for the item(s) locally?

ARE THERE ANY HIDDEN CHARGES?
Take the time to read through everything. Tedious but necessary for safe online shopping.

Can you contact them easily if there are problems with your order?

What are their policies for returns and how do they say they will handle delays, loss in the post, error in product despatch etc. Is there a clear section for these policies?

Other precautions to make a habit when aiming for safe online shopping

Always print out your order confirmation.

Pay by Credit Card. If something goes wrong you can have a credit card transaction reversed in legitimate circumstances.

Order more than just one item at a time to save on delivery costs.
but on the other hand
Don't get carried away and spend too much just to validate the freight cost!
Find out how delivery happens at your end, try and get your goods delivered at a time when you will be there or left at a place where you can collect, there have been stories of packages being left with the neighbours and never being seen again.
Always make sure that you know exactly what it is that you are buying and that you really do want the goods.
Calculate the total cost including packing & shipping of the items you are buying.

If I am having problems with a merchant?

You can get some good advice from your State's Office of Fair Trading , ombudsman or an equivalent government body.

Save all correspondence with the merchant and make a diary note of phone calls including who you spoke to.

Always check your credit card transactions to ensure that you have been charged for the goods at the correct price

Save and print the merchant's invoice (which may be emailed or sent). It is very important to have this to verify your transaction.

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