Tele shopping, shopping over the net or mail shopping are increasingly becoming popular but they do carry the risks which outweigh the convenience. Shopping from the comfort of your home spells convenience but don't rush your decision on spending those hard earned green bucks. Distance shopping has most of the potential pitfalls of regular shopping, plus some more of its own. Do consider the following which may help you avoid disappointment and hassles when you decide to do some comfort shopping.
PRICES
Don't be fooled by claims of a 'special price'. Postage and handling charges can substantially raise the actual price you pay. If possible, do some comparison shopping for prices. A similar product may be available in a shop where prices are known to be often lower.
KEEP A RECORD
Make a note of the company's address, conditions of sale and the details of your order, just in case you have problems later. Beware of fly-by-night operators, and ask around for information on the company.
REFUND POLICY
Make sure you know the company's exchange and refund policy. If it is not mentioned in the ad, ask about it before you place the order. Do consider things like Can you return the goods if you don't like them? Within what time limit? Who pays for the return postage or freight? If there is a facility to personally check the goods out at select outlets, avail of it before you place an order.
WARRANTY
Depending on the type of product, make sure you know the warranty details and whether spare parts are available.
PAYMENT
If the company will bill you, go for the VPP option where you won't have to pay until the goods have arrived and you're sure they're all right. In cases where this option is not be available, avoid sending your credit card details via e-mail, to minimize the chances of your personal details falling into the wrong hands. Refuse to give personal information that has no bearing on your purchase. And ask not to be put on the company's mailing list unless you want to be. You have a legal right to cancel your order and get your money back if the company doesn't deliver the goods within a reasonable time stated by the company.
FAILURE OF DELIVERY GOODS
If the company has never sent the goods, they're in breach of contract and you can claim your money back. If the goods have been lost during delivery, then the seller as well as the delivery agency may be liable. If the goods are different from what you had ordered, the company may be in breach of the Sale of Goods Act. In such a case, you can reject them and get your money back. During this time, they have a legal right to a full refund if they return the goods within seven days of delivery.