Online shopping and mail order

Before you buy online you may want to check your local shops to see if they can offer a good price and deliver the goods you need.

Ask around for recommendations from friends and family, or search on the internet for reviews or blogs.

Try to use reputable, well-known retail websites.

Research the online seller

For smaller or lesser known online sellers, look for a phone number and physical address and call them if you have doubts.  

You should also do all of the following:

• read internet reviews on the online retailer by typing their name into a search engine
• check the seller’s policy on returns, refunds, shipping, insurance and warranties, especially if they are based outside of Australia
• check the website has a secure payment system
• phone or email the trader to ask about their goods and services.

Before you buy an item

You should check all of the following:

• postage and packaging costs
• refund and return policies
• if there is a warranty or money-back guarantee - get it in writing if possible
• if the goods are insured in transit and who pays for insurance
• any conditions in the fine print
• confirm when the item will be delivered or set a delivery date
• if the trader has a street address as well as post office box and phone number, this will make it easier to contact them if there is a problem.

You should keep a record of your transaction by printing or taking a screenshot of your order confirmation, invoice or tax receipt.