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With the credit crisis dampening the Christmas cheer and prices climbing high enough to make Santa Claus himself wince in conventional stores, many shoppers will turn to the Internet to ensure happy smiles on Christmas morning.
However, Internet shopping is not as simple as writing a letter to the North Pole and waiting for the magic to happen. Dodgey delivery dates, mis-sent packages, wrong sizes and colours, or simple no-shows are always a risk.
So here is a quick, 12-step guide to make sure that everyone has a happy Christmas.
1. Remember to order early
If you do choose to shop online, try to order as early as possible to ensure that retailers do not sell out of your essential gift. Early ordering will also make delivery easier as you have more dates to receive the goods.
2. Google the company
Writing the company’s name in Google is often all it takes to uncover scams.
3. Check details and availability of product
Don’t forget to check essentials like size and colour. For electrical products, check general features such as adaptability, charging methods, additional add-ons required and region specifics.
Remember not to judge a product by its picture- read the small print desciption.
4. Check the price
Take the time to compare prices across the Internet. Unusually low prices may seem like a dream come true, but should set alarm bells ringing as to the quality of the product and the company itself. The risk is yours.
5. Know who you are contracting with
Find out certain facts as to a company’s sales record, customer service, returns policy, and general terms and conditions. At the very least, make a note of their contact details and address.
6. Don’t be fooled by the layout
Do not be fooled by an impressive, attractive website layout.
It is easy to make, and says little about the actual customer service.
7. Check what other customers think
It is always useful to see how the company has treated other customers.
Go to www.trustpilot.co.uk, type in the company’s website and instantly access an easy overview of the customer service record, compiled from all reviews on the Internet.
8. Look for Internet Delivery Is Safe (IDIS) accreditation
The IDIS accreditation, run by IMRG (Interactive Media in Retail Group), shows that the retailer has registered with the IDIS scheme and undertaken to ensure your right to certain information, such as clear delivery information. The IDIS certificate should be displayed on the company’s website.
9. Check shipment date and time for delivery
Most retailers will display their last date for orders before Christmas. Be sure that you will be available at the address to sign for the package on arrival, otherwise that special present could spend the season in a cold warehouse.
10. Use safe method of payment
Credit cards are the most secure form of purchasing online, and now many major credit card companies will provide additional protection for online shopping. Companies that offer sercure payment will tell you before you enter any details.
11. Print all correspondance and confirmations received and save originals
The more record that you have of a transaction, the more weight your arguments will have if a problem does occur.
12. Be aware of your consumer rights
You are entitled to the same rights online as you have in a conventional store, such as those relating to quality and returns policy. Check out the Office of Fair Trading’s Consumer Direct (www.consumerdirect.gov.uk) for clear consumer protection advice.
