The pressures of work, home, choc-a-block roads - these are enough deterrents to go out and shop. So in come the Internet and online shopping. No more traffic snares or mindless window-shopping for hours. But don’t forget that even these hassle free virtual corridors are lined with dangers. Here are some tips to ensure safe buying online.

  1. It’s always better to buy from a reputed retailer or brand. If the person or brand is well known, they will always deliver good product and service, as they will be conscious about protecting their reputation in the market.
  2. If the company is not known, then you should be careful about the background check. Make sure the company has a listed address and phone number on the website. Also, call them up and talk to their representative personally. Ask for a catalogue by mail first.
  3. Check for third-party seal of approval. These seals signify the quality standards that the company abides by. Do click on the seal to make sure it is genuine and link to the parent organization. Read the privacy policy or the terms of use section on the website. These include all the company policies related to privacy and how they resolve any issue related to sale and purchase.
  4. Explore your options. Don’t go with the first site you come across. It will give an idea about the customer services each company provides and you can choose which one suits you. 
  5. Try to get details about the company’s shipping methods and policies to determine what carriers they use, their shipping rates, and if they provide tracking and insurance. Also find out where they ship from—goods are sometimes sent from international locations, which require customs and extra time.
  6. Once you have selected the vender and the product you like, the next step is to make the payment. The company website may offer various payment mode options like online transaction, payment on delivery or through credit card. If you opt to pay via your credit card, make sure that the site has proper security methods to help protect your confidential information from a third party. Be cautious of websites that ask for personal information that is not relevant to your purchase. Be cautious about giving out your other personal information like ID card number, pan number, etc.
  7. Before entering any personal information, also see that the web address of the site with https and not just http. The extra s signifies that the site is secure. The site should also include a tiny locked padlock at the bottom of the screen.

It is also important to regularly update your web browser. These updates included improved security features to ensure secure data exchange to shop online with confidence. Finally, trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable with the information provided on the website, skip it and move to some other shop.