5 tips for online shopping

Here are a few tips that should boost your confidence:

1. Trust your gut: That niggling little voice, that incessant alarm bells going off in your head are there for a reason - your subconscious is picking up signals that your conscious mind is too occupied to deal with. If you feel pressured at any point during the bidding or buying of your transactions, opt out immediately.

2. Do your homework: Once you graduate to bidding on internet auctions it is imperative that you familiarise yourself with the rules and policies of the site itself, as well as legal terms associated with the items which you are purchasing.

3. Check your internet connection before paying: Before you fork over your hard-earned cash, first make sure that your internet connection is secure and that all the security software is in place. A stitch in time saves nine and that relative inconvenience could save you from potential internet fraud.

4. Check the prices and then check them again: If an item bears a price tag that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Furthermore, remain clearheaded when bidding on auction sites. It is easy to get carried away in the excitement of the moment and paying more than you ever would in the case of a straight-forward purchase. Use online shopping comparison websites or go old-school and check a few brick and mortar shops in your neck of the woods.

5. Print out the terms and conditions: Make sure to print out anything relevant to your purchase. This includes confirmation emails, terms and conditions, warranties etc.