Online Shopping - Ten Important Things You should Avoid

mrdigitech

New Member
Nigeria-online-shopping ogbongeblog.com.gif



With the advent of information and technology related products, our daily activities and schedules have become easier to manage in recent times. Traditional shopping methods are now being relegated for technology-driven shopping methods, one of which is Online Shopping. Being able to shop for all you want from the comfort of your bedroom comes with its attendant benefits, especially in a country such as ours where you have to jostle for just about everything.

Online Shopping, which is still at its teething stage in Nigeria, comes with a considerable level of financial risk. Nowadays, many online shoppers unknowingly expose their financial information to unscrupulous persons, who often take advantage of their negligence to rip them off their life savings. Having said that, these are 10 important things you should avoid when shopping online:

1. Ordering from Insecure and unknown websites


Many people make the mistake of shopping on insecure and unknown websites, and most times end up giving out their financial details unknowingly to fraudsters, who often set up lots of fake shopping sites to phish people’s personal financial details. Before giving out your financial details to a website financial processor, always ensure that you can see the HTTPS (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secured) in your address bar, with a green padlock in front of it.


https1 codedeveloper.com.png


2. Saving your financial information online

While saving your financial information in your shopping account may seem like a good idea because of the convenience it affords, there is a possibility that your account might be hacked one day and then you'd end up losing good money. I know entering those 12-digit credit/debit card numbers every time when shopping online may seem cumbersome to many; notwithstanding, it’s the least you can do to stay financially secured.

3. Ignoring return policy

Most Nigerian online shoppers are often too enthusiastic about shopping online that they often tend to forget going through important shopping details such as return policy. Some online shopping sites have a very rigid return policy that leaves little room for returns. Before buying that beautiful, defective gadget online, always ensure you read up the return policies of your online retailer.

4. Not comparing prices

Many online shoppers have trusted and tested online shopping brands they transact with. These people pay whatever they are charged and aren’t concerned about being overcharged by these online retailers. Prices aren’t the same across all boards. The moment you fail to compare prices across different, reputable shopping sites, be prepared to lose good money.

5. Not reading reviews

Reviews provide social proof about products and services. An intelligent online shopper shouldn’t shop for products and services without reading what people have to say about the product itself and the site they are shopping on. To a large extent, there is safety in the midst of multitudes. For example, If 7 out of 10 customers have complained about products and services offered on a particular online shopping site, it is better you avoid it in its entirety.

6. Not reading Shipping details

When it comes to online shopping, many people believe they can get their products delivered right at their doorstep anywhere in Nigeria. While this may be true with some reputable online retailers, many also have strict policies that prevent shipping of products overseas. Once you shop from these sites (international), your order will never be delivered, after which you may have to go through the lengthy process of obtaining refunds. Some Online Shopping sites charge exorbitant fees for home delivery, which is why you have to compare and scrutinize shipping policies of various sites before making up your mind.


Debit card details lohud.com.jpg


7. Using your regular debit cards
7.
Although this point may sound funny to many, it may just prevent a complete wipe-off of your bank account balance if completely adhered to. Your regular debit card is attached to your bank account, with many banks having varying daily withdrawal and spending limits. Try using preloaded debit cards for online shopping transactions. It’s much safer, and spending is actually limited to the amount loaded on it. So you won’t be badly affected even if its financial credentials get into the wrong hands.


8. Using Public WIFI

When shopping online, you should at least endeavour to use a private internet connection. Many Nigerians love free things, especially when such freebies revolve around the internet. When you shop over an unsecured public network, your financial transactions and credentials can easily be monitored by fraudulent individuals, who would then determine your financial fate.

9. Not having a predefined budget

Yes, the lure of shopping online from the cosiness of your living room comes with its attendant benefits, but then people tend to spend recklessly online, thereby putting themselves in difficult financial situations. Have a clear budget in mind when shopping online so as to avoid overspending and ruining your financial standing.

10. Shopping on sites that offer free trial

While this problem may not be common with Nigerian owned online shopping sites, many people shop on international sites offering these services. They often use this free trial membership strategy to lure unsuspecting customers to give out their financial credential, with an offer of cancellation on expiration of product trial. Some of these sites forcefully subscribed customers to plans on expiration of free trial membership and make it difficult for them to cancel subscription and retrieve funds.

Online shopping offers many people an avenue to acquire products rarely found within their environs and vicinity. They offer lots of benefits to the technically inclined and shopping hobbyist, but then leaves them vulnerable to unscrupulous merchants and fraudsters. It’s always advisable to exercise due diligence when shopping online, so as to avoid making costly mistakes that could cost you considerable fortune.






Photo Credit: ogbongeblog.com, lohud.com, codedeveloper.com
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Back
Top