Secure Shopping 101:

Are you surfing cyberspace instead of the mall to buy gifts this year? There's no doubt about it - shopping online has really taken off. In fact, more people than ever before are shopping online, and this number is growing at an amazing rate of around 30% globally each year. This is due to many factors including; security enhancements for internet sales, sellers being able to supply products in a short time frame and the fact that buying online, from the comfort of your favorite chair can be a much more enjoyable experience than traversing from shop to shop in a crowded city.

 

Before buying anything online there are a few observations buyers need to make in order to ensure their shopping experience be an enjoyable, memorable and safe one. Here are some tips to help you on your journey through cyberspace. These are by no means the only things an online shopper should look for, but they are a very good place to start.

 

Web Site Address:

Does the merchant have their own domain name (http://opal-trader.com) or are they using free web space such as that provided by Geocities (www.geocities.com) or Yahoo (www.yahoo.com)? If an online merchant has their own domain it does lend some credibility to the merchant. You could make the "real world" comparison to a merchant with a large storefront in the city versus a person with a fold-up cart on the side of the road. If you have a problem with your product, who are you more likely to find again to help get it resolved?

 

Website Design:

How does the merchant's web site look? Does it look professionally designed or something that has been thrown together? A professionally designed site will be not only appealing to the eye, but also means the merchant has invested money to have it done, thereby making a commitment to selling their product online. Just as you may have second thoughts about buying something from a poorly lit store with holes in the ceiling and paint peeling from the walls, you should avoid the web site that looks like it was an afterthought or slapped together in a hurry. Also, does the site mention secure shopping? Many sites will dedicate an entire page to shopper security to help you feel at ease.

 

Privacy Policy:

Before ordering or passing any of your personal or financial details to an online merchant we strongly advise reading their “Privacy Policy”. This policy should be in a prominent place and give a full disclosure about what uses the online merchant has in mind for your personal and financial details. Reading and understanding the privacy policy will protect you from unwanted uses of your personal details. Opal-Trader.com's Privacy Policy.

 

Secure Ordering:

Make sure you only shop from secure sites. Secure sites use encryption to scramble and unscramble your credit card information so no one else except the sender and receiver can read it. When using your credit card online you are protected in the same ways as when you order with your card at a store, by mail or a call-in order over the telephone. Netscape and Microsoft have built indicators into their web browser to show whether a site is using secure encryption techniques. How can you tell if the ordering system of a particular website is secure? A few ways of knowing if a site is secure is if the site has an unbroken key or lock image, a URL that begins with https:// (the extra "s" means it's on a secure server) and the words "Secure Socket Layer" (SSL). Always check the websites secure certificate and make sure it is valid and current. It is also a good idea to print out your order confirmation screen or e-mail. These records are just like receipts. Read about Opal-Trader.com's Security.

 

Returns Policy:

All online stores should have a returns policy even if they don’t accept returns. Make sure you read the return and shipping policies of every site you wish to purchase from. If the store only offers in-store credit but no refunds for your gift, you may want to think of placing your order on a different site, even if it will cost you a few dollars more. Print out order confirmations so you can track down your purchase in the shipping process or refer to it if you need to return the item. View Opal-Trader.com's Returns Policy.

 

Shipping Policy:

The companies ‘Shipping Policy’ should appear in a prominent place on any website you are thinking of purchasing from. Opal-Trader.com's Shipping Policy.

 

Contact Information:

Is the merchant's address and phone number prominently displayed on the website? E-mail is great, but in the event of a problem sometimes you need to talk to a real person. The merchant should provide an easy means for you to do so.

 

Do your research but trust your instincts. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.