Online shopping is convenient and quick and offers almost limitless choice. But buying things with the click of a mouse also has its pitfalls. This article gives you specific tips for a safe online shopping experience that goes beyond simply having a secure password.
Online shopping needs to be secure as well as speedy, so you should stick to the following recommendations:
- Shops you can trust: before making a purchase, use websites such as Trustpilot to check customer reviews and feedback. Having clear contact information and a robust data privacy plan are also indicators of a website’s trustworthiness.
- Check SSL certificates: make sure that the website where you’re shopping has a valid SSL certificate. You can recognise this by a URL beginning “https://” and a small padlock symbol in your browser.
- Secure payment methods: use established payment methods like credit cards or PayPal. Payment services such as Klarna or AfterPay often provide buyer protection. Be particularly careful when transferring money directly to a seller and avoid unsafe payment options such as Western Union or money transfer via email.
- Use private networks: avoid public WiFi for online purchases as they are more vulnerable to hacking. Use a secure private network instead.
- Regular account checks: check your bank and credit card statements regularly for any unusual activity.
Compare online shops: which one meets your requirements?
Choosing the right provider has a big impact on your shopping experience. Here are some suggestions:
- Local versus international: local providers can deliver more quickly, while international shops often offer a wider product range. Think about what’s more important to you.
- Shipping costs: these may vary greatly. Some online shops like Zalando or Digitec offer free delivery on purchases over a certain value. Others, such as eBay, calculate shipping costs based on the weight and size of the item.
- Tracking options: choose services that offer detailed tracking so that you always know where your deliveries are.
- Return policy: find out about your return options. Some online shops offer free returns, which can be particularly useful for clothes and shoes.
- Sustainability: look out for environmentally friendly delivery options, such as carbon-neutral shipping or the use of recyclable packing materials.
Remember that online shopping is more than just a purchasing process – it is a learning process. You become more adept with every click and every order. Stay informed and use the opportunities the digital world has to offer to shop securely and smartly.