Purchasing Online

Shopping on the Internet has become convenient, quick and easy.  With a quick click of the mouse, you have unlimited choices and can order anything you want from practically anywhere in the world right in the comfort of your home.

Shopping online does have its pitfalls, however.  If consumers have any problems with merchandise obtained from abroad through shopping on the Internet, Consumer Affairs can only provide assistance in putting you in contact with a Consumer Affairs Office in the country state, or province from which the merchandise was obtained.

Therefore consider the following before shopping online:

• Can you contact the business if you have a problem and does it have a physical location?
• Are there any restrictions or limitations on the sale?
• Is there any opportunity for you to print or save a record of the transaction?
• Are there safeguards for protecting your payment information when it is transmitted online?
• Is there an opportunity for you not to have information collected about yourself?
• What is the return policy?
• Does the warranty apply to merchandise sold outside of the vendor's country?
• How much added cost will be attached to each items' price once shipping and customs duties are factored in? It is advisable to check with customs officials if unsure of the dutiable amount. With regard to shipping,
• What protection do you have if the items do not arrive or if they are damaged in transport?
• What assurance do you have of the quality and fitness of the product you are ordering?