Take Care When Buying Online

When you buy online from a major name, you may feel as though you are safe. After all, companies like Amazon and eBay have developed a great reputation in providing a high standard of customer service. You may think that a purchase from one of these companies will put your mind at ease and allow you to buy with confidence. This is generally the case but in recent times, these platforms have expanded their marketplace, giving sellers more access to customers.

One of the things that online retail platforms are looking to do is speed up the processes of receiving something after you buy it. Amazon is currently trialling a service in certain areas where you can receive the item on the same day that you buy it. This isn’t available to everyone, there will obviously be regional or area restrictions for this sort of purchase but you’ll find that some people are able to enjoy their items on the very day that they buy and pay for them. This is all part of the service and sites like Amazon and eBay are allowing people to gain access to what they want, when they want it.

This is partly due to demand but it is also because of growing competition from rival firms. AliExpress may not be well known in Europe or the US just yet but they are making inroads. Companies who are massive in the Far East have the size and power to compete with the major firms in the West and their presence means that the big firms in the West have to provide more. This means allowing more sellers in and making it easier for people to sell items through their trusted platforms. This can cause some problems and if you are looking to buy products online, it is of benefit to think about certain things.


If something seems too good to be true, it generally is 

This is the case with virtually every fraud. The deal on offer has to be eye-catching and enticing but the problem with that is that it reduces the likelihood of the deal being a genuine one. While you may think that the chance of grabbing something at such a low price is of benefit, you have to ask yourself how can they afford to sell it at such a low price?

If someone was to come to you and ask your opinion about the price and veracity of the good, it is likely that you would be a lot more suspicious or cynical, so take the time to step outside of yourself and review the likelihood of the offer being as good as it seems.


Be very wary of major labels and brand name items 

Similar to the pricing, you have to wonder if you can genuinely get great branded products for such a low price. Companies like Apple, Adidas or Nokia work very hard to develop a reputation and part of their image and identity is based on people buying quality goods at a quality price. These companies very rarely have sales at rock bottom prices, so you need to ask yourself if it is likely that you will see a genuine branded item on offer at such a low price.


Has the seller requested you pay directly to their bank account? 

You may find that some sellers will get in touch with you asking for money to be paid directly to them. They may cite any number of reasons why you should take this action, but if you do this, you will be unable to take advantage of the standard protection that the major companies offer to buyers. You then have to think whether it is worth the risk. There will be cases where the seller has a genuine reason to request payment in a different way but there will be many cases where this is just a ruse to obtain funds in a fraudulent manner.

You should also never confirm delivery of the item until you have received it and checked the quality and standard of the product. There is also a lot to be said for checking the feedback that a seller has before buying anything from them.

Online fraud is sadly a component of modern life but by taking advice from the experts you’ll find it becomes easier to stay safe online.

Author bio:
Andrew Reilly is a freelance writer with a focus on news stories and consumer interest articles. He has been writing professionally for 9 years but has been writing for as long as he can care to remember. When Andrew isn't sat behind a laptop or researching a story, he will be found watching a gig or a game of football.