The ever-growing e-commerce industry is not only a chance to hunt down bargains without leaving home. Customers can also be caught out by fraudsters hiding behind a non-existent online shop. To avoid getting caught, it is essential to check the credibility of an e-shop before you start shopping. How to do this?
The e-commerce market is overflowing with new online shops. Nowadays, we are so used to buying on the Internet that we do not even bother to check whether the seller even exists. This is a mistake that can cost us a lot of money.
The purchase of virtual goods has been controversial from the start. After all, how can we buy something we cannot touch or see? To this day, there are people who have never trusted online shopping, opting instead for its stationary counterpart. However, for those who do not want to give up the pleasure of shopping from the comfort of their home, we have some tips to help them check the credibility of an online shop.
What to look out for when shopping online?
Online shopping requires some vigilance on the part of the customer. Usually, however, an unreliable online shop catches the eye right away. This is determined by several factors to which we pay particular attention as soon as we enter the shop's website.
First and foremost is its appearance. If the product on sale is very poorly described and accompanied by few pictures - it is possible that we will never see it. The second factor to pay attention to is the price of the product. If it turns out to be unbelievably low, it is possible that the product will never end up in our hands. Before making a purchase, it is a good idea to get an idea of the prices the e-commerce market is offering for the product you want and are looking for.
When accessing a website, it is also worth making sure that it has the appropriate security certificates - i.e. that a 'green padlock' is displayed in the search bar next to the web address. This indicates a secure connection.
How do I check the credibility of an online shop?
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Verify the details of the online shop
The first step that every customer takes before starting to shop at a particular online shop should be to check whether such a shop even exists. In most cases, this information can be found under "contact us" or "about the seller". - This should include the full name of the company, its address, e-mail address, contact telephone number, VAT ID and company registration number.
It is also worth checking the address given on the Internet. Sometimes a search engine will automatically assign the company's registered office to the address - even if it is not stationary. If you have any doubts despite the details given, try contacting the shop by telephone or e-mail.
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Check whether the company is listed in CEIDG
CEIDG, or the Central Register and Information on Business Activity, is the place where all existing online shops (and other companies) are registered. Using the data provided on the website, you can therefore check whether the place you are buying from really exists.
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Check whether the online shop has terms and conditions
Terms and conditions are the most important part of concluding a contract between a company and a customer. Therefore, before shopping, it is essential to check whether the online shop has clearly defined rules, regarding the shop's operations itself, how orders can be placed and how they can be fulfilled, as well as information on the right of withdrawal and privacy protection.
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Pay attention to the method of payment
A reliable online shop usually allows shoppers to pay on delivery. This allows them to pay for their purchases only after they have received their courier or will arrive at an InPost parcel machine. Before making a purchase, check whether the seller offers delivery via well-known and reliable courier companies.
Also verify the way in which you make your payment. If it is made through an online payment system, the shop using it must be reliable and your money safe. Never transfer money to suspicious account numbers via unidentified payment gateways! Otherwise... chances are you won't see them again.
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Look for reviews of the online shop
Nowadays, a great many customers share their opinions - whether about the shop or the products purchased there. Before making a purchase, check the credibility of the e-shop on the Internet by looking at the reviews posted on the shop's website, as well as those found on various forums or websites. This way you can see whether previous customers were satisfied with their purchases or whether it is better to steer clear of the shop in question.
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Look for the shop on social media
Many online shops are very active on social media. This allows them to attract even more customers by reaching a wider range of people. It is also a great way to verify whether an e-shop is credible. Before you start shopping, check whether your shop has an online presence. Remember, however, that the absence of a shop profile on social media does not mean that it does not exist!
