‘I love ordering things online because when they arrive, it’s like a present to me, from me.’ Does this sound like you? Well, we agree online shopping has made life so much easier. From groceries to clothes to electronics, everything under the sun is just a few clicks away from you. You don’t have to step out at all as whatever you need can be availed in the comfort of your home and free home deliveries make things even better, right?
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While there are numerous pros to online shopping, there are some things to watch out for. Yup, there are some pitfalls that you should avoid while shopping online. Worry not, as we’re here to help. Here’s a list of some common mistakes online shoppers make. Avoid these and enjoy the benefits of online shopping!
Shall we begin?
Not comparing prices online as well as offline
Online shopping is a growing market with a plethora of shopping sites popping up every other day. With so many sites to choose from, buying a product can be confusing. Many online shoppers buy products from the first website they land on through Google search. Well, this is a big mistake as you might not get the best price out there.
Before you add an item to your shopping cart, make sure that you compare its price on other websites. Comparing the prices of a product between two or more sites often lets you get the best possible deal. Smart shoppers often check prices of products offline, i.e. from shops, stores etc., and then compare it with the prices of products quoted on websites. Sometimes, shopping offline can save you more compared to online shopping.
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Using unreliable shopping sites
As we mentioned above, there has been a steep rise in the number of online shopping sites in recent years. While some are well-known and others genuine, there are a few suspicious websites out there whose credibility cannot be validated. Such sites may lure online shoppers by using one of the following tactics:
- Selling products at ridiculously cheap rates
- Selling products that are hard to find on other sites
- Assuring free gifts, discounts, and cashback offers
Shopping from unreliable or suspicious sites can be a risky affair. You might not get what you ordered or you might get a sub-standard product. You might also risk your personal and Credit Card details being misused. So, before you decide to buy that cool Pokemon home décor item from an unknown site, make sure that you check the authenticity of the website. Try their helpline number and check their email ID also, so that you can get in touch with them in case of any problems later.
Additional Reading: 10 Smart Ways to Avoid Credit Card Frauds
Ignoring shipping costs
How many times have you done this? You add a product to your cart and just when you are about to check out, you notice that the price of the product has increased thanks to the shipping charges. Though we all dread shelling out that extra money, we still end up paying for shipping charges. This can make your wallet lighter as shipping costs can sometimes be really expensive, especially if the product is shipped to you from overseas.
To avoid this, check prices of the products from sites that offer free delivery. Even if the prices are slightly higher, you can still save by avoiding shipping charges. Some people order more products to be eligible for the free shipping option that some sites offer especially if your total spend is over a certain amount. However, doing this could mean that you end up with things you don’t need just for the sake of free shipping.
Additional Reading: Top 6 reasons to shop online!
Shying away from free trials
A lot of online shoppers shy away from free trials. If you don’t believe us, check your email inbox and you will find so many free trial offers that you haven’t bothered to check out. Free trials are like gifts – nothing to lose, a lot to gain. But people often stay away from
But people often stay away from utilising free trial offers as they fear that they will be charged a lot of money if they fail to cancel the subscription before the free trial period is over. This fear often keeps online shoppers away from availing exciting offers and services for free. To rectify this mistake, you need to drive away the fear of being overcharged by setting reminders and notifications so that you can cancel the services on time before the free trial expires.
To rectify this mistake, you need to drive away the fear of being overcharged by setting reminders and notifications so that you can cancel the services on time before the free trial expires.
Using public WiFi
We have become addicted to the internet. And WiFi has almost become a basic need. So when we are out and we find free public WiFi, our eyes light up. But beware of booking tickets or shopping for items online while connected to public WiFi. It is the easiest way for a hacker to hack into your account. Public WiFi connections are not password protected and they do not have firewalls to block miscreants from accessing your account details. So, one should not shop online while connected to a public network.
Public WiFi connections are not password-protected and they do not have firewalls to block miscreants from accessing your account details. So, one should not shop online while connected to a public network.
Not reading reviews before purchase
As we have said time and again, online shopping is a vast market with both good quality and substandard quality products being sold through renowned as well as lesser-known websites. So, before you order a particular product from a particular website, make sure that you read reviews about the product as well as the website.
By reading what other online users have experienced after buying the product or using a particular website, you get a fair idea of the quality of the product and reliability of a website.
Not checking the return policy
You see a cute T-shirt online and fall in love with it instantly. You immediately order it but when it is delivered, you find that it doesn’t fit you. So you want to return it, but the online retailer is not ready to give your money back.
A lot of online users have gone through this harrowing experience especially while ordering clothes online. Many of us don’t read the return policy of the website and later regret it. So, if you don’t want to be stuck with clothes that don’t fit you or products that are damaged, then be sure that you order from websites that accept returns and credit back your money.
Now that you know all about these common online shopping mistakes, be a smart online shopper and save yourself grief by avoiding them. Looking for ways to save when you shop? Try our cashback and rewards Credit Cards.