When it comes to shopping on the internet there a range of
factors you have to consider before purchasing the product. Keep in mind that
you’re buying the product without actually physically visiting a store. When
you physically visit the store to make your purchase you evaluate the product
according to criteria. This criterion may involve product quality, utility and
of course the price you pay in relation to these very important factors.
After
all you buy a product to perform a certain task (which is the basic utility of
the product) and you pay its price more or less in relation to the quality of
the product. In other words, how efficiently that product can perform the task
on hand. When doing your shopping online
it’s important that you follow these same guidelines.
Remember through the internet you can virtually do your
shopping the world over. You can just about order anything from anywhere
irrespective of your location. You also have the great advantage of doing your
shopping anytime you want and at the comfort of your own home.
No hassle of
travelling to various stores or rushing through your list and thinking about
what you have to cook for your next meal or that all-important presentation at
office the next day. However, as when doing your shopping in the traditional
physical store it’s important that you follow the basic guidelines of shopping.
Perhaps more so since you don’t actually physically visit the store and have to
rely on your own good judgment. As such
we are here to help you with safe shopping on the internet.
Terms: Always make sure about the terms of
the transaction. Legal terms and any disclaimers governing the transaction. You
may think these maybe lengthy and want to get over and done with your
transaction. But it is important that you know the terms of the transaction
you’re about to perform.
Compare Prices: You can compare prices too when
shopping online as when you do “conventional shopping”. You can do this by
visiting different websites that offer similar products.
Check Customers
Reviews: You can also
check customer reviews. This is important because it will give you an insight
into what other customers that previously bought same product are saying. Do
you trust the merchant? You can check the merchant’s reputation from whom
you’re hoping to make your purchase by looking at their feedback by conducting
web searches.
Records: A confirmation email will be sent to
you that confirm your order. Print these out and keep them safely for your own
records and convenience.
Use a Secure Web
Browser: Online
vendors “encrypt” purchase information which means only the vendor and yourself
can read it. Always order from online
stores that offer secured transactions. These are the “trustworthy” sites. They keep your information secure and doesn’t
re- distribute your information to any external parties. Always avoid other site which doesn’t take
you to a page which will perform” a secured transaction”. If you have doubts
about a site, right-click anywhere on the page and select
"Properties." This will let you see the real URL (Web site address)
and the dialog box will reveal if the site is "not encrypted."
Check your Debit card/credit
card and bank statements: make sure to check these for your own safety. If there are any
unauthorised payments contact your Credit Card Company or relevant bank and
inform them immediately.
Check the online
store's policies:
this will provide disclosures about the store’s refund and return policies, and
about the web site’s security itself and how it uses your personal information.
Make sure to take a few minutes to read them. Read the site's privacy policy to
understand what personal information is being requested and how it will be
used. If there isn't one posted, consider that a warning that your personal
information may be sold to others without your permission.
And finally trust you instincts or your “gut” feelings about
the web site or transaction you’re about to perform. If you feel it’s too good to be true it
probably is. Better be safe than sorry afterwards.
Labels: Campus Business
