Online Shopping

Is your fear of online shopping in New Zealand fed by constant media attention on Internet banking scams, online fraudsters and identity theft? Shopping online can be a safe, convenient and hassle-free way of shopping, with an impressive range of products available at online stores, all at the click of a mouse. Before you explore online shops in New Zealand, make sure you've got all the facts. If you're new to the world of New Zealand online shopping follow this guide on staying safe while shopping online:

Where?

There are a multitude of NZ online stores, covering the spectrum:

• Online auction sites: one of the most popular ways to shop online in New Zealand is on Trade Me. Shop for bargains by bidding on auctions or purchasing at the 'buy now' price. Always check the seller's feedback before purchasing.
• Large online retailers: major online stores, such as Amazon are often based in the United States. Check for a section on the site for Australian or New Zealand shoppers, and be aware of the current exchange rate, delivery times and freight charges.
• Chain stores online: you're not likely to find super bargains at a chain store's online shop, but they can be handy for those who are unable to leave the house or people who live in an isolated area.
• Small online stores: many small businesses in New Zealand now opt for an online store rather than a physical retail outlet. Browse the Web for New Zealand online stores and find a whole range of unique products available exclusively online. These stores will often have a direct phone or email contact, personalising your transaction and giving you peace of mind.

How?

If you're unsure about the world of cyber shopping, follow our top ten do's and don't's of online shopping:

1. Shop around: on the World Wide Web there are many bargains, but make sure you compare prices with those on other online sites and at your local retail stores (take into account the cost of delivery, currency conversion and any extra charges you may have when shopping online).

2. Make sure you're in a secure browser: this will ensure your credit card details are safe. Look for the telltale signs of a safe browser:

• A pop-up window telling you that you're entering a secure site
• A pad lock icon on the bottom right of your screen (the lock symbol should be closed)
• A website address that's "https://" rather than the regular "http://" (ie. https://www.shop.co.nz instead of http://www.shop.co.nz)

3. Keep a copy of your receipt or payment confirmation: this will allow easy follow-up, should your order go amiss. If you've won an online auction, make sure you keep a record of all contact (email, phone or in person) you have with the seller. Do not provide your bank details to a retailer under any circumstances.

4. Choose a safe payment option: New Zealand online stores provide a number of payment options, including credit card payment (this should be through a secure site or by providing your credit card details over the phone), cheque or online banking transaction.

5. Watch for strange credit card activity: watch your credit card statement for unusual transactions. Many people pay their balance without checking to make sure all transactions are their own. Contact your bank immediately if you suspect any illegal activity on your credit card.

6. Check the return policy: can your purchase be returned or exchanged if it doesn't fit with the product description given online or is unsuitable for some other reason? Check the return or exchange policy before you buy.

7. Check that customs will 'okay' your purchase: not all products can be legally shipped to New Zealand, so check before you purchase a product to make sure that New Zealand customs will let your purchase into the country. There are restrictions on foodstuffs, firearms, flora and fauna, objectionable material and some pharmaceuticals. If you're unsure, check with New Zealand customs.

8. Be password savvy: make your passwords clever (6 to 8 characters, combining both numbers and letters) and try not to use the same passwords and usernames as you have for your online banking and email account.

9. Read the fine print: find out what currency you're shopping in (if it's not New Zealand dollars, use a handy online currency conversion calculator to see how much your bill is likely to be). Also note terms and conditions, the site's privacy policy and any other small print. You may have to uncheck (or check) a box to prevent the company emailing you or passing your details on to a third party.

10. Note delivery charges: pay attention to delivery charges: they may not be in New Zealand dollars. Charges may be a flat fee, or alternatively, the company may charge by the number of items you buy or the weight of your purchase. If there's a flat postage cost per order, you may want to think about making other purchases at the same time.

What if?

If (despite your best efforts) your experience of shopping online goes wrong, it's good to know there's something you can do about it! Get onto it, the sooner the better:

• New Zealand purchases are protected by the Consumer Guarantees Act. If something goes wrong during your New Zealand online shopping experience, the seller is obligated to make things right. Contact the seller or retailer as soon as you can and see if you can sort it out before taking matters further.
• International purchase complaints can be registered at the Econsumer.gov site.
• If you experience a dodgy credit card transaction or have queries about activity on your credit card, talk to your online retailer or contact your bank. Banks will be able to assist with a credit card chargeback, which will reverse any payments which weren't made by you and return payment if you were charged without delivery of goods. Coverage will differ between banks.

Looking for more information? Find New Zealand online shopping in the NZS.com directory.

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Business images from Flickr: Sky Tower, New Zealand Flag and Wellington Buildings.