Online festive shopping tips

If the idea of trawling through the malls in search of the perfect Christmas present has you breaking out in a cold sweat, then shopping online is the perfect solution to your festive season woes. 

You don’t have to worry about arm-wrestling a fellow shopper for the shawl you know your mother-in-law would love, or endlessly searching for a parking spot near the entrance.

With online shopping, it’s just a matter of a few double-clicks

Carolyn Holgate, General Manager of MWEB Connect, South Africa’s leading Internet Service Provider, says “Shopping online is fast and convenient, making it incredibly easy to shop around for a better deal.

You can find almost anything online, from books, CDs, and gift hampers to cinema vouchers, and flight tickets. And best of all, Internet shops are open 24-hours a day, seven days a week,” she says.

To make sure your online shopping is safe and hassle free, follow these tips from MWEB and you’ll be smiling all the way to New Year:

Check if the site is safe

When buying online, look for signs that the website is secure before entering your personal and financial information.
This is indicated by a closed padlock on the browser’s status bar or by an "s" at the end of http (e.g., https://www.kalahari.net/checkout/pipeline/register.aspx).

Only buy from trusted merchants

Only shop at companies that you have heard of or that have been recommended by a trusted source. If you’ve not heard of the company before but are keen on their merchandise, why not look for their physical address and phone number, and give them a call. Also remember to make certain that they have a return policy on the site too.

Know what you are paying for

Always read the seller’s descriptions carefully and note that name-brand items at greatly reduced prices could be counterfeit. Ask for proof of authenticity if necessary.

Online Payments

Online payments are usually via the use of a credit card.  When given a choice, rather use a credit card instead of a debit card because credit card companies such as Visa and MasterCard protect you against unauthorised purchases.

Many sites also offer you the option of making an Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) when paying for your purchases, this is convenient solution for people who do online banking and prefer not use a credit card.

Remember to keep your passwords safe and don’t save them on your computer, just as you wouldn’t keep your ATM PIN number in your wallet.

Secure your computer

Your computer should have anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewall software installed. Security software must be updated regularly to provide protection against the latest threats.

A good Internet security package is vital but can be expensive. However MWEB subscribers can download AVG anti-virus, which is designed to protect your computer and give you peace of mind as you surf the Internet.

Log off from your web browser after shopping

When you’ve finished shopping online, log off from the website and close your web browser. This will end your shopping session safely, and make sure your personal information is not accessible to cyber-criminals.

Also, be wary of entering personal financial information at an Internet Café or public access spot where your online safety could be compromised.

“The cyber-world is not that different from the real world and similar rules apply. Trust your instincts and be street wise. If an offer sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. Remember to print records of your purchases too,” concludes Holgate.

For more information, visit www.mweb.co.za or call 08600 32000.

For the ultimate Christmas gift for someone special go to www.healthspas.co.za/gifts/dv-index.php