Online shopping is advantageous for several factors. Online shopping not only makes it easy to buy what you need when you need it from the comfort of your home, but it also lets you instantly compare prices, look for deals, or read reviews. Additionally, you can have your purchases delivered right to your door.
However, it can be too much! How do you identify trustworthy websites? What about storing your credit card information? Are you sure it's that safe? And would opening an account to make a purchase online be worthwhile, or will it only fill your inbox with tons of spam?
We've put together a helpful guide on how to begin shopping online to assist you in safely navigating the infinite aisles of online retail.
Step 1 – Finding the right website and product
Sometimes the hardest thing is not knowing where to begin. The simplest method is to enter the store or item you're looking for directly into your search field. The best results should then appear, and you may click through to them.
As an alternative, many search engines also include a useful "shopping" option that provides direct links to online shops that have the item you're looking for. You can occasionally view their customer service ratings in addition to their rates when conducting a search.
Top tip: Check the security of the websites you select to use for online purchasing. If you buy from more reputable companies, you can probably trust that their website is safer. Additionally, we advise looking for a "padlock" emblem in the search box and a website address that begins with HTTPS (the "S" denotes "secure"). Additionally, make sure the website's name doesn't include any weird characters or spelling mistakes.
Step 2 – Adding a product to your basket
You've put in the effort and discovered what you were looking for. You can choose your number, color, or size from here before adding the item to your basket. Occasionally, buying more than one thing or subscribing to a service can lower your delivery charges. If you anticipate using these things frequently, it's worthwhile to look into it.
Top tip: Many websites provide "wish list" or "list" functions that let you save products for later if you like something but aren't ready to make the purchase.
Step 3 – Completing your purchase at checkout
You can move on to "checkout" after adding the item to your basket. You might need to create an account using your email address depending on the website. This is helpful for routine purchases like groceries because you can save your card and address information for a quicker checkout the next time you make an online purchase. The website will now walk you through the payment procedures.
Top tip: Some stores provide one-click payments, which you may use to shop online without having to repeatedly enter your card information by setting it up and proving that you are the cardholder.
Step 4 – Pay it safe
You must input your card number, expiration date, and CCV (card verification value), which is typically printed on the back of your card and typically consists of three numbers, when paying at the checkout of an online store for the first time. Your bank may require you to provide your mailing address or merely the postcode as an additional means of confirming that you are the one making the purchase.
When using your card to make a purchase, you might have to go through an additional security checkpoint. By using two-factor authentication, your bank may confirm that the correct cardholder is making a purchase by requesting an additional piece of information. You won't need to register, download any software, or install anything; everything will be explained to you along the way.
Online payments ought to feel secure and safe. The majority of websites let you pay with debit and credit cards like your Visa. Visa and your banks work hard to ensure the security of your payments and employ several security measures to thwart fraud, safeguard your data, and assist you in getting your money back if your card is used fraudulently.
Top tip: Regularly checking your account and being aware of recent transactions are both wise decisions. You may even sign up for alerts anytime a payment has been made on your account with some mobile banking apps. In this method, you might be able to use Visa's "zero liability" guarantee to get your money back if you notice a fraudulent payment.
Step 5 – Taking delivery
Some retailers allow you to schedule a delivery time slot, while others notify you through email or text when your order has been shipped. Although it's difficult for delivery services to guarantee your arrival at a specific time, many of them now offer a window of time or the option to track your purchase, allowing you to organize your day accordingly. Whenever possible, attempt to select a time when someone will be home to receive the package.
Top tip: Check out the store's return policy before you pay. If you're unhappy with a purchase, many internet retailers will allow you to return it, and some even provide free shipping. Furthermore, you can typically cancel an online order within a specific time frame thanks to UK distance selling restrictions.
