6 tips to learn to shop online safely

Shopping online is now a necessity we’ll all have to face. Learn how to shop online safely and which are the best sites for online shopping.

For younger people, shopping online is already an everyday activity. In the wake of recent international events, those of us who aren’t familiar with this form of commerce will have to learn to do it safely.

Also, in the world of the internet we’ll face the same competitiveness as traditional capitalism, but now through less direct methods, via marketing tools that push you to make “add to cart” decisions.

Saving time, better deals and greater convenience are some of the advantages online shopping offers.

According to data from the Mexican Online Sales Association (AMVO), online shopping has been on the rise in recent years.

In Mexico, most of the products bought in online shopping are: food delivery, electronics, video games, toys or home products.

Also popular is buying streaming services or tickets for shows, concerts and festivals.

If you wonder how online shopping works, the way it operates is very simple: you enter a virtual store, choose the product, enter your payment method and address, and done!

In a couple of days the product arrives at your front door.

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Advantages of online shopping

Saving time

When you shop online, you don’t need to drive to a store to buy what you want. You can simply log in to the website of the online store where you want to shop.

You also save yourself long queues to pay for your product. Virtually, you just enter your payment method and receive the product at your home.

Saving on transport costs

Order what you want from home and receive it at your door. You don’t use transport and avoid traffic, so as well as saving money, you save time.

Open at all hours

Online shopping can be done at any time of day. It’s open 24 hours. All you need is internet access.

Cheaper products

Products available in online stores generally tend to be cheaper compared with physical stores. There are numerous deals and promotions.

You avoid crowds

You won’t have to deal with stores full of people. You just enter the site and make the purchase.

An important point that positions online shopping as the safest method in these times of social distancing.

6 keys to shopping online safely

1. Use familiar websites

One of the most important keys to online shopping is accessing trustworthy sites. If you know the site, it’s less likely to be a scam.

2. Look for the padlock

Never, but never buy anything online using your credit or debit card on a site that doesn’t have SSL encryption installed, at least.

You’ll know if the site has SSL because the site’s URL will begin with HTTPS instead of just HTTP. A locked-padlock icon will appear, usually to the left of the URL in the address bar or in the status bar below, depending on the browser.

3. Don’t share your data

This is another security measure when shopping online. You shouldn’t enter extra data — just use what’s necessary.

4. Check your bank statement

Look for fraudulent charges. With credit cards, pay your debts only when you know all your charges are correct.

5. Protect your mobile device or computer with antivirus software

Remember: it’s not enough to have it installed. Make sure its anti-malware tools are always up to date. Otherwise, they can let in any new threat.

6. Use secure Wi-Fi networks

If you’re shopping through a public hotspot, stick to known networks, even if they’re free.

The best sites for online shopping

Sites for online shopping multiply year after year.

Customers look for security, quality and transparency, as well as different payment methods and deals. They also want the site to be accessible — that is, for the catalogue to be easy to reach.

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1. Amazon. The site with the largest number of users. You can get everything. You can pay in different ways and there are millions of products to choose from.

2. eBay. A little less popular than Amazon, you can buy a product in different formats such as auction, buy it now or classified ad.

3. AliExpress. The Chinese flagship for online shopping. Its advantage is the super low price. The disadvantages are the waiting times to receive your purchase.

4. Google Shopping. Generally focused on web price comparison. A good way to find the best price and buy cheaper.

5. Skyscanner. The most used site in the world for buying flights. Ideal for finding cheap flights.

6. Linio. This online store is dedicated to selling home products, though there are also fashion, sports and electronics items.

7. MercadoLibre. With a presence in almost all of Latin America, it has millions of users. Here you also find anything you can think of — not just products, but also a good place to find some services and trades. Lodging, property rental and sales.

8. Privalia. This is the most important online outlet in Mexico. Find all kinds of clothing and accessories from big brands, from Tommy Hilfiger to Calvin Klein or Mexican brands like Cloe.

9. Walmart México. Ideal for doing your grocery shopping online. Fill the cart from the comfort of your home. Walmart’s platform is the best option for shopping online safely. In times of social isolation it’s a great option for the grocery run. There are special deals and they bring the shopping to your door. You can also buy appliances, white goods, electronics or furniture.

10. Despegar.com. Another online shopping site that leads sales. It groups hundreds of airlines and also offers services such as accommodation options and car rental.

Now you know how to shop online safely and which are the best sites to start with. Discover deals and millions of products. Pay and receive the delivery at your home without leaving the house. What are you waiting for?