E-commerce is no longer just an alternative to traditional commerce; it has become many consumers’ preferred mode of purchase. The COVID-19 pandemic helped popularize the practice, as many people felt safer buying food and groceries on the internet rather than risking a trip to a physical store.
Benefits such as convenience, variety of products, competitive prices, and the practicality of avoiding long lines have already seduced most consumers.
According to recent data, last year, 70 percent of the US population (representing more than 230 million consumers) stated that they preferred to shop online – an increase of almost 1.5 percent compared to 2020-2021. Online sales in the country represented more than 5 trillion dollars in revenue in 2022.
But this brave new (or not so new) world requires an entirely new set of skills to ensure the peace of mind of online shopping, as the risks of fraud or counterfeits increase along with trends.
4 Tips on Finding Quality Items Online
If you are one of those who are still afraid to buy in e-stores, it’s time to change your attitude. Just follow these four simple rules to find quality items online safely and comfortably:
1. Do Your Research
The million-dollar question for those who are starting to venture into e-commerce is: how can I trust a product advertised online if I can’t touch or try it before buying? Well, rely on good old word-of-mouth advertising and read other consumers’ reviews before making a purchase.
A satisfied customer usually leaves a reliable review that can give a good idea about the quality of the product and the service they received from the store.
At the same time, dissatisfied consumers can report delays in delivery or problems they encountered during and after the purchase. But be suspicious of very positive reviews made by users that seem fake. After all, today, there is a market for paid reviews to increase the reputation of some stores.
Whenever in doubt, check information about the company on The Better Business Bureau (BBB), a private organization that provides information on businesses and handles consumer complaints.
Always look at different offers from various sellers before settling on a product to purchase. When comparing prices, also be wary of unrealistic, inviting offers.
2. Look for Reputable Sellers With Good Customer Service
You can avoid a lot of confusion and headaches by buying from reputable, reliable sellers – especially those who offer good customer service and will be ready to listen if your package is lost or the product arrives damaged at your door.
To find reputable merchants, take a look at their other online presence (such as active social media profiles), or check if the merchant’s website has all contact information, such as phone number or email address. You can double-check by doing a separate Google search on any seller you’re interested in to check their reputation.
3. Always Use a Secure Payment Method to Protect Your Information
The most important step you should take into account when buying online is protecting your data when paying. Malicious websites and fake stores can steal your information and money. Before checking out your shopping cart, always do the following:
- Make sure the website is secure and encrypted (in your Internet browser, look for the lock icon before the website address and “HTTPS” instead of just “HTTP”).
- Always purchase with a credit card rather than a debit card.
- If you don’t want to use your credit card, look for mobile payment apps that generate a one-time authentication code for any purchase.
- Choose strong passwords when creating your online store login.
- Do not shop or pay using public Wi-Fi.
- Whenever you identify scammers, file a complaint with the US Federal Trade Commission to prevent others from becoming victims.
4. Double-Check Measurements Before Ordering
Remember that although buying online offers lots of conveniences, you only have access to the physical product after finalizing your purchase. So check and re-check all the details of the items you are buying in the case of clothes, shoes, and eyewear – especially if they are gifts for someone special.
For example, if you are buying glasses online and need prescription eyewear, double-check the measurements for the right frame size and provide accurate eye prescriptions to get the perfect item you need. By doing this, you avoid the bureaucracy of exchanging and returning the wrong product.
Online Shopping Security is Also Up to You
Although more and more consumers are switching to online shopping, there are still people who are afraid of buying online. A survey conducted in August 2022 revealed that 54 percent of US consumers are still concerned about being victimized by online fraud.
Online shopping security also depends on the consumer taking proper precautions. Follow the rules above to avoid wasting time and money on scams and help create a safer environment for commerce on the internet.
E-commerce has become a popular mode of purchase for many consumers, as it offers convenience, a variety of products, and competitive prices. It eliminates the need to wait in long lines.
70 percent of the US population, representing over 230 million consumers, prefer to shop online. Online sales in the US generated over $5 trillion in revenue in 2022.
Despite its popularity, shopping online also poses risks such as fraud and counterfeits. To find quality items online and shop safely, consumers can follow these simple tips:
- Do your research by reading consumer reviews and checking the company on the Better Business Bureau.
- Look for reputable sellers with good customer service.
- Always use a secure payment method to protect your information.
- Double-check measurements before ordering.
It is important for consumers to be proactive in ensuring their own safety when shopping online. A survey conducted in 2022 revealed that 54% of US consumers are still concerned about being victimized by online fraud.
To prevent this, consumers should follow the tips mentioned above to avoid scams and contribute to a safer environment for e-commerce. Remember, online shopping security also depends on the consumer taking proper precautions.
