6 Tips To Guide You Before Making That Online Purchase
posted on Jul 13, 2022 | 387 likes
Love shopping online? Read this first
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Let us face it, online shopping is convenient and here to stay. There is no waiting line, and neither do you have to push yourself through the busy streets of Idumota market to get a handbag or a belt.
With the pandemic in 2020, the e-commerce industry witnessed a rise to fame as more Nigerians, unwilling to visit supermarkets and stores, ordered groceries, food, toiletries, and anything from the comfort of their homes. It was a matter of survival.
According to a survey on online buying behaviors, 81 percent of Nigerians shopped more online this period.
Online shopping even gained more limelight with the enlistment of logistic services by e-commerce stores for on-time delivery.
Even after the pandemic, our shopping behavior is not so different still. We have shifted from the brick-and-mortar way of doing business and embraced the convenience of online shopping.
It is no longer a matter of survival; it is the norm.
Surprisingly, online shopping can get out of hand, burn through your wallets and leave a slowly healing scar on your finances.
Before you buy that shoe online, read this first.
1.
Online shopping can be addictive.
This type of addiction is also known as compulsive shopping, oniomania, or pathological buying. But whatever name it goes by, the symptoms are the same.
Simply put, it is an uncontrollable desire to buy things, and with the convenience of online shopping, you are just one click away from an impulsive purchase.
2. Online buyers can be prone to scammers.
Some shoppers have been victims of online scams. While many vendors are legitimate, unfortunately, scammers can also use the “anonymous nature” of the internet to rip off unsuspecting buyers.
They use sophisticated technology to set up fake retailer websites identical to the legit online retail stores. Some of these websites offer luxury items such as popular clothing brands, jewelry, and electronics at low prices.
Sometimes you will receive the item you paid for, but it will be fake; other times, you will receive nothing at all.
3. Online shopping can lead to buyers’ remorse.
Despite the ease of purchase from e-commerce stores, some shoppers instantly feel guilty when the sale is completed and the product delivered.
Some reasons for the regrets are:
- The value of the item did not match the cost
- The product delivered was not the same as advertised (what I ordered for vs. what I got)
- The product was less useful than expected
- They found a better version elsewhere
- They had to pay for return shipping
We know staying away from online purchases totally can be challenging and tricky – but if you are serious about keeping track of your finances, we have some tips below to guide you.
a) Know your triggers.
If you know online shopping is becoming a problem for you, hit pause on your browsing and take a moment to assess how and when you shop.
Do you tend to open your shopping apps when bored, lonely, or angry? Keep a diary to understand your triggers, and then take action to distract you from spending. Perhaps take a walk, turn your devices off, or phone a friend.
b) Keep the number of promotional emails you subscribe to at a minimal
Do you constantly receive emails on discount offers from brands? Do these messages make you want to shop for items you do not need? Here is what you should do. Go through your inbox today and start unsubscribing from promotional emails.
c) Use familiar and trusted websites (vendors).
Shop at trusted online stores. Search results can be rigged to lead you astray, especially when you drift past the first few pages of links. If you know the site, there are chances that it is less likely to be a rip-off.
d) Look for the Lock
Never buy anything online using your credit card from a site that does not have SSL (secure sockets layer) encryption installed—at the very least.
If the URL of the site starts with HTTPS, then it is safe. An icon of a locked padlock will appear, typically to the left of the URL in the address bar or the status bar down below; it depends on your browser.
e) Use a reliable payment option.
To save you the stress of failed online payments, use reliable payment options like the Page card or the Page mobile app. To request one, send us a mail @customer@pagefinancials.com
Bottom line
While you are trying to stay prudent, there are times you may need to make an emergency purchase, even when you are cash strapped. In times like these, you can get a quick loan of up to a 5 million naira from Page Financials. Visit www.pagefinancials.com/registration to apply today.
For further inquiries, you can send a mail to customer@pagefinancials.com or call us on 017007243.
Follow Page Financials on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn to get daily inspiration on how to live your dream life and take full control of your financial future.