Ten Tips for Shopping Online

Through E-commerce, shopping is now a global experience and many people are now using their PC's to purchase goods and services. E-commerce offers the opportunity to go shopping in your own time, at your own speed and in the comfort of your own home.
However there are also some pitfalls to shopping online. In order to avoid them make sure you read and follow our ten key points below. 

1. Be careful when you give your credit or debit card details on the Internet. Always find out whether the company has a secure site, and look for information about the protection the company has put in place. Our advice is to use a credit card rather than a debit card - in this way if fraud does occur the money will not leave your bank account immediately.

2. Ensure that the trader gives their name, address and telephone number, not just their e-mail address. They must also fully describe the goods for sale and orders must be confirmed in writing. If you cannot find these contact details online - avoid the website in question.

3. As with any nature of purchase you should always shop around for the best deal. Be aware that the best deal may include free shipping to your home address.

4. Under European Law you are now entitled to a 7 day "cooling off" period when you can change your mind about any purchase that you have bought through the Internet. See our notes on 'Your E-Rights'. 

5. 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. Most e-tailers have a clause saying they are not liable for any VAT or duty charged when goods enter this country - check first.

6. If you are using a company for the first time it is a good idea to put their name into a search engine and see what comes up. If the company is not reputable there is a good chance that someone else would have placed a warning in a chatroom / message board somewhere. Please note that this is not foolproof. Always try and get a recommendation if possible. 

7. Remember, goods being sent from abroad may take some time to be delivered. Traders normally offer a variety of shipping alternatives based on the time it will take the products to reach you. Check with the trader how long this will take and how much it will cost. If the delivery date is important please advise the trader accordingly. If no delivery date has been agreed, delivery must be within 30 days. However if you are shipping goods from America by regular post this can take up to 6 weeks. Any goods or services ordered from within the European Community are covered by the 'Distance Selling' Regulations. To find out more see our notes on 'Your E-Rights'. 

8. 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 bill to ship them back. Refunds must be made within 30 days. 

9. If you are buying goods from abroad, you must be aware that it might be very difficult to get your complaint dealt with. If you have bought from within the European Community then you will probably be protected by European Law. However this in itself does not mean that you will have your money refunded. For your own safety it is advisable not to purchase expensive items from abroad unless you are purchasing from a very reputable and internationally recognised company.

 
10. When you have completed an online purchase, always make sure that you print out the order and any terms and conditions (which you should have read prior to completing the purchase). These print outs will come in very useful should there be a dispute later on.