|
Take care when shopping online Check out retailersSHOPPING over the internet is becoming increasingly popular and means we can buy a range of gifts from all around the world. There are a number of simple checks you can make when shopping online to ensure you have a good experience. Only deal with reputable businesses. Find out where they operate from and how long they have been in business. Ask family or friends if they have heard about the company. Call or email retailers directly to ask about goods and services, especially when dealing with them for the first time. Read the fine print of any purchase agreement carefully and check for things such as refund policies, delivery details and any terms and conditions. If the trader is in Australia, check they are registered by visiting the Australian Securities and Investments Commission website or call your local Office of Fair Trading. Do not provide your bank account, credit card number or other personal details unless you are positive the trader is reputable. Shop around to get the best price - not only on the Internet but as many alternatives as possible. Find out the total cost of the goods (including things such as delivery costs), and any warranty and payment security policies. Make sure the trader has a privacy policy in place so you know what the company plans to do with your personal details. Don't provide more information than you need to. Record all transactions and payments and print out the order form for your records. When buying from an overseas business, find out what import duties or taxes apply, what the cost will be in Australian dollars and how you can get a refund. Remember, when dealing with businesses in other countries, consumer protection laws may not apply. If something goes wrong, it may be hard to enforce your rights. A typical "novice buyer" scenario: You buy a present for a friend, and later realise the cost was in American dollars and that it may take as long as three weeks to arrive in Australia. You decide to go ahead with the purchase, even though you found it cheaper in a local store, as you would have to pay a 10 per cent administration fee plus the cost of returning it to the US if you change your mind. Be cautious when buying electrical items, children's toys and other items from overseas companies as they may not meet Australian safety standards. Electrical items should have a 240-volt plug wired to the product. Do not buy goods requiring an adaptor plug that is illegal. Some goods sold legally overseas may be prohibited or require an import permit in Australia, especially foods or goods containing soil or of plant or animal origin. Before you buy, check with the Customs Information Centre at www.customs.gov.au Tip: Monitor children's access to the Internet as some firms market directly to children. Further information on online shopping can also be found on the E-consumer website at www.econsumer.gov, an international consumer protection site offering tips for safe shopping online. Secure shopping To ensure your credit card details are safe, look for:
Don't share your password with anyone. Phone your bank if you believe someone else may have obtained your password. Don't leave your personal computer unattended while you are banking or shopping over the Internet, particularly if you are banking from your work computer. Avoid banking or shopping from Internet cafés and other public sites where others may see your credit card details. Be wary of scams and unsolicited emails offering something that sounds too good to be true. Avoid get-rich-quick schemes like lotteries, sweepstakes, prizes and work-from-home schemes. They could be phoney and leave you out of pocket. |
About Us | Our Publications | Shopping | Visa Enquiries | Information Days | Links | Advertising | Privacy Policy
© 2005 Consyl Publishing & Publicity Ltd.