The number of online purchases is increasing at a rapid rate. In the US alone, there are around 200 million online buyers while the economy is expected to cross $490 billion by the end of 2018. Technology has also aided online shopping as customers can purchase on the go or from the comfort of their homes.
However, as online shopping becomes the modern buying method, scammers aren’t asleep! They are out there to steal your hard-earned money and hence the need for extra vigilance before you purchase online. Read on to find out what are the things you should consider before buying items online so as to avoid being scammed.
1] Read the Online Reviews to Find the Best Online Retail Stores
As online shopping becomes a modern buying trend, the number of online retail stores is also increasing every day. What does this mean for the online shoppers? There is a huge possibility that some scammers put up fake online stores with an intention to sell you items that will never be delivered.
The online review websites, like ReviewsByHumans.com, are there to help the real purchasers share their experience using different online stores. Thus, you can check out the reviewed online stores to ensure you are purchasing only from the genuine stores. Whenever you find a negative comment about a certain online retail store, you should be cautious when dealing with the store.
2] Check out the Returns and Cancellation Policies
The rules for the returns and order canceling are also another important factor to consider when purchasing online. Online shopping has always been seen as a risk since the purchaser doesn’t have physical contact with the item he or she is purchasing and hence cancellation and returns need to be catered for.
Before purchasing any items online, take some time to read the returns and order cancellation policy to ascertain that it favors you. If you identify an online retail store that allows you to return the products and get a 100% refund, this is an added advantage and hence you should only purchase from such stores.
3] Does the Payment Methods Protect You?
There are various payment options that exist today. However, there are some payments methods that have no security at all. How secure are you sharing your bank account? You can consider paying through other options that you are comfortable with like PayPal instead of having the money deducted directly from your bank account.
4] What is the Overall Cost?
Online retail stores will charge you the shipping cost as a separate amount that is added to the cost of purchasing the item. It is important ensuring that the cost charged is reasonable.
Deal with the best available shippers to ensure you pay a reasonable shipping cost. There are also online shopping stores that will offer you free shipping. In some instances, walking or driving to the nearest store to purchase an item might be cheaper compared to the shipping cost charged.
With the above hints, you will be assured of safety when purchasing online. It is important noting that online retail stores are increasing and as buyers shift from traditional brick and mortar stores to online stores, scammers are also out there to steal from unsuspecting people. Being extra vigilant will go a long way in ensuring you aren’t conned by the scammers.
