Lucas Noah 
Word of Advice for a Safer Online Shopping Experience
In this fast-developing world, shopping is so easy and convenient because of e-commerce websites and technology. However, we often hear the news of a person being cheated by a fake online shopping website or not receiving his or her ordered product at the mentioned address even after making the payment or receiving a fake product. It remains to be continued no matter how many suggestions for online shopping projects are followed, or precautions are taken before ordering any product online.
According to the data released by the government’s cybercrime department, the number of complaints received for digital payment fraud is 60,000. In addition, half of the complaints are because of UPI fraud. A customer can become a victim of fraudulent activities carried out due to online shopping. Not following safety precautions can lead to threats and fraudulent activities with online shoppers. It is better to follow some tips for a safe online shopping experience; otherwise, fall into the trap of fraudulent activities via online shopping.
Suggestions to improve online shopping experience for shoppers: –
Let us look into these tips in detail for a safe online shopping experience that is needed to be followed by a customer.
1) Always purchase gift cards from authorized sellers -:
Nowadays, gift cards are trending over the internet. Tampered gift cards can be used to steal your hard-earned money. Sometimes it may lead to fraud because of fake or tampered gift cards. Therefore, avoiding gift cards from unauthorized sellers is advisable, and always check their website first.
2) Make a list of items to be purchased -:
Sometimes, we buy things that are not needed or fall into the trap of purchasing them because of some discounts available and attractive offers to loot the customers. Therefore, it is necessary to make a list of items to be bought, and in a way, it helps manage your budget. You can make a list of items needed for a longer time, such as washing powder for clothes and other things, so you need not repeatedly buy, reducing the risks of online shopping fraud.
3) Stay aware of immediate and compelling messages -:
Often we receive such messages to take action soon, like calling the given number or clicking on the link provided. They are designed so that people act quickly without thinking about it and become victims of fraudulent activities. Therefore, if the message is from an unknown sender or unfamiliar number, do not take action without knowing the sender’s details.
4) Know the privacy policy -:
For a better online shopping experience, it is good to know the privacy policy of any website as it tells us about how the information is collected, used, and shared by them. It also informs what can be done for not allowing them to track your activities. E.g., blocking cookies. When you create an account on any website, they ask you for information to be provided, which they will use in the future for promotional activities and marketing emails to be sent. Hence, be sure, where you are creating your account and providing your personal information.
5) Use strong passwords and 2-factor authentication – :
Do not be lazy to set strong and hard passwords with upper case, lower-case, unique symbols, and numbers in your password. In addition, it is essential to have different passwords for different accounts you have created at various online shopping websites. Some websites also provide multi-factor authentication, such as Amazon and Google, so there would be one more layer of security.
6) Check before falling into the trap of astonishing offers -:
Nowadays, on social media platforms, we come across some amazing deals and discounts provided on products. Soon after this offer on social media platforms, we hear about fraud and money stealing. Therefore, it is good to compare product prices before you purchase them. A meager price could signal that it is a fake website to gain your private information or steal and take away your hard-earned money.
7) Prefer credit card to debit card -:
A credit card is safer because it does not give direct access to your money in a bank account. In addition, if Crook is trying to use your account to make the purchase, you can even complaint to bank about such fraud. Credit card provider companies will always investigate fraudulent activities and provide you with a new credit card.
8) Keep an eye on details and track your order -:
Always keep your receipt, order confirmation number, and tracking number provided by the seller. At times of any fraud, it will help you to resolve the matter. In addition, track where your order has reached and if the product has not reached your home or the merchant is not responding, and then ask your credit card issuer to delete the charge of the product from your bill and help you out.
Hence, the suggestions mentioned above for online shopping projects are for the betterment of consumers and their safety.
Now, we shall move on to suggestions to improve the online shopping experience of customers to be followed by the sellers to provide them with a safer and more convenient shopping environment.
Suggestions to improve online shopping experience of your customers: –
These tips below for a safe online shopping experience are the best guide for an online seller to attract more customers and provide them with a pleasant and fabulous shopping experience.
1) Try your best that website loads quickly -:
If your website takes time, customers will switch to another website. Therefore, ensure that website loading time is within a few seconds or less to attract more customers.
2) Secure Your Website with SSL Security -:
An online seller should always Buy SSL And install it on website so that customers will always keep faith in your website and never doubt its authenticity. SSL certificate brings higher authenticity and encryption to the website. It is essential for SMBs as cyber attackers always target such businesses. Websites without an SSL certificate will not have HTTPS in their website link, and therefore it becomes skeptical for online shoppers to trust the seller, which results in less traffic.
3) Be sure that your product photographs are of best quality -:
As we live in a visually appealing world, it is essential to have the best quality photographs for your products so that customers may know how your product looks. In addition, perfect images are the best way to attract more customers and provide them with an enjoyable shopping experience.
4) Customer reviews are must -:
Buyers will always search for customer reviews to know the reality of the product features mentioned on the website. Without customer reviews, it is difficult for the buyer to decide between buying the product online.
5) Make sure you have a simple and easy check out process -:
When we talk about suggestions for online shopping projects to be followed by sellers, this point is significant to be considered. Customers should not face difficulty in the checking out process and should know where they are right now through visual diagrams.
Conclusion
Online shopping can always provide us with a beautiful experience and the convenience of buying products from home with ease. You come across the most needed product per your latent desire, and you must click the buy button for the product to be yours. The only thing to be kept in mind is not to forget the tips for safe online shopping, as it is mandatory to follow those suggestions to improve online shopping projects from customers’ viewpoints.