Ten hints for a happy online shopping Christmas:
1. Check the site's shipping rates and return policies before you buy.
2. Look for sites that offer e-mail order confirmations, tracking numbers and one- to two-week standards for refunds.
3. Make sure the website has a phone number or other means of contacting customer
services in the event of a dispute.
4. Using a credit card is the safest, most convenient way to shop online but NEVER give personal information to an unknown source.
5. Read the site's security and privacy statements. If you are not satisfied, do not buy.
6. Buy only from secure sites - a pop-up message usually tells you that you have entered a secure site. If you are unsure, look for a locked padlock in the lower left-hand corner of your browser window or check the web address window for an address that begins with: https://.
7. Review your credit card statements carefully for unexplained charges. Note down everything you order. Print and save e-mail receipts or confirmations of your purchases to make it easier to be reimbursed should your order not arrive.
8. Do not forget about tax and tariffs. If bought from overseas sites, anything over $399 will attract GST. Some items, such as clothing, also attract duty. Check with Customs first.
9. Some goods bought from other countries will not work here, such as US electrical goods (wrong voltage), DVDs (wrong zone), modems and telephones (not telepermitted).
10. Convert everything to New Zealand dollars. Use a currency converter and make sure you add up all charges - freight, gift-wrapping etc.
More advice: The Ministry of Consumer Affairs
Links:
NZ Customs Service
Currency Converter
