Online Shopping Is Safe With The Know-How

Posted on 1. February, 2010.

Millions of people buy online every day and without any problems. With a bit of know-how, you can be reassured that you are protected when you are shopping over the internet.

What Are The Risks Of Shopping Online?

To shop safely online, you first need to be aware of the following risks:

• The goods you buy may not be delivered to you.
• You may purchase goods that don't match the product description.
• You may experience delays and hassles with the purchase process.
• You may receive a poor after-sales service.
• Your credit or debit card details could be misused.

Bearing these in mind, there are 3 key ways that you prevent them from happening to you:

 

Deal With Reputable Sellers

Here is how you can spot a googd seller, especially when buying from private individuals online.

• Look for evidence of a physical address and telephone contact details.
• Don't judge a person or company solely by their website.
• Be cautious when buying from overseas companies.
• Check a seller's privacy policy and returns policy.
• Use an appropriate, safe means of online payment to get some protection against non-delivery (check with your credit card company for specific details).

 

Use A Secure Website

Here is how you can spot whether a website is secure.

 

• Look for a padlock symbol within the browser window and that the website address for the payments page begins with 'https://'.
• If your internet browser is one of the latest versions and the shop you're buying from has the latest in website security, your address bar may turn green.
• Be aware that you should be cautious about a 'certificate' warning - the padlock symbol is not an absolute guarantee of safety and will not tell you anything about the company or its ethics.
• If there is a padlock symbol on the website, click on it to read more about the company and the status of their security certificate.
• Don't be fooled by a padlock that appears on the web page itself. Conmen can easily copy the image of a padlock. As mentioned above, look for it in the window frame of the browser.

 

Beware Of Scams

You should always look out for scams:

• If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. Cross-check information on the internet and see if anyone else has had problems.
• Beware of work from home scams which promise easy profits - they will never pay.
• Be extremely wary of anything that is offered in an unsolicited or spam email.

 

Did You Know?

Did you know that Crushed Ice has over 6 years experience in designing and developing websites for online businesses? If you are a business and would like to find out more about how they can help your customers feel safe when shopping on your website, contact Crushed Ice today.