Online shopping

More and more people are turning to e-commerce because it is convenient and efficient. If you are new to this revolutionary practice, consider the following guidelines; they will help you avoid unpleasant surprises. (They are presented in greater detail on the Web sites of specialized organizations such as Industry Canada, and the Ontario Ministry of Consumer and Business Services

These organizations suggest that you:

Find out about the merchant
Get the merchant's telephone and fax numbers, and the mailing address. Check the quality seals and certificates displayed on the merchant's Website.

Get detailed information about the items
To make sure you order items that truly meet your expectations, read their descriptions carefully.

Read the conditions of purchase
Take the time to read the information about the terms and conditions of the sale: the price, terms of delivery, return policies, guarantees and payment methods.

Take note of the complaint procedure
Check the merchant's Website for a complaint procedure. Read it carefully in case any problems arise.

Make your transactions in a secure environment
When you make an online transaction, make sure that the encryption protocol of your browser and server connection correspond with the current security standard (currently SSL2, 128-bit). This protocol ensures that your personal information is encrypted during the transfer, thereby protecting your data.

Examine the privacy policy
Merchants generally post their privacy policies on their Website. Read them carefully to make sure your personal information is not used for other purposes without your permission.

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