Shopping Online

Today, everything you can imagine -and a lot that you'd never imagine - is for sale over the Internet. In addition to portals, shopping malls, mega-stores, and speciality shops, you'll find sites that compare prices, and others with tutorials and interactive decision guides to help you make up your mind. And you can read and solicit opinions of other people with backgrounds and interests like yours. If you haven't shopped online, you haven't really shopped.

Security and privacy

Millions of people went holiday shopping on the Internet last year. If you're taking the plunge for the first time this year, you're certainly not alone! But how safe is it to shop on the Internet? Assuming you are armed with information, and you are using common sense, it's very safe. Below, you'll discover some things you should know before you shop.

Always use your credit card

This is important for two reasons. First, when you use a credit card for any purchase, you can dispute the charges if you have trouble with the company later. Second, if someone were to steal your credit card number, your liability is generally limited to £50. Many people are surprised to hear that shopping at a reputable online store with a credit card is statistically safer than using your card in the real world. Why? Fraud always involves another person gaining access to your credit card number. Online, this information passes from your computer directly to a bank, which authorizes the purchase. No salesperson or waiter has access to the number, and there are no discarded papers printed with your credit card information.

Check the return policies

Read the return policy before you purchase anything. You may want to print a copy. Sites can change or even disappear overnight, so it is always a good idea to have a record.

Shop at secure sites

Secure server technology has made Internet commerce very safe. Secure servers protect your credit card numbers (and other private information) from being intercepted by a thief. In addition, the information is encrypted (scrambled) so even if someone stole the information, they would not be able to read it. How can you tell if a particular store is using a secure server? Just before you give sensitive information like your credit card number, check the bottom right-hand corner of your browser. You should see a locked padlock there. You can also take a look at the Web site address. If it starts with https:// instead of http:// it is a secure site - the 's' stands for secure. If you are using Mozilla Firefox, the location bar will also turn to a pale yellow colour.

Know who you are dealing with

In the beginning, it's not a bad idea to start with companies you already know and trust. If you are not sure of a company's reputation, ask around. Jot down the store's e-mail address, phone number, and physical address (if there is one), in case you have a problem later. At some point, you may want to buy merchandise from an individual through an auction or a classified ad. Remember, just as in the offline world, your legal rights may be different with a private seller than with a business.

If you are still not sure...

Most online merchants understand that people may be more comfortable sending credit card numbers over the phone, fax, or postal mail. Stores will often give you several options to pay for merchandise. Use the method you are most comfortable with. Online shopping cannot be surpassed in terms of convenience, variety, and price, and there is no reason to miss out!

Check out our Shopping Links to the right for some great places to start window shopping or receive some serious retail therapy. Shop till you drop!

Back to top