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DO's and DON'Ts - A Guide to Internet Shopping.

BUYING ONLINE
Internet Shopping is growing at a fantastic rate. More and more internet users are turning to web shopping for the convenience it brings. New online shops, stores, retailers, wholesalers, outlets, manufacturers and catalogue houses are adding their websites every day.

Millions of products, goods and services are now online and increasing daily. The growing number of businesses advertising on the web means fierce competition. Internet shops are clammering for your business. This leads to competitive pricing and aggressive marketing to get YOUR business.

Online Sales abound, with special offers, discount prices, cheap deals, freebies, givaways, free vouchers, etc.

All this is very much to YOUR advantage. You can now browse the web from the comfort of your own home or office, looking for every conceivable item or service you may wish to buy. You can find answers to most of your everyday or technical questions about any product that interests you.

You can then order and pay for your purchases at any time, day or night, and have them speedily delivered to your home. BUT, first, a few DO's and DON'Ts!

DO's and DON'TS - A Guide to Internet Shopping

DO buy from websites recommended by Online Shopping Directories or other reputable sources. These web shopping sites are listed in the directories because they use secure transaction technology (SSL) for handling credit card and other personal details.

DO check the online shop's contact details and make sure they publish their postal address and landline phone number should you need to contact them in future.

DO read the online suppliers notes about their security arrangements for credit and debit card details entered on their website and alternative payment methods offered, such as Paypal.

DO read the terms and conditions on the internet shopping website regarding your protection should problems arise after purchase.

DO print out and keep any online forms you fill in with details of your order or personal details. Print each page before hitting the SEND button.

DO print and keep any confirmation emails you receive from an online supplier. These may contain important information such as order reference numbers, details about delivery, etc., and may be needed if you need to track your order or in the event of a dispute.

DON'T EVER disclose your credit card PIN number to anyone, either online, over the phone, in response to an email, or in person except to enter it privately into a machine in a shop or restaurant, etc. Avoid writing it down, even in your wallet or handbag. If you must write it down to remember it, try to use some sort of code to hide it. Be aware of credit card fraud.

DON'T forget your consumer rights still apply equally to buying online as they do to high street shopping.

DON'T forget you have a right to object to your personal details being used for web based or direct mail marketing.

DON'T buy from overseas suppliers unless you really can't obtain an item in the UK. Problems with faulty goods or non-delivery, could be much more difficult to resolve. Buy British.

DON'T forget if you use your credit card to buy on the internet, and items are delivered faulty or not at all, you may be able to claim a refund direct from the credit card company.

DON'T delay taking appropriate steps if goods bought online prove to be unsatisfactory. There may be time limits on returns, refunds, etc. Read the Terms and Conditions on the suppliers website.


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