ABOUT ONLINE SHOPPING

 Shopping online can offer saving and convenience to both consumers and businesses. However, it's important to understand your rights before you complete any online shopping transactions, whether they be direct purchases or participating in an online auction.

Do not provide your bank account, credit card number or other personal details unless you are positive the trader is reputable.

There are secure methods of making payments and holding payment or items in escrow. These methods protect consumers against fraud, unauthorised credit card transactions and will insure transactions up to $1000.

10 safe online shopping tips

1. Know the business. Buy only from websites you know and trust. Check that the company has a physical address and phone number. If the company operates from overseas, you might have trouble getting a refund or repair if required.
2. Know the product. Ensure the product is legal and will work in Australia. Check that any warranties or guarantees offered are valid in Australia and that an authorised repairer is close by.
3. Check the contract. Carefully read the terms and conditions, refund policy, delivery details and policies on costs associated with returns and repairs.
4. Check the full cost. Be aware of the full cost of your purchase, including currency conversion, taxes, delivery fees, packaging and postage. After adding these costs, it may be cheaper to buy locally.
5. Protect your privacy. Only buy online from a company if you are satisfied with their privacy policy. Do not provide additional information that the company does not need for the sale.
6. Confirm the order. The business should enable you to confirm or reject your order before paying.
7. Keep records. Print your order before and after you confirm. Write down any reference numbers, and print any receipts that display on screen or are emailed to you. Depending on the type of payment used, check your credit card statement, merchant account (such as PayPal) or bank account to ensure you have been charged correctly.
8. Pay securely. Use only websites that your browser recognises as secure. A secure address begins with https:// or an image of a padlock will appear in the bottom right corner of your browser window.
9. Resolve problems. When problems occur, immediately contact the business and try to resolve them. Most online shopping and auction sites provide a dispute resolution process to facilitate communication between the buyer and seller. If you are unhappy with the response, you can make a complaint to us.
10. Look out for scams. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

For more advice about shopping online visit the Econsumer website or the International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network website.

Buying from overseas sites

Remember, when dealing with businesses in other countries, Queensland and Australian consumer protection laws may not apply. If something goes wrong, it may be hard to enforce your rights and get your money back.

If you decide to buy from an overseas business, find out:

• if the item is legal in Australia and if it requires an import permit (check with Customs and the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service)
• what import duties or taxes apply
• what the cost will be in Australian dollars
• whether and how you can get a refund
• if the business you are ordering from is reputable
• if the products meet the country of origin's product safety standards
• what after sales support you will be entitled to.

Be cautious when buying electrical items or children's toys as they may not meet Australian safety standards. Electrical items should have a 240 volt plug wired to the product. Do not buy goods requiring an adaptor plug as this is illegal. Contact the Electrical Safety Office for more information.