Secure Sites.
Look for the 'https' label in the address bar and the little
yellow padlock at the bottom of your browser before entering any
personal information into a web form. Click
here for more
information on secure sites.
Privacy.
Look for the privacy policy of the site, this should spell out
exactly what the company will do with the information you
provide and how it will be stored.
Delivery.
If your item is a tangible product that needs to be delivered,
look for information on the delivery service. Who will be
delivering your goods and when?; are deliveries insured against
loss or damage?;
Contact.
Check the contacts page; if you need to contact the company
afterwards for after sales support do they have a phone number,
address and e-mail facilities?
Returns.
Does the store give a returns and refund policy? Check how they
will handle faulty or unsuitable goods and how they will give
you your money back.
Products. Make sure
the site gives clear product descriptions and pictures of the
actual product. If you are buying a second hand item, a picture
of a brand new product is of little use to you.
Credit Card. Pay by
credit card, you will be given protection and insurance against
many problems by your credit card company. Check your policy for
details.
Records. Keep a record
of your transaction in case you need after sales service or
assistance. It's a good idea to print off the purchase details
page which should contain all relevant information. Save the URL
of the store to your favourites folder so it's easy to find if you need to
check on your order or request further information.
Shop Around. If the
deal you have found seems too good to be true then it probably
is. Don't be fooled by the bargain of a lifetime and phoney
testimonials, you will more than likely end up with cheap
imitations of what you expected.
Common Sense. Do you
really want to purchase from a store that charges you in Yen and
uses a hotmail e-mail account? How will they respond to a
request for a refund when your item turns up faulty or hasn't
arrived at all three weeks later?
