Online Shopping Security
Common misconceptions about shopping for online fashions
It is quite common for people to be reluctant to make fashion purchases on the internet because they are afraid they won't fit, won't actually arrive or that their credit card details will be stolen. Shopping online for clothes and accessories isn't completely failsafe, but it is easy and generally safe if you use common sense. Things could go wrong for you but with a little bit of education on the do's and don'ts of online shopping than there is really nothing to stop having a go. There are loads of online stores, some more reputable than others, but it isn't hard to work out which ones are and which ones aren't.
How are some answers for frequently asked security questions.
How can you tell if the company is a reputable company?
You can work out if a website is a reputable one just by looking at its layout, content, navigation and functionality. Learning how to evaluate an online retailer by look, feel and content will help you to avoid trouble. If the website design looks professional and appears to have had a lot of time and money spent on it then it is a good indication that the business is genuine in their operations.
If the merchant has done a good job on their websites design and functionality, and it is clear that they have made to site work efficiently than it is a good indication that they will treat your order efficiently. Make sure you read and learn about the company before making a purchase. If you can answer the following questions with a yes than you will be safe to make purchase "Can I trust this company" "Can I expect my order to be delivered promptly", "Do they provide clear pictures and enough sizing information to make it easy". Poor websites have slow load times and don't provide you with enough information to make you feel confident. And if you go to a website and it doesn't make you feel confident it's a sign to leave.
Online fashion websites are no different to regular shops in that once they have your cliental they will try there hardest to keep you. So any proper site will have taken the trouble to write about the company and have policies. Look for pages headings like 'about us', 'company profile', 'Privacy Policy' and contact us, read what they have to say and then decide whether you would like to shop with them. When checking the merchant's contact details look for an ABN (Australian Company Number). Repeatable Australian .com.au's should display their ABN number which you can write down just in case you don't receive your order. If you are really concerned you can always use the telephone and ring to the merchant to purchase your order.
Is it safe to use my credit card
The most frequent concern people have is whether their credit card information is going to be safe. Once again your decision can be made by looking at the website and a little reading about the merchant on your first visit can tell you a lot. Trustworthy sites are proud of their online stores and most definitely want you to feel safe shopping with them, so they often make it visible that they have security technology. Look for a security title in navigation bars. Many sites use an encryption technology called SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) that encodes your personal information as it moves from your computer to the merchants and to the banks. To check the site is secure you should look for a lock icon when you're at the checkout.
What if my size is incorrect?
If you do purchase the wrong size or dislike the garment once you have tried it on it is often easy to return it or exchange it. Just make sure you read the returns policy before you buy.
What if it doesn't arrive?
The most important thing you can do after making a purchase online is to make a record of it. Most definitely print out, paste into and save in a word document or write down your order number, client/ customer number, date and delivery date. This way if the order is taking longer than expected to arrive you can contact the company and give them your order details and they will be able to quickly uncover your information and track was is going on.
Will my personal details be used for other purposes?
There is no need to be concerned by giving out other personal information. Most places will ask you to register and become a member in addition to asking for your name, delivery address, and email and credit card details. Merchants do this so they can add you to their database and have your details for future marketing purposes and sales promotions. The more information they have about you the easier it is for them to target you with products they think you will be interested in purchasing in the future. Most companies will contact you through email. You can read the merchant's privacy policy because there they will explain how they will use your information. Merchants cannot do anything else with your details other than what they specify in their privacy policy.
How much are shipping and taxes?
If you don't want to mess around with converting foreign currencies and calculating how much overseas taxes are going to be stick to Australian com.au's. Shipping is added to your purchase and is made clear before you provide your credit card details. Taxes vary from country to country and it is the purchases responsibility to work out what that is. In Australia no additional taxes are charged for purchases under $1000. For purchases over that you need a formal declaration to be lodged. Visit Australian Customs for more information.
Refunds
For information on refunds see the ACCC Your Right to a Refund.
How to spot a fakes?
A good fake can sometimes be hard to spot but it is not hard when you look at the price. If you see a Channel handbag selling for $200 and you know it retails at $3,100 than it is pretty obvious it is a fake. On the internet it is a risk when you can't see or feel the product but use common sense and if something is to cheap than it is too cheap.
For more on how to shop successfully for online fashions read our seven tips or see the ACCC Online Shopping Checklist.