April 2, 2021 November 30, 2023

Know Before, During, and After Online Shopping

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April 2, 2021 November 30, 2023

What to Know Before, During, and After Online Shopping

Online shopping is so easy and convenient, it’s easy to get hooked on it and think to yourself “why did I even bother going to shops to buy things?” One thing is shopping from the comfort of your own home, the other thing is not being able to physically verify the item you’re buying and the entity you’re buying from. This opens up opportunities for scams!

Online shopping concept art

Online Shopping Comes With Its Pros and Cons

Of course, this isn’t to say you shouldn’t shop online, but there are steps you can take before, during, and after an online shopping spree to make sure you’re not taken advantage of by dishonest sellers.

Know Your Rights

Did you know that online sellers are no longer allowed to use the sentence “PM for price” on social media? This makes sense as without a concrete price tag, sellers can “PM” you with any price they want to. They are required to list their prices upfront, if they don’t, maybe look elsewhere first.

Protecting consumer rights for online shopping

Whilst not strictly enforced, sellers can technically be slapped with a fine of up to RM 50,000 or a 3-year prison sentence for this offence.

There are rules even to the ads sellers display online. Technically, all ads on social media must have these 8 information: –

1. The full price of advertised product, including taxes and other charges.

2. Seller or company name

3. Company registration number

4. Contact information

5. Product information

6. Payment method

7. Terms and conditions

8. Approximate shipping period

How to Buy Safe

Asian Woman With A Shopping Cart and Shopping Online

Be A Smart Consumer

1. Know What You’re Buying

- Read the descriptions carefully, are you buying a brand new product? Or is it used? If they’re vague, try asking the seller, avoid buying until you’re sure about what you’ll be getting.

2. Read the Fine Print

- Find and read the terms and conditions, is the product refundable? Can you exchange it? If you return it, is postage covered? These are all things that might incur extra charges!

3. Buy From Social Media Only As a Last Resort

Social Media Online Shopping Instagram Examples

- Social media is good for a lot of things, but shopping on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram or communication apps like WhatsApp come with risks. On the other hand, eCommerce platforms like Lazada and Shopee impose much stricter measures on their sellers.

4. Check the Market Price

- Unless you’re looking at a specialty or handmade item, each product should have an approximate market price. What is the price of it in retail stores? How much does it cost in similar online platforms?
- If you see an online shop selling it way below market price, does it mean you’ve hit the jackpot? There is a reason they’re able to sell it at such a low price, that reason maybe it’s a bootleg, or it was obtained illegally.
- Always be careful with prices that are too good to be true.

5. Pick COD for Maximum Security

Cash On Delivery Concept Art

- COD, or cash on delivery, means you pay the seller only upon delivery of the purchased item. In this case, you’re safe from being scammed off your money without getting the product, or being shipped a completely different item from the one you bought.
- Practise caution and pick a safe and open place area for any CODs.

What If I’ve Already Been Scammed?

If you believe you’ve been cheated on or taken advantage of by dishonest online sellers, you can always submit a report or complaint to the National Consumer Complaints Centre.

You can also report any shady businesses online even if you have not made a purchase from them. For example, if a seller insists on the practise of “PM for price,” you can make a complaint that would help all online shoppers.