How to Select the Safest - and Best - Online Shopping Sites
In the last couple of years, online shopping sites have increased exponentially as more South Africans go online for their shopping, but how safe are some of these online shopping sites?
21/08/2021
Until a couple of years ago, you could feel reasonably safe when shopping online. Most online shopping sites were based in South Africa, reputations were established, and delivery was well within norms. Then everything changed. Now when you go into the online shopping feature on Google and other search engines, you end of with a selection of sites, many that are not based in South Africa and originate from China, India and other countries. This is where you need to beware.
How to select the safest online shopping site
Having read through pages and pages of reviews for online shopping sites, one factor that immediately pops up is that online shopping sites not based in South Africa need to be investigated. There are plenty of claims where people have ordered items to not receive them, to receive something that faintly resembles what they ordered, or to receive an inferior product that bears no resemblance to items selected.
According to itweb.co.za, suspect online shopping sites are on the increase and there appears to be no way of stopping these other than refusing to deal with them. There is an increasing frequency in online shopping scams, as criminals set up online shopping websites to entice South African consumers to purchase goods at unbelievably low prices and on items that are not readily available on the local market.
Both the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) and eCommerce Forum in South Africa (ECFSA) are concerned about the increasing number of complaints received in relation to fraudulent shopping sites that offer goods and prices that are too good to be true. The payment platform PayFast also confirms that fraudulent online shopping sites are on the increase.
If you are visiting an online shopping site for the first time, consider the following:
Are they based in South Africa?
The first and foremost priority is to ensure that an online shopping site you will be dealing with is based in South Africa, or at least has a reputation in the USA or UK, or other country that follows rules and regulations set for online shopping sites and that adhere to good business practices.
The majority of problems experienced with online shopping sites are those that are based overseas and cannot be closely monitored for irregularities.
Is the currency used SA Rands?
The first indication that an online shopping site is not local is the currency used. Quite a few overseas shopping sites that show in the shopping search advertise goods in US Dollars, which is converted into ZA Rands. Even if the site does display ZA Rands but you are still suspicious, go further into the site to determine the actual country of origin.
Another consideration when dealing with online shopping sites is the safety and security aspect of any transactions you make. There are generally plenty of payment options to choose from, but you do need to make sure of their trustworthiness before providing your credit card or MasterCard details.
Before completing any online transaction, make sure to check for the lock image in the toolbar at the top of your search engine. This lock denotes a valid certificate and secure payment options. Santam advises clients to only deal with https:// websites and to ignore those shopping sites that are http://. The 's' indicates encryption as a security measure to scramble any personal details entered as part of the transaction.
Does their pricing seem too good to be true?
A sure indication of suspicious activity is that of pricing. The old adage states that 'if something appears too good to be true - it usually is'. Goods that are advertised at ridiculous prices attract buyers who unwillingly pay for items before the online site disappears and re-appears under another name.
How long will shipping take
I regularly shop on sites such as Takealot.com and Bid or Buy and delivery is usually quick or has a delay of 2 to 4 weeks at most. Overseas shopping sites will quote extended delivery times on items since these have to be shipped from overseas sources.
Ensure your Security when Shopping Online
The continued growth of online shopping in South Africa is a boon to the economy after the effects of the pandemic in 2020. The only way to guarantee your personal security is to use discretion when selecting suppliers. Make sure they are trustworthy and preferably backed by technology such as OTP or SMS notification, that will protect you by ensuring transactions are authorised by you, the shopper.
