Shopping Online
Shopping online is easy and can save you time & money - that's why millions of people around the world are buying online everyday.

Want to join them? You can, but before you do it would a good idea if you asked yourself these questions..

Does the shop I'm buying from have a "secure server"?
What are their delivery terms?
Can I contact the shop easily?
Are there any hidden charges?
Your Shopping Cart

Most shopping sites use some sort of shopping cart - this is your virtual trolley into which you can place items, then take them to the checkout when you want to pay. Most carts also have to the option to remove items, just in case you decide you may have over done it!

The checkout must be in a "secure server" in order for your transaction to be secure.

Secure Server
A Secure Server Certificate provides a website with an electronic means of confirming both the identity of the website operator and ownership of the relevant domain name. It operates seamlessly, creating an encrypted link between the user's browser and the web server, which protects all the information that is sent during transactions.

When you go to the checkout of a site that uses a secure server the key or lock in the bottom of your browser (bottom right hand corner of your screen) will appear locked or highlighted. The symbol looks like this, depending on which browser you are using:

Internet Explorer Symbol
Netscape Symbol

If this doesn't happen, then this is not a secure server - don't enter your credit card details. If you really want to continue then email the seller and ask them a few questions to put your mind at rest (remember the padlock only appears when you go to the checkout!)

Finally here a few hints about online shopping that may help you:

Always print out your order confirmation.

Order more than just one item at a time to save on delivery costs.

Try and get your goods delivered at a time when you will be there, otherwise your package might get sent back to the delivery company

Only spend what you can afford!

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