If you own a really busy schedule, you’ll know what a pleasure it is to be able to shop from your computer or mobile devices, as long as you have Internet connection. Online shopping has proven to be a blessing for people who don’t have time to go out and shop. What’s even better is that you can shop in online stores worldwide and have it shipped to you (of course, sometimes with a hefty shipping price).

1. Avoid suspicious websites

If a website is poorly designed or has multiple pop-up windows, you might want to think twice before shopping there.

Read the domain name carefully and beware of sites whose names have slight changes from a legitimate online retailer’s: extra words or letters, misspellings. To play it safe, go for big-name retailers or smaller reputable sites.

Look out for familiar payment systems such as credit card or PayPal. Reject requests for wire transfer payment: it’s the quickest way to lose money. Credit card payments offer you more protection than debit transactions if you need to dispute payment or fraud.

2. A little research goes a long way

When you come across a site you’re unfamiliar with, it pays to do some research on the retailer.
See if they have a Facebook page. If they do, check out their account updates and user comments: you’ll be able to gauge if the retailer is trustworthy and dependable.

Google them. Look for news clippings from lifestyle portals or blogs. You need to know what people are saying about the retailer. If you find nothing, or if a site is fairly new, put your purchase on hold until you’re sure you can trust the site.

Pricing is important: do some research on the prices of the things you’re looking at. Most scam sites have ridiculously high discounts and low prices. Warning bells should sound if an item you’re interested in is being offered at a suspiciously lower rate than its original price tag.

3. Go for mobile shopping apps

Not every online retailer has mobile apps. But if they do, download and use it to avoid scams while shopping via mobile.

4. Look at retailers’ terms and conditions

Find out if a retailer has return/refund/exchange policies and services. As an online shopper, you have the right to cancel your order if orders are late (like really late). You should also be allowed to ask for a refund or exchange products if the goods received are damaged or defective.

Be sure to pay attention to the disclosures at the bottom of the page: look for a “Terms and Conditions” page to find out the company’s return policy and such. It’s also important to find out if an online retailer has contact details that include a phone number, email address, and physical address.

5. Search for deals and vouchers

If you look hard enough, you might be able to find some deals that will shave off a couple of bucks off the items you’re looking for. Some of the best and easiest sites to look for them are at Frugaa.com. It is an advanced online voucher codes search engine that helps improve the end/user consumer experience. More importantly, it helps make sure your coupons are valid! There are tons of coupons in multiple categories related to fashion, lifestyle, food & drink, and many more.

6. Track your order

Some websites offer order-tracking services online. You’ll be able to tell if your order is being prepared, getting ready to be shipped, or is on the way to you. If a website does not have this service, you can always call or email them to find out the status of your delivery.

7. Sign up for Newsletters

You can’t be surfing shopping sites all the time, and signing up for a site’s newsletter may provide you the news of what’s going on offer. Furthermore, sometimes companies send targeted deals according to what may be relevant in your previous search.