There are thousands of online shops selling all the products you could only dream of. Some of them bring products closer to you, while others awaken a need for items you never even knew existed. And once you experience the convenience of clicking a couple of buttons and having items delivered to your doorstep a couple of days later, you’ll start to fall into the online shopping cycle.
Not all stories are about connecting with the product of your dreams, however. Some have encountered horror stories, which make even the most adventurous shopper think twice. Thankfully, there are ways to help you avoid the horrors:
Check that the site is secure
That lock near the address bar of the site you’re visiting is not just for show. It’s to tell you that the site has protections in place to keep your personal bank details secure. When you shop, payment is the most important part of the transaction because this ensures that you get the products you want and the shop gets paid in return.
If your personal information is compromised, this may open a lot of problems that may be hard and expensive to fix. Identify theft may also be a concern. Fortunately, reputable sites know how to protect their customers’ information, so check that lock first and foremost before you go.
Know when the delivery will arrive
There have been reports of package stealers all over the country and though this is not a problem with the shop you bought the item from, this still means you don’t get to enjoy the products you paid for. Package stealers may watch for packages left on doorsteps, and run away with them. This is, of course, only a concern if you allow the package to be delivered to your doorstep without needing you to be there to sign for them.
Thankfully, most courier services will ask for the buyer to sign for the delivery, or at least have a representative accept the package on your behalf. In the case of condominium residents, the lobby clerk may sign for it, but do check with your building on the protocol they follow. Track the progress of the delivery so that you’ll have an idea of when to expect them, and make yourself available on that day.
Inspect the package before accepting it
Due to the traveling your package has to do to reach you, it may have been tossed around a bit in the delivery van. This is a normal part of delivery, and if the item has been packed well, it should reach you in the best state. However, there’s no harm in checking before the courier leaves, so that other concerns, such as a wrong color or item, can be addressed faster. Others also choose the option to pay by cash on delivery, which is a way to be sure you’re not spending money on an item you will not be able to use. If this is your payment method, however, do your part and prepare the exact amount for a hassle-free transaction when the delivery guy arrives.
Any kind of transaction is not without their risks. When it comes to online shopping, thankfully, there are ways for you to increase the chances of a satisfactory transaction.
About the author;
This article was written by guest author Rajveer Singh.
