‘‘You can buy anything, anytime.’’

delivery times, and occasional non-delivery.

There’s comfort in dealing with big companies who have reputations they can’t afford to lose, but I’m quite comfortable with buying from New Zealandbased small speciality businesses, though I need to know where they are physically based, and who runs them.

That’s easy using the Companies Office searchable online database.

I like to see New Zealand-based shareholders and directors with ordinary street addresses.

Don’t be fooled by ‘‘.co.nz’’ on a website.

It doesn’t mean the company is based in New Zealand.

Buying through big intermediaries like Trade Me and Amazon can also help engender trust.

They have public feedback systems, and mechanisms to exclude crooks, though no system is foolproof.

Importantly, they also have safe ways to pay like PayPal and Trade Me’s PayNow which keep your payment details from the merchant. Guard your private details – including your credit card details – jealously.

Read the terms and conditions of trade of online traders, and be deeply cautious if they are confusing and fees are not clearly explained.

Online shopping brings choice, competition, saves legwork, and lets you indulge your rarefied hobbies, but you need self-defence strategies against the dangers it brings.