Online Shopping 101

There's no doubt about it, the world of shopping has changed forever. In the Twenty First Century we are no longer restricted by such mundane things as geography and time. The range of choices and products in the online marketplace is practically limitless. The planet is our local shopping centre, and the home computer is our shopping trolley.

But there are risks involved in shopping online. Identity fraud and credit card theft are on the rise. Unscrupulous dealers could lurk behind every tempting pop-up. There are things you should know before you go shopping online that can protect you and your family from being ripped off.  Here are ten useful questions to ask yourself when wandering down virtual shopping centre aisles:
Do you know…

• who you are dealing with? Has the website provided their physical address, phone and fax numbers and (in the case of Australian businesses) their Australian Business Number? Having these contacts will become essential if anything goes wrong with your order, such as your package not arriving or your credit card being charged incorrectly.
• what you are buying? Make sure the goods you are buying are clearly described and will suit your needs. Check and confirm by email or phone if necessary.
• how much you will be charged? Check that all delivery and shipping charges have been included in your quoted price. Check on the currency being used - sometimes even Australian sites will use US currency.  Check whether there are any import charges or taxes payable.
• if your order is correct? It is a good idea to get an email confirmation of your order BEFORE you pay.
• which country's law applies to the transaction? This is particularly important when the website is based in another country, and becomes more important with larger purchases.
• how your private information will be treated? Most websites have this information posted somewhere. It is very important to read this and work out where you stand, as your information could otherwise be sold on to marketers, and your inbox will get jammed with unsolicited email.
• how secure the website's payment transaction process is? You need to satisfy yourself that any online payment by credit card is secure. Many online payment systems use secure sockets layer (SSL). The site should tell you that you are entering a secure online environment before you start to provide your credit card details. Usually an unbroken key or lock will appear in the bottom of your browser window to indicate you are sending information via a secure connection, or the web address will begin with https//: 
• to keep a printed confirmation of your purchase? This is important proof of your transaction. Business change websites frequently, and even disappear altogether. Keeping your emails and transactions will protect you from unscrupulous practices.
• how long the delivery is expected to take, and who to call if it doesn't turn up?   
• the company's polices on returns, warranty, refunds and exchange?  Be sure that you are protected before you make your purchase. If the information is not on the company's website, email them for an explanation of their policy. Australian businesses are bound by the Trade Practices Act and/or fair trading legislation. This means businesses have to replace a product or refund your money if that product is not of merchantable quality, or fit for any purpose that you've made known to the supplier. Goods must also match any description given by the trader (this could include matching a photograph of the goods).

(This article is based on advice published by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. For more information visit their website at www.accc.gov.au ).