On-line Shopping Assistant - Text Vesion
- 1. Does the merchant provide its name, address and contact information?
- Stay away from merchants who aren't up-front about this. Reliable merchants want you to know who they are and how to contact them for more information or if there's a problem.
- 2. Does the merchant provide a detailed product description and have you kept a copy?
- If you order without complete product information you may be surprised at what you get. If you feel information is missing, contact the merchant. If it's still not available, shop somewhere else.
- 3. Is the sales agreement clear and are you sure there's nothing missing?
-
Terms and conditions of sale should be in plain language and cover items like:
- the full price (including taxes and all handling charges);
- any other charges such as customs duties/brokerage fees;
- delivery details;
- cancellation, return and exchange policies and warranties if applicable;
- methods of payment.
Keep a copy for future reference. If you can't find these items in the terms you should deal with another merchant.
- 4. Is it clear what happens if you're not satisfied with your purchase?
- A merchant should provide an effective process for handling complaints, enquiries and concerns. If you can't find clear information about this, or if you're not satisfied with the process, shop somewhere else.
- 5. Are the steps for selecting, ordering, paying and cancelling clear and simple?
-
Reputable merchants provide a clear summary of your shopping before you complete the order including:
- items selected;
- prices;
- additional charges.
They also make it easy to correct the list. If the merchant isn't clear about any of this, find one who is.
- 6. Are you sure the site provides a secure system for processing your transaction?
-
Merchants who use secure transaction systems will advertise the fact, give you information about their system and tell you who provides it. Once you begin the buying process look for:
- a closed padlock icon at the bottom of your screen;
- a Web site address that begins with https://
If you can't find these, then assume that someone besides the merchant can get your personal and financial information.
- 7. Are you aware of how the merchant will use your personal information?
- Merchants should post a privacy policy on their Web site. They should also ask your permission before using your information for purposes other than completing the transaction. (But watch out, some merchants will assume they have your permission unless you opt out.) If you consent you will receive more marketing information or solicitations.
- 8. Are you dealing with a merchant from outside Canada?
- When shopping internationally, Canadian consumer protection laws likely don't apply and safety standards may be different. If it's not a reputable merchant and there's a problem, it may be difficult to get satisfaction.
- 9. Are you considering buying in response to an unsolicited email?
- Reputable merchants should only send you Email if you have authorised them to do so through a previous transaction or by requesting information. If its not a merchant you've done business with before be cautious; don't reply to it but delete it immediately.
Important: The On-line Shopping Assistant is designed to help your decision making. Its use is not a guarantee of service and product quality. Remember, any offer that sounds too good to be true - probably is.
