Top Tips for Safer Online Shopping

With all non-essential shops being currently shut down in the country, the only option people have left is online shopping. Online shopping could be a great way to find whatever you are looking for, get access to some great deals, offers, and bargains and purchase what you need, all in the comfort of your own home. However, sometimes online shopping is too good to be true and if you are not noticing the red flags, it can quickly turn into a disappointing experience.

Getting a great deal online involves more than just a discount price. Of course, you would like to be absolutely sure that orders arrive on time, that all goods you have purchased meet your expectations for quality, and that all goods include a proper warranty, which means your customer rights are protected in case of something unexpected or when you want to return products. The online shopping tips we share with you below will help you experience and enjoy safer, easier, and better online shopping.

Place Orders from a Secure Connection

Make sure that the computer is protected from malicious software, otherwise your personal details, financial information and passwords are at high risk of being stolen and used. Well, this is something all people know about, however, a big percent of people still do not protect their computers and personal information adequately. Whenever you are using your computer and placing orders online, make sure you are always using a secure connection and your computer’s firewall is always on. Keep in mind that it is advisable to avoid online shopping and placing orders and making any other financial transactions when using a public connection, you never know if it is compromised.

Know the Shop and Their Reputation

It is always advisable to place orders from online shops you already know and have experience with. It is important to shop from merchants that are reputable, renowned and with a very good reputation. In case you don’t know anything about the online shop or website, make sure to do a little research online before continue shopping. In almost most cases, you will be able to find online reviews and opinions shared about other people’s experience with this online shop. However, keep your eyes peeled for bias or paid reviews. It is also better if the online shop has a physical store too, which means you can always visit their physical store and get some help if there is a problem.

Avoid Offers that Are "Too Good to Be True"

If you have the gut feeling that an offer is too good to be true or something is offered at a super low price, make sure to avoid placing an order before you get to know the merchant a bit more and check their reputation and reviews by other people. When an offer is suspiciously good, you cannot help but worry about if you will ever receive the item you have paid for, or whether the merchant came by the items legally, or if you are ordering an original item or a replica, if the item will work, etc. There are many ways you can get scammed when shopping online. It is also important to make sure that if the offer is suspicious and you place an order anyways, there is a return policy allowing you to return all items that are damaged or not what you have expected and get your money back.

Read Terms and Conditions When Buying a Gift Card

Always make sure to check and carefully read the Terms and Conditions when purchasing a gift card. Especially considering the fact that we are usually buying a gift card for someone else, which means you don’t want them to go through obstacles in order to be able to use it. Therefore, always make sure to check all Terms and Conditions and ensure the store is legitimate, that there are no hoops the person will have to jump through, and, of course, if the person uses the store.

Don’t Give Too Much Information

Do not trust merchants or websites that require you to provide too much personal information that is not relevant to the process of placing an order and paying for it. Normally, the information you will be required to provide includes some method of payment, shipping address, name and telephone number, e-mail address.

If the merchant requires other information, you better walk away and make the purchase somewhere else. It is pretty suspicious if the merchant requires you to provide any information that is not relevant and necessary to make a sale. Also, we encourage you to check the website’s Privacy Policy before you make a purchase. This will provide you with more information about how the merchant is using your personal information and storing it, for what purposes.

A reliable and reputable online store will share that they are not reselling, reusing, renting, or sharing your personal information and details with third parties. A website’s Privacy Policy will clear out for you how exposed your personal information may become. Always stick to companies and online stores that a respectful of your personal information and details.