Shop safe online this Christmas with Trading Standards top tips

Staffordshire County Council Trading Standards are offering the county's consumers some top tips to help with online shopping during the festive period.

"There are so many websites selling goods and so called Christmas bargains," said County Councillor Ben Adams, Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture. "It is important that consumers are aware of what they are buying and where they are buying from. Just as they would if they were purchasing goods from a shop in person."

Some tips to avoid Christmas disappointment include:

· Know your product - read reviews, make comparisons.

· Shop around - the first price you see is rarely the cheapest. Include delivery charges and think of import duty if ordering from overseas.

· Shop early - allow plenty of time for goods to be delivered. Check products are in stock.

· Know your seller - avoid websites that don't display the seller's full details.

· Know your rights - for most goods ordered online, buyers have a statutory cooling off period of seven working days following the day of delivery to change their mind about the purchase. Avoid websites that fail to make this clear.

· Shop securely - only order from websites that make use of secure web pages where the customer is required to supply personal or financial information. Secure web pages have a padlock symbol at the bottom of the web browser and by the use of https:// at the start of the web address. Never disclose payment card information via email.

· Get organised - keep records of transactions.

· Be smart with passwords - don't use the same usernames and passwords that you use for other online services. Use passwords that are difficult to guess and make use of uppercase letters, numbers and permitted symbols.

· Be sceptical - if an offer is too good to be true then you should assume that it is.

· Be fair - be realistic about delivery times and ensure that someone is available to receive your items in your absence.

County Councillor Adams added: "These guidelines are designed to help consumers make wise decisions and get the most out of buying online as it can be a great way to buy goods and services. Purchasing online can also help consumers to stay within their budget and learn to shop around for the best buys."

For more information and tips about shopping online visit Consumer Direct's website at www.consumerdirect.gov.uk

If you think you've been a victim of internet fraud, contact Staffordshire Trading Standards confidentially on 01785 330356.

Page Last Modified: 11/12/2009 16:04:16

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