Guide To Online Shopping
Shopping from the comfort of your own home can be very convenient for you. It is becoming increasingly popular in the UK and has never been easier. Here at Compare Online we have put together a comprehensive guide to shopping online to ensure that you get the most out of your experience and stay safe on the internet.
Security
The most important thing to ensure when shopping online is that you and your payment details remain secure. Only shop at places where a secure site is in place to make sure that your details cannot be reused. Secure sites scramble the information you provide so that it is only readable by the seller and cannot be intercepted or changed along the way. A secure site is highlighted by a locked padlock in the bottom of your screen and by a change in the web address from http:/www. to https:/.
You should also ensure that your PC has up to date anti virus software as well as a firewall in place and that your internet settings are at the highest protection level. Never leave your computer mid transaction, ensure that you log out fully and try to avoid purchasing items on publicly used PC’s such as those in libraries and internet cafes. It is also important that you never disclose your pin number or give out card details in emails to sellers as these are not secure. It is fine however to give out the 3 digit security code on the back of your card whilst on the secure site as this is there for your protection; many statements and receipts print out your card number, but the code is to ensure that you have the card itself and are not just using the details. It is also good to use your credit card rather than your debit card to purchase goods over the internet as they offer more protection, postal orders and cheques could also be used but never send cash as this can easily be intercepted in the post.
Many sites also require you to register before you purchase and then ask you for a password whenever you purchase items from them again, this may be an additional way of ensuring you remain secure.
Privacy
There are no laws as yet in the UK to ensure that websites protect the privacy of their customers. Websites must offer however a privacy policy which lays out what information they take from you, how this information is passed on or used and whether there is an option for you to opt out from this.
It is important to seek out this privacy policy before entering your details into the site as websites may pass your details onto affiliates who may contact you at a later date. If you cannot find the privacy policy on the website it is important to contact them and find out this information first.
Delivery
Ensure that you get the full price for delivery and make sure you factor it into the cost of the item to make sure you really are getting a bargain. It is often worthwhile ordering more than one item at once as this can cut down on postage costs. Make sure you pick the type of delivery you need, if you are not in a hurry for the item don’t click the overnight or 24 hour option as this is often more expensive.
Check the delivery times of the item and make sure you can be there to collect it, you don’t want valuable items left on the doorstep. If you are unable to be there when the item is to be delivered ask for it to be delivered to an alternative address, for example a friend, relative or to your place of work. If you do not receive your item within 30 days of the order date or of the agreed delivery date make sure you contact the seller who should offer a refund.
Contact
Make sure that before you order you find the contact details for the seller, this should be an email address, a phone number and a geographical postal address. You should also check the after sales policy and the policy for refunds and cancellations and check details such as who pays for return postage costs and whether you can return the item to a store if for example you are shopping from a high street chain. Sellers must offer you a written confirmation of your purchase and you are entitled to a 7 day ‘cooling off’ period in which you can cancel your purchase free of charge.
It is essential that you keep any correspondence you may have with a seller and ensure that all confirmations and emails are printed out and dated. When goods arrive, inspect your items thoroughly and don’t be afraid to complain to your seller if goods are not as described. If an item does not arrive within 30 days of placing the order or 30 days of the agreed delivery date you are entitled to a full refund.
Rights
Remember that you have consumer rights when shopping online as well as standard statutory rights and protection from the Goods of Sale Act; you are also protected by extra rights as a result of buying from home. Standard statutory rights protect you against faulty goods, you must tell the seller if goods are faulty as soon as possible and faulty goods should be replaced or money refunded. It is important to note that signing for delivery of the item does not mean you have signed to say the item is acceptable, if the item is faulty on opening you can still complain.
The Sale of Goods Act states that all items should be safe and of a satisfactory quality, that goods should not be damaged (unless stated before the sale), that goods should be as described by the seller and fit for the purpose they serve. The extra protection from shopping at home grants you internet shopping rights which ensure that you receive clear information, a written proof of purchase, a cooling off period as noted earlier of 7 days, a full refund if your item is not received within 30 days of purchase or 30 days of the agreed delivery date and protection against credit card fraud.
Staying safe on the internet is not as complicated as it sounds, just remember the key points of security and enjoy the shopping experience. Compare Online have put together lists of well known and reputable retailers covering a wide variety of products, click on the links below to find out more and proceed to shopping online.