Reduce shop stress

WITH online Christmas shopping deadlines looming, here are some ways to reduce your stress while buying gifts.

Maurice Blackburn Lawyers is highlighting ways to reduce online shopping disasters as Darling Downs families race to have their gifts delivered in time for Christmas.

Maurice Blackburn Toowoomba regional office leader Bianca O’Neill said it was important consumers understood their rights when it came to buying goods online.

“Purchases made online with Australian retailers attract the same rights to a replacement, repair or refund as those found in a bricks and mortar store.

“But buyers should exercise caution when purchasing goods from overseas online businesses where it may be difficult and expensive to enforce the same rights,” she said.

Before shoppers hand over their hard earned cash to any online shopping outlet and to avoid being ripped off, it’s important to:

Check it’s a reputable business or product by checking things such as online reviews and making sure the company has a physical street address and landline phone number.

Read the fine print. Check the terms and conditions of sale, including refund and returns policies and any additional charges like currency conversion fees, postage costs and import duties and taxes.

Compare the product with other websites, their prices and conditions of sale.

Ensure all payments can be made using secure payment systems on a secure website – look for the closed padlock on the page.

Keep a copy of your purchase confirmation and check the details are correct against your credit card or PayPal statement when they arrive.