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SHOPPING ON THE INTERNET The Internet is an exciting tool that puts vast information at your fingertips. With a click of a mouse, it lets you buy an airline ticket, book a hotel, send flowers to a friend, or purchase your favourite CD. Shopping online offers lots of benefits that you won't find shopping in a store or by mail. For example, the Internet is always open - seven days a week, 24 hours a day. And, bargains can be numerous online. Some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about shopping on the Internet 1. I’ve heard that shopping on the Internet isn’t safe? Many people have been put off shopping online by the media's, often exaggerated, reporting of the e-retail industry's teething troubles. But Internet shopping is now at least as safe as shopping in a store or by phone, so there is no need for anyone to miss out on the benefits it can provide. Don't worry! Shopping online is safe if you use your common sense and always check the terms and conditions of offers. When you buy online from a European retailer, you have even more consumers' rights than when you buy in a shop. 2. How does shopping on the Internet work? Although every site varies, the main concept behind shopping on the Internet is very similar to shopping in the High Street. On entering the on-line store, you are presented with a directory of products, these are often broken down into departments such as Kitchenware or Ladies clothes, you simply select the area that you are interested in visiting. You can also search for products by name – simply enter the type of product (e.g. iron, kettle, bed) into the search by word and the site will produce all of the products which match your chosen word Once you have found the item that you are looking for and decided that you wish to purchase, you simply click the ‘add to basket’ button. Just like a shopping basket in a supermarket, you can put things in your basket (by clicking on the 'add to basket' button) without having to buy them - it is just a way of holding onto things that you are interested in. You are not committing to a purchase until you take your selected item(s) through the checkout. However, you cannot purchase an item until it has been added to your basket, so remember to check the contents of your basket carefully before you check out. Once you have completed you shopping, go to the check out (generally another link on the navigation bar on the left). Follow the instructions that are set out by the website, theses are generally easy to follow and simple to use. 3. How do I pay for my purchases? For most purchases over the Internet you are required to have some form of credit or debit card. All payment cards – credit and debit - will protect you in terms of the payment itself, and credit cards also offer you additional protection in the case of a disputed transaction. Make sure that you are fully aware of any payment commitments you are entering into, including whether you are instructing a single payment or a series of payments. Only give your payment card details over a secure connection (see 'security features' below), and never by email. Be aware of the security features available both on the retailer's website and on your own browser. Only trade with companies that have an encryption certificate and use secure transaction technology. During checkout, look for a closed padlock symbol at the bottom of the screen and / or the site address changing from http:// to https://, which indicates that, the communication between you and the retailer is encrypted and therefore confidential. While you are on a 'secure' page (i.e. when the padlock is visible), you can right-click to view security information about the page. Never disclose your credit card’s PIN to anyone, including people claiming to be from your bank or the police, and NEVER send it over the Internet. 4. How do I get the goods? Goods will be delivered to the address that you give to the merchants, though some merchants allow you to pick up your goods from a specified store, if this is what you require. Many merchants will also let you arrange delivery to an alternative address (as opposed to the credit card billing address) such as your workplace, a Post Office, or directly to the recipient of your gift - saving you even more time. Make sure your shopping will be delivered in time! Good merchants will advise you of delivery time scales and guarantee a delivery time frame. Even so, it makes sense to shop early and build in some extra time to avoid disappointment. Why not buy in advance so that you never forget. 5. What if I have a problem with the goods and I wish to return them? Although each site varies it is generally the case that you have at least seven days from receipt, to return unwanted goods and request a refund when you buy from a European retailer - generally, returned items must be unused, in good condition and retain their original packaging. Agree in advance with the retailer that you are going to do this and then return the goods in accordance with the retailer's instructions. If the fault is theirs (wrong item dispatched or goods are faulty), they should refund the return postage, but if you simply decide you don't want the item, expect to foot the shipping bill yourself.
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Information about shopping over the Internet
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