With Black Friday and Cyber Monday behind us, online retailers will be even more focused on the big push to Christmas over the coming weeks.
With this in mind, here are our top tips for online shopping, whatever the time of year.
1. What are you buying?
If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.
Read the product description. Then reread it. Disputes may be less likely if you know what you are actually buying.
2. Where are you buying?
Donât share your payment details over public WiFi networks. They are inherently insecure. Shop from the comfort, and security, of home (or the office).
3. Who are you buying from?
Check out online review sites to understand other customersâ experiences.
Look for the padlock in the address bar. This indicates the website has a valid SSL certificate in place. That said, be wary of phishing.
4. When are you buying?
Check the small print – will it be delivered in time for Christmas?
5. How are you paying?
When shopping online, pay by credit card. Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1975 holds the credit card provider and the vendor equally liable when things go wrong on purchases over ÂŁ100.
Your card issuer may also offer double protection with chargeback. Visa, Mastercard and Amex do. If your purchases are damaged, not as described or donât arrive at all, get in touch with your card provider to get your money back.
6. What should you do when your shopping is delivered?
If the delivery driver asks for a signature, mark it with: âReceived but Not Inspectedâ â this will counter any argument that you have âacceptedâ them.
7. What should you do if your shopping isnât delivered?
Revisit #5 and, ultimately, take it up with your credit card provider.
8. What should you do if your shopping isnât what you expected?
Revisit #1. The product must be as described. If it is now, have a look at #11.
9. What is meant by âsatisfactory qualityâ?
This is covered by Section 9 of the Consumer Rights Act 2015. The goods should be of a standard that could be reasonably expected and as described having regard to #1 and the price you are paying.
10. What is âreasonableâ?
What you think is reasonable, and the sellerâs take might not be the same. The Consumer Rights Act stipulates that services be provided with reasonable care and skill. If something needs to be put right, this should be within a reasonable time. This isnât, however, defined. Do some research and find out what the norm is in your circumstances.
11. What is the Returns Policy?
Check the vendorâs website. Under the Consumer Contracts Regulations, there is a 14-day timeframe for returns and refunds. If your goods arenât up to scratch, return them: sooner rather than later.
12. Oh, and have a Happy Christmas!
Too soon?!