Tips for buying online
- Just like in the stores, shop around. Browse different sites to find the product that suits you best, and at the best price.
- Look for secure websites and payment methods. These show a padlock at the bottom of the screen when you are filling in the payment details. Consider paying by PayPal or credit card, so your transaction can be traced.
- Keep your password secret.
- Check delivery and return policies. Also check what the cost of postage and handling is before finalising your transaction.
- Never send payment information via email, as they are not protected from being read by third parties.
- Keep a record of all your transactions, and keep an eye on your monthly account statement.
- If it all goes awry, know where to complain.
The state of eCommerce in Australia
- Around 52 per cent of Australians have used the internet to make purchases from overseas websites.
- Traditional bricks and mortar retailers have only a small percentage of the market share and do not feature heavily in the top ten most visited sites.
- Rises and falls in the value of the Australian dollar influence the amount that is spent on overseas sites. Because the Australian dollar is strong against the greenback, spending has skyrocketed in recent months.
- Global retail powerhouses like Amazon, eBay and Apple still dominate.
Good places to start
Here is a list of handy sites to check out if you're new to the world of online shopping.
Auction site eBay has everything you can possibly hope to find, and you can decide how much you want to pay for it. If waiting for an auction is not your thing, some sellers offer a "buy it now" option.
You can also buy books for Book Depository – and the UK-based site offers free international delivery.
If you are itching to find a makeup and perfume bargain similar to what you'll find in a duty free store, check out Strawberry Net. Again, this website offers free international shipping.
Australian company Shoes of Prey allows web users to customise their own footwear. From choosing a colour, shape and size of heel, the company will tailor your shoes to your specifications.
If funky graphic T-shirts are your thing, Threadless is the place to go. The store offers a range of cool threads for guys and girls.
A number of blogs, including Add to Cart Now, explore eCommerce and promote channels of feedback. Many online retailers also allow for comments, so check these carefully before finalising your purchases.
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