Tips for smart online shopping

by: Ng Wen Yeng 

Online shopping is on the rise nowadays, as we are living in a well-connected world and also the mushrooming of virtual shopping sites. With the rising Malaysian shopaholics at the forefront of this trend, online shopping has become a lifesaver for those who are tiring of nonplussed shop assistants, traffic jams, parking lots, and additional taxes. 

With more and more people participating in online shopping and avoid from trouble or internet fraud, there’s a list of tips to ensure that the consumers’ shopping experience will be a safe, secure, and successful.

1.Know what you’re buying

Always read the details of the items before making a purchase. A good online shopping sites will provide the information as possible about the product, as well as their terms and conditions. 

2.Search for the best products

Spend more than a few minutes on different sites looking for the best products and deals. Don’t end up with products that are fake or low quality, or even worse.

3.Know who you’re dealing with

Choose certified online shopping sites with a solid e-commerce reputation, where you can shop with a guarantee that you’re buying products legitimately. Also look for websites that start with “http” that it provide an additional layer of encryption. 

4.Read the review from buyers and seller

Look for editorial reviews or comments that back up the products’ value and try to find out the experience of previous buyers. Read also the ratings and reviews of sellers to get further information.

5.Keep the receipt

Same as purchasing from physical store, it is a good habit to keep the e-receipt for your online purchases. Make sure you don’t see any fraudulent charges. Furthermore, if the item is not like what you expected or even worse, your evidence of purchase will make it easier to exchange, return it or get a refund.

6.Watch your WiFi

Avoid entering your credit card number or other private information when you’re on a unsecured, public WiFi connection where people could snoop. 

7.Get rewarded for spending

Keep an eye out for the advantages and offering from the websites that customers can enjoy the promotional campaigns during festivel periods or accumulative points with each purchase and use them as a discount for the next purchase.

8.Aware of the additonal costs

The actual price of the product might be cheap but additional costs such as shipping, transport fees and taxes, usually make the higher prices of it. Watch out for the additonal costs charged.

With these quick tips, be more ready for your next online shopping experience!


Videos:
Kimberly's Online Shopping
Shopping on Facebook

Related Stories:
Online Shopping: Click and Buy
Social network: The future mall
Is Online Shopping Safe?
Keep Away from Internet Scams