Guide to safe online Christmas shopping
Written by ShopOne on Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008 in Tips and Tutorials.
1. Browse and transact with established websites. In the same way that you would go to a store with a good reputation, patronize websites that are known to be reliable and, as much as possible, have a physical address they indicate in the site. Ask friends for referrals, and check the “About Us” portion of each website. Some sites have feedback mechanisms; check the feedback from customers.
2. Read the fine print for directions on ordering or bidding. Once you have chosen an item, find out how you can place your order or bid. Then do so only when you have the intent to really buy the item once the order is confirmed or you have won the bidding.
3. Read the vendor’s policy on returns, refunds and cancellations. For gadgets and software, see if the vendor offers after-sales support and warranty.
4. Before placing an order or bid, check if the website is secure. Look for a padlock icon on the lower right hand corner of your screen. Check the web address to see if it begins with “https” rather than “http.” These safeguards ensure that your transactions will not be seen by hackers except for the vendor. Give your correct billing address and delivery address and go over it to check for typographical errors before sending the information.
5. Once you have made your order, the vendor should confirm your order by e-mail. Print this out. If you made a bid on an auction site, monitor the auction in the coming days. If you have won, the seller should contact you by e-mail. Print this out as well. Do not click attachments ending with “.exe” though. This may be a virus as vendors would not send you a program by e-mail.
6. Pay for the item and cost of delivery. In some sites, credit card payments are the norm. Others run by young entrepreneurs require bank deposits, mobile wallet payments and cash on delivery. Credit card payments may be the best alternative as you can avail of the card company’s help if the product is defective and you need to get a refund, and you can be assured that your payment will reach the vendor safely. You can also file a dispute if you have been charged incorrectly. Print out a copy of your payment record.
7. Once the items are delivered to you or your designated recipient, see if they are in good condition as promised. If not, contact the vendor.
8. Leave feedback on the website for the benefit of other would-be online shoppers. Comment on whether the goods arrived on time as promised and in good condition.
Tags: Tips and Tutorials
