Our top five tips for online shopping these holidays

With the holiday sales starting soon, it’s easy to get caught up quickly catching a good deal or making sure you get a gift in time. Before clicking pay now, follow our tips to ensure you have a positive shopping experience.

Do your research

Whether buying online or instore, do your research. Read product reviews, shop around and ensure that a sale really is a bargain.

Read the terms and conditions of your purchase and ensure you understand any fees you’ll be charged if you cancel or change your order.

Be scams aware

When buying a product or service online, always check the website is secure, and screenshot or save any documentation, receipts or confirmation emails.

Online shopping scams often involve scammers pretending to be legitimate online sellers, either with a fake website that looks like a legitimate trader’s site, or a fake ad on a genuine retailer site.

If the advertised price of a good or service looks too good to be true, it probably is. If you have any doubts, don’t go ahead with the deal.

Check delivery timeframes

Before you make a purchase, check delivery timeframes, including Christmas cut-off dates.

Be aware of possible delays and always give yourself plenty of time to ensure the gift arrives in time.

Be cautious with overseas websites

Only buy from websites that are well known, have a good reputation and display clear processes for solving problems. You have the same rights buying from an Australian business or any online business that is trading in Australia. If a business is overseas, you may have difficulty getting a refund, repair, or replacement for your product.

Understand your rights

If you don’t get what you paid for with a product or service, you have rights. This applies even when an item is on sale.

Always check the store’s returns policy. Refunds aren’t always an automatic right. Businesses don’t have to give you a refund if you change your mind, buy the wrong size, or buy the wrong colour. Some businesses still offer refunds in these situations. This is their choice to provide good customer service, and not a legal requirement.

You are entitled to a refund, repair or replacement if a consumer guarantee is not met. The remedy you’re entitled to will depend on whether the issue is major or minor.

More Information

If you do experience a problem with a product or service you buy, you should always talk to the business first. Most traders want to do the right thing and fix any problems for their customers. If you are unable to resolve the problem, you can lodge a complaint with us.

For more information about your rights as a consumer on the Northern Territory Consumer Affairs: Consumer rights.