Richard Beddie's take on simplifying the world we live in
Online Shopping – how to do it safely and get good deals
I was going to write a big post all about how to shop online safely, use search engines, use last minute bookings sites, how to check for scams, then though, nah, why not cut to the chase and just say the key points. So here it is, Richard’s tips for effective (aka good prices) and safe (aka don’t get ripped off) shopping online.
Richard’s Online Shopping Tips:
- Learn how to use Google. Enuf said here, but really, do it. This, together with my last tip (credit card) is 90% of it.
- For good prices on products available at multiple places, use price comparison sites like pricespy and shopbot. There are NZ examples, if you are in another country, follow tip one and Google “Price comparison sites” from your local version of Google.
- For hotels etc, use last minute booking sites like WotIf.com. Gone are the days that booking early saves money, it’s the other way around now (exception: Big events when hotels will sell out – book early then!)
- If you are not sure about a particular web site, then Google them, and add the word “Scam” onto the end. eg This is my Google search for firsin.co.nz scam. You can see the 3rd and 4th links show negative comments (I know, coz I wrote them!).
- For overseas sites that look some unusual ordering process, or super crazy price, or funny shopping process – chances are they are scams. Also, Be wary also of country variances, the same product may not be the same in all countries, iPhones may be locked, clothing may be different sizing are just two example. Also watch for warranties and counterfeit products (this tip was updated thanks to Anton – see 1st comment on this post).
- Beware of claimed discounts. Do your homework on a products actually retail price before gabbing something just coz it was on sale (often the RRP prices are inflated on sites)
- Same goes for any claim of “better” for a product. Check it out first (see tip one on Google).
- Check out places like TradeMe (kinda like NZ’s EBay) for both new and used versions of the same thing. On TradeMe, use SafeTrader for large purchases (or do cash on pick up).
- Watch for shipping charges - especially from dodgy sites. A $10 item turns in $50 quick!
- For sites you haven’t dealt with before check these things:
- Do a WHOIS search on the supplier. Legit suppliers don’t have their domain expiring in three months (amongst other things)
- Check on web site rating sites. (Google to find others)
- Check out the product at consumer sites (again, Google to find others)
- If the offer looks to good to be true, it is, end of story.
Finally, ALWAYS buy online using a credit card. That way if the goods don’t arrive, or are not what you ordered you just reverse the transaction. There are few steps to follow to do this, but the onus is then on the supplier to prove they delivered what you ordered, not the other way around.
Black and White Version: Online shopping can be VERY convenient and get access to an extended range of products at often lower prices, but like anything beware.
Be wary also of country variances, the same product may not be the same in all countries, iPhones may be locked, clothing may be different sizing are just two examples. Also be very very careful of counterfeit goods, they are far more common than you think and don’t “bank” on a glossy website, .COM address or a US registered company that the supplier is legit.
Many websites send the goods from Hong Kong, China or other obscure places and quite a number simply act as an agent or worse, a mule-front-end for a dodgy distributor, that person may have sent some legit samples to the guy in the US with the website in order to build confidence and “drop-shipping” fake goods from a warehouse in Vietnam.
Another thing to watch out for is warranty and support, that shiny new laptop computer is no use in 6 months if it turns out to have a fault and the shop/supplier no longer exists.
The rest such as “shipping gouge” and “ERP” you have covered well, a great article.