Now let me share my tips for a good online shopping experience. Most of these pertain to security while using a credit card.
1) Use a secure computer for all transactions.
While this rules out cybercafes, know that even your desktop PC may not be secure. A secure computer must have a licenced, regularly updated anti-virus program and a functional firewall. Even with these, your computer could be compromised if it is used for illegal/free music/software/video downloads from the web. Use a’clean’ PC always.
2) Keep a seperate’low limit’ credit card for internet transactions
A client in the credit card industry shared this tip with me. You may feel safer if you dedicate a low-limit credit card for your online purchases. Use as low a limit as you are comfortable with, and which will cover your monthly purchases. That way, you will know that even in case of misuse, your losses are cut.
3) Look for the security indicators
These are - a yellow/ green bar in Mozilla/ IE in the URL window and a’lock’ sign
A Verisign authentication on the site
A URL beginning with https:// when you are taken to the payment gateway
Verified by Visa/ Master Card Secure Code - these are the latest protocols developed to protect users from fraudulent transactions. I’m not a techie to know how secure these are, but I do know that the card issuers urge us to use them in our own interest
4) NEVER make an offline deal with an individual you find online.
E-Bay says this and I find it a good general rule to apply - Always transact only through a site, which will then be accountable/ responsible if you are de-frauded.
5) There are no’irresistible deals’
I am happy to get a 10-15% saving in most cases. I would be very suspicious of anyone offering something 50% cheaper online than it actually costs. When you find such deals, be aware that they are risky and take cautions accordingly(call up the site, get hold of a person, a phone number, an e-mail ID of someone you can catch later if things go wrong).
Now some general tips
4) Using International shopping sites
In case of disputes and frauds, you may not be protected under Indian law and are at the mercy of the retailer. So if you must, buy only from reputed sites like Amazon, or direct from the manufacturer. Ihave used international sites only for’immediate delivery’ items eg. paying for a Flickr Pro account, or a software download. Also, most credit card providers levy a’hidden’ 3.5% surcharge on international transactions, which of course adds to your purchase cost. Check this with your credit card provider.
5) Don’t mistrust small/ less known sites on principle
Some of the best and most professional dealings I have had have been with smaller/non-advertised sites. I use a standard procedure to check on a new site that I am transacting with
a) I check user feedback on the site by googling blogs and forums
b) I send an email query and use the speed/ quality of response to form a judgement
c) I restrict the first purchase to Rs.1000 or below.
*6) In case of disputes e-mail, don’t just call
*I had bad experiences with both SifyMall and Dell India. In both cases I sent regular e-mails - I even used to recap each telephone interaction with cust service and send it as an e-mail Eventually, both responded after 6-7 e-mails. E-mails also act as evidence of dispute in case legal action becomes necessary.
Wish you happy online shopping and thanks for reading this!