 |
| |
|
| Safe Shopping |
 |
 | |
| We've all heard how great shopping on the Internet can be, that you can get things far cheaper, as the shops don't have to pay expensive overheads. How convenient it is - you can shop when you want to. How it's easy to compare prices, and how there are no queues and plenty of parking online! |  | | |
| |
|
But before you start shopping there are a number of questions you have to ask yourself. - Do you trust the vendor?
- Do they have a 'secure' server?
- What are their delivery times?
- Can you contact them if the order goes wrong?
- Are there any hidden charges?
| |
|
 | Most shopping sites use some sort of shopping cart - this is your virtual trolley into which you can place items, then take them to the checkout when you want to pay. The checkout must be in a secure server in order for your transaction to be secure. | | |
| |
|
| How Do I Know I'm in a Secure Server? | |
|
| When you go into a secure server the key or lock in the bottom of your browser will appear locked or highlighted. The address of the web site will also change from http://www... to https://www... signifying that the site is secure. | |
|
|
 | Netscape Symbol | | |  | Internet Explorer Symbol |
| |
|
If none of this happens, then this is not a secure server - don't enter your credit card details.
Don't be afraid to email the vendor and ask them a few questions to put your mind at rest! | |
|
| What Else Should I Do? | |
|
Here are a few hints about online shopping that we've learned along the way: - Always print out your order confirmation.
- Order more than just one item at a time to save on delivery costs.
- Try and get your goods delivered at a time when you will be there, otherwise your package might get left with the neighbours from hell!
- Become members of web sites - this might entitle you to a discount as well as being notified about special offers.
- Don't get carried away and spend too much!
| |
|
| More Help | |
|
| You can get some good advice from your State's Office of Fair Trading. | |
| | |
|
| Technosure Approval | |
|
| Look out for sites bearing the Technosure seal of approval (www.technosure.com/shopsafe). | |
|
 | If you come across a site bearing the 'Technosure.com' logo, you know you are guaranteed a safe shopping experience. Participating sites purchase insurance to protect their customers, and use Technosure's unrivalled dispute resolution services. | | |
| |
|
One Last Word...
"I'm a devoted Internet shopper - In the last few years I've bought so much online, from books and CDs to trainers and a TV" says Graham Miller, one of the founders of ShopSafe. "So long as you take some basic precautions you shouldn't have to worry. Don't rush in to anything - there are hundreds of shops and stores out there, and try to enjoy yourself - you can still feel the excitement of finding a bargain sitting behind a computer screen. Just don't get carried away and fill your credit card up in one go!" | |
|
