Is it safe to shop over the internet?
October 23rd, 2008Is it safe to shop over the internet?
How many times have you browsed the internet web pages and noticed some amazing and great deal? How many times have you seen a product or a service on the internet you just could wait to have?
If you are like most people this is a regular occurrence as it happens only to everyone who is online. Now many of us know what shopping on the internet can be both safe and very dangerous but how do you know for sure what is what, and If the product you are buying is the product you will get or if the seller who is selling is actually there to sell the product rather then to scam you?
There are a few rules to know where to shop, who to shop from, how to pay and what to buy and not to buy.
Rule #1 to buying online over the internet:
Once you have found the product/service you wish to buy make sure you read all of the details, all of the terms and conditions, item description, shipping options, sizes if required . If you are unsure of something ask the seller. Ask now because after it will be too late. If required ask hundreds of questions, if the seller is a legitimate seller and wishes to make money on the internet they will reply to every question you may have, do not be afraid to do this.
Rule #2 to buying online over the internet:
Are you familiar with the website, if not contact customer service and ask them for a few facts and a little about the business to reassure you that they are real and legitimate. Another thing to do is to search the company online, any search engine. If you do not find one single thing about them, I recommend you do not deal with them. There are many website which are smaller and may have a few pages about them but are 100% real and there to provide you with awesome products and services, just ensure you are on the correct page.
Rule #3 to buying online over the internet:
When you have found the right website to shop online with, and found the products you wish to buy know how you will pay, see your options. Read the rules on shipping and payment. How long will it take for delivery, will you have to pay additional fees after you pay for the item and shipping. Usually where people are scammed is with the payment. Do not send payment through sources you feel will rip you off, some of these types include Money Gram, Western Union and Wire Transfer. Other safe methods of payment are PayPal, 2CO, WorldPay and Secure Credit Card Payments.
Rule #4 to buying online over the internet:
Ensure that once you have paid for the products you get a receipt, if you do not get one within 48 hours I recommend you contact the seller and ask for one. Without a receipt it is like you never bought anything. Also keep contact with the seller at least two times after your product has been shipped. Give them an update if you have received the item or not, ask questions about other items. If the seller sees you are still browsing their site, viewing their products they will feel happy and possibly provide you with better service in the future, and know you are really interested in owning their products.
Now you have passed my class, you are able to go and shop online. Follow the above state rules and you should be fine. Just remember if it is too good to be true, it may or may not be so ask a lot of questions, knowledge is power so get yours.
A little hint to all of you out here in the internet world a recommended site for buying online is the Auction Classifieds at GetVend.com. A very interesting opportunity to browse through hundreds of categories and items. It is safe, I have purchased from the site, using PayPal and received my item within 7 days. Check it out let me know what you think.