It’s no secret that the global pandemic has caused great disruption to manufacturing and logistics — supply chains — throughout the world. Many merchants are urging online shoppers to plan ahead, especially with demand as high as ever. For example, Singles Day — the November 11th holiday which had already become the biggest shopping day in the world — still broke previous years’ sales records in 2020.
Here are five things you can do to make the most of your online shopping experiences:
1. For your online purchases, use a globally accepted credit card that does not draw funds directly from your bank account. Review all credit card issuer documentation, as well as your invoices when they become available.
2. When purchasing items via auction or marketplace websites, evaluate seller information and policies before bidding. Know what resources the service provides for buyers, and what recourse is available to you if needed.
3. If shopping on a website in another country, familiarize yourself with importation laws and restrictions in the country where items will be received. Your purchases may be subject to inspection and tariffs, and the recipient may need to pick them up at the customs agent. Know that in many countries it is against the law to ship items abroad without an enclosed invoice.
4. Be wary of email requests, even if the sender claims to be representing a legitimate business or service. You may want to contact the service directly to confirm the request, via telephone or on-site chat service, before clicking on any links or responding to it.
5. Choose merchants who ship using trackable methods. When possible, use a shipping address that allows for indoor, monitored delivery. Some larger online retailers offer the option to pick up items from a local store or locker service.
Written by Erin Fitzgerald, GMS, Content Manager
