Online shopping has become more and more popular, and in places like South East Asia, the trend has really exploded. In countries such as Malaysia, it is estimated that close to 90% of the population use the internet daily, and up to 80% of them go online to search for products. In addition, online shopping is forecast to grow. With that in mind, here are some tips to improve your online shopping experience.
Develop a Plan
It is important to develop a shopping ritual before you purchase any goods online, here are 3 small tips to remember before you start to conduct business online.
- It is a good idea to research products online and compare them with prices in store to see if they are offering a better deal, most of the time you’ll find that online prices are a lot lower, but it is always wise to check in advance.
- You can also shop in person and check out the product before you make a purchase online. This way you get to see the product before it arrives at your door, once you know you are happy with it, you can then finalise your transaction over the internet.
- Check out products which are on sale in your local stores, once you are in the shop, quickly go online and see if you can buy it cheaper at the online store’s price.
Identify Security Symbols
There is always a chance you could be a victim of an online scam when shopping online, to avoid being cheated or stolen from, it is best to identify certain security symbols that should be present when buying from an online retailer. Look for the “https” in the websites URL and check to see if they have the padlock icon in the address bar. If you see these symbols, you’ll know that the website is designed to be secure for customers. If you are buying gifts online in Malaysia, it is always important to identify these signals.
Use Reputable Sites
It can be difficult to distinguish between a copy site and a genuine site, but there are things you should look for when shopping online. Make sure to check that the spelling of the URL is correct and try to find the company contact details. They should have their business number, email and address in plain view on their website.
Be Diligent
You should never give out your personal information online, especially bank details or any other sensitive data. A reputable site will never ask for any of this and you should be wary of any site that does. In addition, you should set up secure passwords when opening online accounts.
It is vital to shop smartly online and always remember to be wary of dodgy sellers. If something seems too good to be true, it usually is. Online shopping is an easy and convenient way of shopping, but it must be approached with a degree of caution. The best way to protect yourself is with knowledge and cybersecurity.
