Too many people make the mistake of thinking all online websites are safe especially if they appear to have a valid SSL certificate and rank high in Google.
However there are some important signs to check if you plan on shopping on a website, not just ones you have never heard of, but even reputable sites can have small prints that can leave you groaning under your breath.
The Seven signs that could stop you from making the biggest mistake of your life.
1. Read The Terms And Conditions Page. I can't stress how important it is to know the company's policies on returns, deliveries, etc. Many businesses have restrictions on everything from how long you can return a item to legal requirements that can impact an unwary customer.
The saying, "Read the small print before you sign on the dotted line", is indeed true in this case.
Many people completely ignore this section without realizing how important it is to know your rights.
2. Does The Company Have A Privacy Agreement? This might sound like common knowledge, but there are many companies who do not have a privacy agreement on their site.
It's vital not to overlook this section. Why? This agreement lets you know from the start whether a company will sell, rent or collect your personal information such as name, telephone number, etc.
Some companies even have trackers on their site and can track your every movement through cookies.
If you don't feel comfortable with companies collecting cookies look for the opt out button on the company's website or if you have Firefox installed, go into options and click on, "Tell Websites Not to track Me", then click ok and this handy feature will notify websites not to collect data on you.
3. Never Buy From A Site Which Does Not Have A Contact Address. Believe it or not there are still shopping sites which do not have a physical address or telephone number on their site and will only allow you to contact them through email.
Stay clear of sites like these as you don't know whether they are legal or not.
4. Beware Of Sites Which Don't Offer Refunds, But Will Only Exchange Goods Only.
I've seen many ebay sellers and e-commerce sites state, "No Refunds." This is illegal and they are breaking the law. Under the distance selling act, every customer is entitled to a refund within 7 days if they are not happy with their purchase.
Never except the, "No Refunds", stated by many sellers as a clear attempt to hang on to your money.
5. Only Shop On Sites With Valid SSL Certificates Installed. Always look for a valid SSL certificate when you shop. Look for, "Https", which tells you that you have connected to a secure site and your personal data is protected. Never buy from a site which doesn't show a https on the top left hand corner of the web bar. Some sites will go green or show a blue colour when you connected to an encrypted site. Http on the other hand (without the S) means your not under the same protection.
You can use www.site24x7.com to check whether a site has a valid SSL certificate.
6. Is The Site Updated Often? Don't be one of those people who buys from a site and then doesn't receive the goods! A dead site which has been abandon by it's owner is common place on the internet. Look for signs the website has been regularly updated. Are new products or features added weekly? Does it state the correct year. Example, "2013" instead of "2002"?
7. Do Real People Shop On There? Look for external reviews, sold out products. If they have a facebook, twitter or other social media site, are there comments from real customers? If in doubt, don't part with any cash.
Following these steps will assure you of a safe shopping experience.
However there are some important signs to check if you plan on shopping on a website, not just ones you have never heard of, but even reputable sites can have small prints that can leave you groaning under your breath.
The Seven signs that could stop you from making the biggest mistake of your life.
1. Read The Terms And Conditions Page. I can't stress how important it is to know the company's policies on returns, deliveries, etc. Many businesses have restrictions on everything from how long you can return a item to legal requirements that can impact an unwary customer.
The saying, "Read the small print before you sign on the dotted line", is indeed true in this case.
Many people completely ignore this section without realizing how important it is to know your rights.
2. Does The Company Have A Privacy Agreement? This might sound like common knowledge, but there are many companies who do not have a privacy agreement on their site.
It's vital not to overlook this section. Why? This agreement lets you know from the start whether a company will sell, rent or collect your personal information such as name, telephone number, etc.
Some companies even have trackers on their site and can track your every movement through cookies.
If you don't feel comfortable with companies collecting cookies look for the opt out button on the company's website or if you have Firefox installed, go into options and click on, "Tell Websites Not to track Me", then click ok and this handy feature will notify websites not to collect data on you.
3. Never Buy From A Site Which Does Not Have A Contact Address. Believe it or not there are still shopping sites which do not have a physical address or telephone number on their site and will only allow you to contact them through email.
Stay clear of sites like these as you don't know whether they are legal or not.
4. Beware Of Sites Which Don't Offer Refunds, But Will Only Exchange Goods Only.
I've seen many ebay sellers and e-commerce sites state, "No Refunds." This is illegal and they are breaking the law. Under the distance selling act, every customer is entitled to a refund within 7 days if they are not happy with their purchase.
Never except the, "No Refunds", stated by many sellers as a clear attempt to hang on to your money.
5. Only Shop On Sites With Valid SSL Certificates Installed. Always look for a valid SSL certificate when you shop. Look for, "Https", which tells you that you have connected to a secure site and your personal data is protected. Never buy from a site which doesn't show a https on the top left hand corner of the web bar. Some sites will go green or show a blue colour when you connected to an encrypted site. Http on the other hand (without the S) means your not under the same protection.
You can use www.site24x7.com to check whether a site has a valid SSL certificate.
6. Is The Site Updated Often? Don't be one of those people who buys from a site and then doesn't receive the goods! A dead site which has been abandon by it's owner is common place on the internet. Look for signs the website has been regularly updated. Are new products or features added weekly? Does it state the correct year. Example, "2013" instead of "2002"?
7. Do Real People Shop On There? Look for external reviews, sold out products. If they have a facebook, twitter or other social media site, are there comments from real customers? If in doubt, don't part with any cash.
Following these steps will assure you of a safe shopping experience.
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