To Buy or not To Buy...Online?
More and more people are saving time and energy by shopping
online these days. However, there are a few things you should
know before making that online purchase.
Always be sure to check an online store's terms and conditions,
privacy policy, complaints procedures, and whether or not it has
a secure checkout. If you have problems, being able to contact
the retailer is crucial,. Always note the phone number and
physical address of an online store before buying.
There are also 12 questions you need to keep in mind when
deciding whether or not to make an online purchase.
1. Who are you dealing with?
Information about the site owner should be clearly identified
somewhere on the site. They should list either email address or
phone number, or both, and a full mailing address. These are
very important should you decide you need to file a complaint or
check on your order.
2. How much is it going to cost you?
The price should be clearly displayed and include all costs. Be
sure to remember to look for information about delivery charges,
taxes and currency differences.
3. What are you buying?
You should be able to easily identify the product. This is
especially important online because you often can't see the
goods you buy. Be sure you understand exactly what you are
buying. You may also want to do some research before you buy. It
is always good to read online product reviews like those found
at http://www.consumer-research-guide.com which
lists reviews of many of the products or services commonly
purchased online.
4. Is there stock available?
Stock availability should be clearly displayed. If they tell
you an item is on back order, be sure they give you an
approximate date for order completion. If not, you would
probably be better served to cancel your order and try another
merchant.
5. What delivery methods are available?
Determine what deliver options you desire are available and how
much it will cost. Also ensure that the merchant delivers to
your country. This is especially important since the Internet is
truly and international community.
6. How do you know when you've confirmed your order?
There should be a clearly defined ordering process for you to
follow. You should also receive a receipt for your order either
online or by email.
7. How can you pay for your purchase?
Payment options available should be clearly displayed. Most
online stores will accept credit card, but some do not. Some
stores accept non-internet payment, debit card or third party
payment providers (PayPal, Western Union, etc.).
8. What personal information are they asking for and what
will they do with it?
Only information needed for purchase should be requested. If
you're asked for personal information, there should be an
explanation of how the information will be used, and who it will
be given to. Be sure to check to see if the store has an online
Privacy Policy and read it!
9. How long will it take to get your order?
Make sure the store gives a stated target time for delivery,
and that you'll receive an email to tell you when it's been
sent.
10. How much do you owe?
The amount you paid should be stated when you order, with
allowances for any currency conversion.
11. What if you don't like the product, or it's faulty?
The returns procedure should be stated on the web site and easy
to follow with who to contact if the returns procedure fails.
Any extra costs should be specified in the returns policy, so
check before you finalize your purchase.
12. Can you get a refund?
Most of the time there should be no problems obtaining a
refund, just like regular shopping, provided you have the
physical address of the trader. It's a lot harder to chase up a
virtual shop. There are also some legal questions which may make
getting a refund more complicated if you shop overseas.
Remember shopping online can be both fun and convenient, but it
pays to be cautious.