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Shopping on the internet - top ten tips
With the increased use of the Internet, shopping is becoming a
truly global experience, with more and more consumers turning to
their computers to buy things like software, CDs and books. Like
mail order, people appreciate the convenience of not having to
traipse around the shops, and can browse among a huge choice of
goods in their own time.
But shopping on the Internet can bring its own problems too.
Check out our Top 10 Tips for safer on-line shopping.
- Be careful when you give your credit or debit card details
on the Internet. Always find out whether the company has a
secure site.
- Ideally, try to trade with well-known companies, or those
that you have done business with before, or that have been
recommended to you.
- Try to get an actual address and telephone number for a
company, not just their E Mail number.
- As with any other type of purchase, shop around for the
best deals and prices.
- Watch out for high postage rates and for other hidden
costs, such as VAT and other duty payable, particularly if
goods are being sent from abroad.
- Remember, goods being sent from abroad may take some time
to be delivered. Check with the trader how long this will take,
and set a delivery date that you must have them by, if that is
important.
- Check what the company's policy is on returning goods that
you don't like or have changed your mind about. Again, if they
have come from abroad, you may be faced with a hefty postage
bill to return them.
- On the subject of buying from abroad, remember that if you
have problems like faulty goods or non-delivery, it might be
very difficult to get your complaint dealt with. Your contract
will be in the country where the trader is, and it obviously
isn't very practical to have to take legal action abroad.
- For that reason, only buy very expensive items from
companies outside the UK or Europe if you know them well - that
way, if things do go wrong, you limit the risk.
- Most importantly, print out the order, and keep any terms
and conditions that appear on the web site, just in case of any
disputes or problems later on.