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Safe shopping

The increasing availability of the Internet means that now it's even easier and quicker to shop without leaving your home. But as a consumer, you should still take care when paying for goods and services.

• Before you buy
• Paying for goods online
• What to do if things go wrong
• Internet auctions

Before you buy

• Make a note of the company's Contact Details, including a Street Address and Landline Telephone Number( This is usually on there contact  page). Never rely on just an Email address or a Post office box.
• You should also remember that you may have to pay for Shipping Costs, customs duty, VAT, etc. All these hidden costs can push up the price of the goods or service. It should be quite clear if you are expected to pay any extra costs and VAT should be included in the price quoted.

Paying for goods online

It may be worth paying by credit card. If the goods or services you are buying cost over £100 and you pay by credit card, you may be protected by the Consumer Credit Act. This states that the credit card company is equally liable for any defects. Therefore, should a problem arise, you can claim either from the trader or from the credit card company.

Note that for this protection to apply, the contract price must be over £100. For example, if you buy a suit, the jacket of which costs £75 and the trousers cost £40, you would have protection. However, if you bought the items separately instead of as one suit, you would not be afforded the same protection as neither of the items amount to £100.

Problems can arise when the company you are buying from is based outside the EU. For example, a guarantee may not be valid in the UK, or the goods may not work in the UK. Although UK law may cover your contract, in practice it might be very difficult to get any money out of a company based abroad.

Top tips

• Make sure that the web address of the page starts https:// before you enter any personal information or payment details. The 's' stands for 'secure'. There should also be a small padlock that appears in the bottom of your screen.

• Always print out a copy of your order and a copy of the acknowledgement that you should receive.

• Always check your bank statements carefully if you purchase something on the Internet.

• You should never be asked to tell anyone your card's PIN number - even if they claim to be from your bank or the police. Never send your PIN number to anyone over the Internet. Note: This is not the 3 Digits off the back of Your card THESE ARE REQUIRED on online orders

What to do if things go wrong

• If you buy goods on the internet, you still have the same rights as if you were shopping on the high street, in relation to faulty or poorly described goods.
• In addition, you are entitled to a seven working-day 'cooling off' period.

Back to top Internet auctions

Internet auction sites offer a tempting shop window with a wide range of merchandise, ready to buy at the click of a button. For sellers, they offer an easy way to advertise and sell their goods.

Many people who advertise goods for sale on internet auction sites are private sellers which reduces your rights. There may be little difference from those who place classified ads in newspapers. As a buyer, you may not really know whom you are dealing with or where they are based.

You have fewer rights when you buy privately, whether through a small ad in a newspaper or at an internet auction. In a private sale, the goods must be as described, but a seller who is not acting as a business is not covered by the rules on satisfactory quality and fitness for purpose.

If you have a problem, it could be harder to get it put right than if you bought from a shop. Some auction websites or third party processes (paypal, nochex etc) offer complaints resolution processes or anti-fraud guarantees. Not all do though, so read the terms and conditions. The obligations which the website has to you are likely to be limited.

Enjoy the flexibility e-shopping gives you, but be sensible and know the risks.

Top tips:

• Check the seller's reputation. Most auction sites post feedback ratings of sellers based on comments by other buyers and sellers. Be wary, some traders will make up accounts and post good comments about themselves. Look to see how many transactions the person giving feedback has carried out on line; a number next to their name will indicate this. Ask questions before you bid; e.g. what is the returns policy? A good seller will always welcome enquiries.
• Do your homework. Check the description, type of model and retail price of the goods. Be wary: if the price is too good to be true, it usually is. If it's a collectable item, take steps to confirm it is authentic.
• Before you bid, find out what form of payment the seller will accept. If it's only cheques or money orders, decide whether you are willing to take the risk of sending your payment before you receive the product. If possible, you should use a credit card (check your details are protected) because it offers the most protection if there's a problem.
• Before you submit a price think carefully. Know how much you are willing to pay, stick to it, and think whether you are getting value for money. Once a price is accepted, you will be expected to pay. Don't get carried away!
• Read the small print. Is postage included in the price? How will the goods be posted? Do you need extra insurance? Is the seller based in the UK? If not what action can you take if things go wrong?

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