Designs
Shopping Online
We are very lucky with the Internet these days - we can shop from the comfort of our homes, at any time of day, have gifts wrapped and sent to friends on the other side of the world and there are numerous bargains to be picked up.
Internet Shopping should be as easy and secure as buying over the phone, or by mail order. But there is a minefield of cons and false sites on the web ready to bag your money.
So which online shops are really secure, and how can you tell?
Check the company
Try telephoning the company if you are not familiar with them. You could try ordering a brochure, although many companies these days use their website as a brochure. Check their refund and return policies before you place an order. A good website should have these to hand.
Print Invoices
Remember to print the purchase order and confirmation number and keep it for your records.
Security
Do evaluate the way a company will secure your financial and personal information. If you don't see a security description call or email the company to ask.
Personal Information
Make sure you know who is collecting the information you enter, why they are collecting it, and how they will use it. Check for privacy policies; this should let you know what information is being collected and what it will be used for. Email the company if you cannot find one. You should be able to opt out of any further information being sent to you, or third parties using the information you give.
How do I know when it's safe to use my credit card on the Internet?
Look for an "s" added to the familiar "http" of a website (to make "https") this indicates that SSL is in effect and that you are in a secure environment. Different browsers have different ways of communicating security.
Up to date browsers will use a padlock symbol - a closed padlock means the site is in secure mode, an open padlock means the site is not in secure mode. You should be able to click on the padlock and read a "secure certificate".
Also keep in mind that, if you're about to send information to a site that's not using SSL, your browser will warn you before the transaction is executed (unless the it is set otherwise). So you are looking for the right security indicators for online bill payment and purchases. Good security software will also tell you when you are entering, or exiting a secure area.
Passwords
Do not use your dogs name, house name or telephone number as a password. This information is extremely easy to find out, and will not keep your information private. Be creative, and try to add numbers or spell things backwards.
Links
Office of Fair Trading www.oft.gov.uk
Advertising Standards Authority www.asa.org.uk
So what is the right way of reaching those customers and selling your product? You may find the Office of Fair Trading pages of use. http://www.oft.gov.uk/Business/default.htm
The reports on this page are for your information only. Kaydee will not be liable for any damage, loss of money or any other problems that arise if you do take actions on the advice given.