The world of online shopping can be exciting, convenient, and even overwhelming for first-time shoppers. To help you navigate your new world of shopping, NaijaStore has put together a list of dos and don'ts to make your online shopping experience a positive one.
The Do's:
1. Research the Shopping Website Before Making a Purchase:
Before you make a purchase from an online shop or store, take the time to look for buyers reviews, ratings and customer feedback about the website. This can help you gauge the reputation of the online store and determine if they are trustworthy. You can search for online reviews from third-party review sites, or check feedback from old shoppers or customers on the website itself. Look for any red flags like complaints about poor customer service, payment process, fake or low-quality products, delivery time or long shipping times.
2. Look for Secure and Trusted Payment Methods:
When shopping for the first time online, it's important to use a secure payment option to protect your personal and financial information. Look for online shops that use secure payment methods or trusted third-party payment systems that offer buyer protection and can help you resolve disputes if necessary. Be wary of any shopping store that asks you to pay by wire transfer, direct bank transfer, or other unusual payment methods.
3. Check for Shopping Deals and Discounts:
For new online shoppers, it's important to know that many online stores offer discounts, coupons, and promo codes that can help you save money on your purchase. Before you start shopping, take some time to search for these deals and discounts from reputable online shops. One way to find deals is to sign up for newsletters or follow trusted shops or stores on social media. This will allow you to stay up to date with any upcoming sales or special promotions. Make sure to read the terms and conditions of any deals or coupons before using them, as there may be some restrictions or limitations.
4. Consider the Return Policy:
When shopping online, it's important to understand the return policy of the store or online retailer before making a purchase. This is especially important if you are buying a product you haven't seen in person or if you're not sure it's the right fit, size or spec. Look for information about how long you have to make a return, whether you'll get a refund or shopping credit, and if there are any restocking fees or shipping costs associated with returns.
5. Read Product Descriptions Carefully:
The product descriptions on an online shop or store can provide important details about the product you're interested in buying. Make sure you read the description carefully to ensure that the product matches your needs or expectations. Be sure to check details like designs, colors, dimensions, specifications, materials, and any included accessories.
The Don'ts:
1. Don't Shop on Unsecured Online Stores:
It is important to shop on secure websites to protect your personal data and financial information. Look for the padlock icon in the URL bar to ensure that the site is using SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encryption. You should also avoid entering your login details or financial information on free internet browsers / apps or unsecured Wi-Fi networks like those in hotels, bustops, airports, coffee shops or restaurants.
Apart from the padlock icon, there are other ways of knowing if an online shopping website is secure. These include checking for the https URL, trust seals or security logos, using website scanning tools and verifying the website's contact information. These factors help to ensure that the website is legitimate, trustworthy, and safe to use.
• Look for the "s" in "https" - Websites that use SSL encryption will have a URL that starts with "https" instead of "http". The "s" stands for "secure" and indicates that any data exchanged between you and the website is encrypted and protected.
• Check for trust seals - Trust seals are logos or badges that indicate that a website has been verified by a third-party security company. Check for trust seals like BBB (Better Business Bureau), TRUSTe, or VeriSign to ensure that the website is trustworthy and secure.
• Use website scanning tools - You can use tools like Google Safe Browsing to scan a website for malware, viruses, and other security threats. These tools can help you determine if a website is safe and secure to use.
• Check for contact information - Legitimate websites should have a physical address, phone number, and email address that you can use to contact them if needed. If a website doesn't provide this information, it may be a sign that they are not legitimate or trustworthy.
2. Don't Ignore Shipping and Handling Fees:
When shopping online for the first time, be aware of shipping and handling fees before making a purchase. Shipping fees can sometimes be high, especially if you are buying a large or heavy item. Look for trusted stores or reputable shops that offer free shipping or discounted shipping for orders over a certain amount.
3. Don't Overshare Personal Information:
Only provide the necessary personal information required to complete a purchase or shopping transaction, and avoid entering information that is not necessary. For example, do not provide your bank verification number, personal identification number, social security number or password for your email, online banking pin or bank account. Be wary of any site that asks for your personal information that is not relevant to your purchase.
4. Don't Make Hasty Decisions:
As a first-time shopper, take your time to browse products and compare prices before making a purchase. Don't be swayed by attractive product specs, impressive descriptions, huge discounts or limited-time deals that pressure you to buy. Take the time to consider all the options and read customers reviews or buyer ratings to ensure that you are getting the best product for your money.
• Reading customer reviews can provide valuable insights into the quality of products and the experience of shopping at that store. Look for reviews that talk about the quality of the product, shipping times, customer service, and any issues that customers had with their purchase. Be wary of online shops or stores that have few or no reviews, or only have positive reviews - this could be a sign of fake reviews.
6. Don't Fall for Scams:
"Be wary of scams when shopping online. Scammers may send emails or texts that appear to be from a real shop or legitimate store to lure you into clicking on a fake link or providing personal information. Always double-check the URL (the full URL address) and make sure it is the correct website before entering any information. NEVER click on any link in emails; better still, copy the link, check the URL if it's from a trusted store, and then paste it into a new browser tab (incognito). Don't respond to unsolicited emails or phone calls, and don't provide personal information via emails or phone calls."
7. Don't Buy from Unknown Online Sellers:
Be cautious when buying from unknown online retailers, sellers or individuals on marketplaces. Make sure to check the seller's feedback and ratings before making a purchase, and avoid buying from sellers with a history of negative feedback or customer complaints. If you're buying from an individual, try to meet in person in an open place with security cameras, and inspect the product before making a payment.
8. Don't Forget to Check Shipping Times:
Be aware of shipping times before making a purchase, especially if you need the product by a certain time. Look for the estimated delivery date and factor in shipping times, processing times, and any delays due to weather or other unforeseen events. If you need the product by a certain date, consider paying for expedited shipping or choosing a faster shipping option.
9. Don't Forget to Check for Warranties:
Make sure to check for warranties or guarantees on products before making a purchase. A warranty can protect you from defects or faulty products and give you peace of mind when making a big purchase. Be sure to read the fine print and understand what the warranty covers and what it doesn't.
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