If you’re anything like us, you enjoy online shopping. It’s so much easier to be discerning, to get the best deal, and to find a wealth of items when you aren’t feeling pressured in the middle of a store. While there’s much fun to be had by going into the high street to see the latest and greatest items up close, if it’s a deal you’re looking for, then online is where it’s at.
That said, with a much wider set of possible purchasing decisions, that by implication will also include the possibility of making a bad decision. When you can see a product in your hands, or can head into the dressing room to check the fit of a new pair of trousers, you’ll come away more secure in your purchasing decisions. If you’re not careful, online purchasing may connect you to shady retailers or mischaracterized items.
In this post, we’ll discuss three simple ways to protect yourself as an online consumer. This way, you can shop to your heart’s content without issue:
Use Secure Payment Processors & Virtual Cards
It’’s always important to buy items from websites that allow you to use secure payment providers. In most cases, that will be allowing for card information utilities that accept MasterCard or Visa cards. However, if you can use your PayPal account, that can add a level of security between the website and your own purchase. The same goes for Google and Apple Pay. In some cases, your banking app might allow virtual cards to be used. For example, banking apps like Monzo and Revolut allow single-use virtual cards that you can close after for added security.
Check The Security Credentials & Reviews Of Each Website
It’s important to make sure each website has an SSL security certificate. This means traffic is encrypted so no one can read into it provided you’re on secure WiFi. on top of that, you can also see the reviews of each website to see if they provide a reliable service. Review sites like TrustPilot or Google Business ratings are a good place to start. At least this way you’ll know that you’re purchasing from a largely dependable service, and you won’t have to worry about being taken advantage of.
Read Into The Brand & Model Of Each Product
Of course, a good retailer doesn’t necessarily mean the products they sell are perfect. It’s important to do your research on each brand, the philosophy and design values of each product, and what it offers over the others. For example, Onewheel boards are always going to be made in the USA, allowing for manufacturing standards you can rely on. When purchasing smart tech like this, standards like knowing such products haven’t been mass-manufactured in the cheapest possible manner can be reliable. In some case, reliable or economic zone certifications can help you verify the exact characteristic.
With this advice, you’re sure to better protect yourself as an online consumer. This way, you can spend to your heart’s content and won’t have to pay added inconvenience outside of your budget.
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.