Delia Online's Tips to Online Shopping

The good news is that, thanks to the Internet, we can now shop online. And I have to admit that, even for dinosaurs like me who aren’t wildly computer literate, it’s a revelation. Imagine being able to curl up at home, cup of tea in one hand, mouse in the other, and search through all the wonderful sites offering high-quality goods. And okay, you do have to pay a delivery charge, but this more than makes up for the saved time and effort.

My own first experience of shopping on the Net went perfectly. Searching for a book on www.Amazon.co.uk, I found it quickly and easily and, as it was in stock, ordered it immediately, knowing that my credit-card details would not go astray. Two days later, the book arrived in mint condition. You can bet I’ll be using the Internet a lot more.

Here at Delia Online, we have organised a whole host of excellent shopping opportunities for you, from bestsellers, DVDs and videos from Amazon to plants, tools and cut flowers from Crocus and fine wines from Berry Bros & Rudd – all great places to do your shopping.

Reputable internet companies such as Delia Online (and our e-commerce partners), are now able to guarantee that shopping online is just as safe as buying on the high street or by mail order. So there is no need for anyone to miss out on some brilliant retail opportunities (lower overheads and the ability for smaller companies to sell direct online often mean excellent quality at competitive prices). If you still need convincing, take a look at our guide full of tips to help you to maximise the benefits and minimise the risks of shopping online.

• Shopping rights still apply to online purchases, which must be as described, of satisfactory quality and fit for their purpose (see www.consumer.gov.uk).
• Always check the terms and conditions of offers.
• E-retailers must provide a street address and non-mobile telephone number, not just an e-mail address or PO Box number. If in doubt, e-mail or phone before giving payment card details. A website’s ‘Contact us’ section should cover this information.

• Credit, debit, and pre-pay cards protect you in terms of the payment itself; credit cards offer additional protection in case of a disputed transaction. Check your payment commitments, eg whether you’re instructing a single payment or series of payments.

• Only give payment card details over a secure connection, never by e-mail.

• Look out for security features on the retailer’s website and on your own browser. Only trade with companies that have an ecryption certificate and use secure transaction technology: look for a closed padlock symbol at the bottom of the screen and/or the site address changing from http:// to https:// which indicate that the communication between you and the retailer is encrypted and confidential. While you are in a ‘secure’ page (ie when the padlock is visible), right-click to view security information. But remember that website security depends on all of the processes the retailer puts in place.

• Always keep a record of every online transaction, including terms and conditions, returns policy and contact details.

• Never disclose your credit/debit card PIN.

• If you have a problem, contact the company then, if they do not give you a satisfactory answer, contact your credit card company, your local trading standards office and any ‘trustmark’ organisation the retailer is registered with.

• Always check your credit card statement carefully. Raise any discrepancies with the retailer concerned as soon as you can. Report any transaction you are not happy with to your credit card company