Online shopping process

WHAT IS ONLINE SHOPPING ? The online selling of or enabling the sale of products or services to Consumers. Shopping online is a great way to find exactly what you need. You can save money, and you don't have to leave home to do it.

PROCESS OF ONLINE SHOPPING Many search engines have a shopping search. This lets you find what you want, and compare prices from different online stores. You can search for a type of product (‘26” LCD TV’) or the exact make and model (‘Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1’)

Shopping searches can show you extra information that helps you make the right decision. This search result includes delivery prices, so you can see the overall cost. The results also show how other shoppers have ‘rated’ each online store. Click on a result to visit the online store you want.

Read the description to make sure you’ve chosen the right product. Many sites let customers add their own product reviews for you to read.

Click on ‘Checkout’ to pay for your products. This gives you another chance to check that you have chosen the right items and the right quantity.

The checkout page lets you choose your delivery option. There may be more than one option, such as a slower, cheaper delivery method plus a faster but more expensive one. Check delivery times and details. Most shops will have a ‘Deliveries and returns’ page. Many deliveries will need a signature.

Select your mode of payment. Online shoppers commonly use a credit card or a PayPal account in order to make payments.

Enter your card details carefully when you pay. Some card providers have their own security system. You might be asked to join this, or be taken to another page to enter these details.

When you register or pay, make sure the site uses a secure web page. The address bar in your browser program will show this. Look for ‘https’ and a padlock symbol.

You should be sent an email to confirm your order. It’s also a good idea to print out your order confirmation page. You should also receive an email when your order is sent.

It’s not a good idea to shop online using a public computer. Close your browser when you finish shopping on a shared or public computer, or if you are using your own computer in a public place. If you have registered with the shopping website, make sure you sign out before you close the browser.

ADVANTAGES OF ONLINE SHOPPING Convenience - Online stores are available 24 hours a day. Information & Reviews - Details about the product Price & selection - Easy price/attribute comparisons

RISKS & DISADVANTAGES OF ONLINE SHOPPING Fraud - Do you know the Company? Security- Is your credit card safe? Privacy - Is your information being sold? Shipping- Are you getting the correct product at the requested time? Difficulty- Do you know how to shop online?