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Safe Shopping - Our Top 10 Tips
1. Check Delivery Times
Make sure that you check out the recommended last delivery dates when you place
your order to avoid disappointment.
2. Pay by Credit Card
This will give you added protection because if you buy goods between the value
of £100 and £30,000, your credit card issuer becomes jointly responsible for the
goods you buy. So if the goods arrive damaged or you experience any problems
receiving a refund, the credit card company will assist you.
3. Look for the Padlock
This is seen in the bottom right-hand corner of your browser window. You will
also often receive a prompt box to let you know that you are entering a secure
area of a site. All good merchants offer this secure method of payment by
encrypting your credit card and personal information so that a third party can't
retrieve anything at all! This uses exactly the same software systems as any
mail order or high street shop
4. Keep Your Personal Information Personal
Don't hand over any personal information that isn't necessary and if this
concerns you, you are protected by the 1998 Data Protection Act.
5. Look For Contact Details
Beware of any online stores that fail to reveal information about themselves.
Any reputable online store, will provide concise contact information and are
more than happy to answer any queries you may have.
6. Check the Returns Policy
Make sure that you check a merchant's returns policy before you buy. Such as who
pays for it, but if the goods are faulty, the store should pay all postage
costs. It is important to keep any original packing. Plus don't forget that
under the Distance Selling Regulations, you do have a seven-day-cooling-off
period in case you change your mind.
7. Hidden Costs - Be Aware!
Make sure that you take into account delivery charges and VAT (if not included
in the overall price) when making a purchase.
8. Keep Hold of Confirmation Documents
After you have made an online purchase you will receive a confirmation email
within about one working day. It is important that you print this information
out and keep a note of your unique order reference number.
9. Delivery Details
This may seem obvious but it is important to make sure that you put down an
address where someone will be there to take in your parcel otherwise it may
cause some inconvenience. Some stores state the delivery hours and some even
give you a time slot to choose.
10. Know Your Rights
You have exactly the same rights as in a high street shop. The goods should fit
the product description and be as satisfactory as described online.
To gain more comprehensive information about this take a
look at the
Office of Fair Trading
web site
Related Information:-
Consumer Direct London or call for the advice on 08454 04 05 06.
Advice from Which?
Department of Trade &
Industry - Consumers |
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