Online shopping is a huge convenience for people who don't want to bother leaving the house to shop, or if they can't find certain items locally. Of course, there are ways to have a better shopping experience by observing safety measures and smart choices.
1. Don't Limit Yourself to One Shop
If you want to purchase a certain item, chances are other online shops or retailers have them as well. Be sure to check out all the others to see which one has the best offer. Some are cheaper in price or have promos that provide free shipping. You might save a lot just by scanning through your options and getting the best deal possible.
2. Shop in Established Retailers
Popular retailers like Walmart, Best Buy, IKEA, and more, have online shops now too. You can have the items delivered right to your doorstep. What these companies have in common is that they are already known for their services and it's unlikely for you to experience difficulties. It's best to steer clear of newer shops since they might not be as secure.
3. Always Check the Shipping Terms
You might be surprised but there are instances when the shipping fee is more expensive than the item itself, or that the retailer or shop might not send the product within ten days. If you need the item as soon as possible, that might not work for you.
As pointed out by WebRoot, there are carriers that are more transparent about their shipping process by offering shipment tracking and insurance. It's best to opt for these services to make sure that your purchase actually arrives to you in good condition and on time.
4. Don't Use Debit Cards
No matter how small, there is always a chance that someone can get access to your card information and use it for fraudulent activity. If that happens, resolving the issue would be much easier if a credit card is involved.
Debit cards will provide potential threat actors direct access to your bank account. With stolen credit card information, the company can simply ask you questions and investigate the theft, and you won't have to pay for whatever your card was used for post theft.
5. Don't Believe in Deals That Sound Too Good
It's better to be skeptical when you're shopping online since it's easier to scam consumers when they can't see the product in person. It's normal for sellers to add a little flair to their items to attract buyers, but some might just sound too good to be true.
You need to watch out for those. If you think that you are getting way more than you're paying for, there's usually a catch. Try comparing prices of similar products, as suggested by Norton, and if the price is way too low, it's best to steer clear of it.
6. One to Four-Star Reviews are More Reliable
Planting fake reviews on products is not new. Some vendors do them to encourage buyers, which is why it's better to trust reviews that have a hint of complaints. They're usually the ones that are truthful, and you might find a flaw that can be a deal breaker for you. It saves you the trouble of ordering another item if you don't like the first one.
