Shopping online

Shopping online is now taken for granted, but if you’ve never done it before it can be daunting.  Is it safe? What do I need to do it? Can I cancel? Where do I go? What do I do if something goes wrong?

Read and watch the video.

Shopping, banking and payments

Actually doing it

1. You will need an internet connection, a device (preferably with a big enough screen to see the small print!), anit-virus on your device,an email address, a delivery address, a payment method (e.g. credit  or debit card), a pen and paper.
2. Type the name of the product you want to buy into the search box of a search engine such as Google – for example, ‘samsung TV’ – and click Search.
3. You should see a range of websites, from ‘bricks-and-mortar’ department stores such as John Lewis to large websites simply devoted to shopping, such as Amazon. If you’ve searched for a particular brand, you may also see the brand’s own website. Choose one of these websites and click on the link.
4. A new page will open, taking you to the retailer’s website. You can now refine your search by typing in keywords (for example ‘42″ TV’s’) in the search box, which is usually at the top right of the screen. Then click Go or Search or the magnifying glass next to the search box. Alternatively, you can click into a specific category (such as ‘All TV’s’) and browse until you find a product you like.
5. Click on the product you are interested in purchasing. If you would like to buy the item, click ADD TO BASKET (or CART). Doing this will save the details of this item until you’re ready to purchase it, just as if you’ve popped something you want to buy into a real shopping basket. At this stage, you might want to take the full product name, open a new window and re-search the internet to see if you can find a better price from an equally reputable source.
6. You can review your purchase by clicking on the Basket or Cart button.  Here you will be able to review your item(s) ane when you are happy you can click Checkout which will take you to the payment page.
7. You will need to complete your contact and payment details and on pressing continue you will be able to review those details.
8. After this, click Proceed (or continue)  if you’re happy to make the payment.  This is normally the stage where your card is checked and payment made.  You may be padded onto another security level such as Visa’s ‘Verified by Visa’ and MasterCard’s ‘SecureCode’ .
9. AT THESE LAST TWO STAGES DO NOT PRESS THE BACK BUTTON ON YOUR BROWSER as you may then be submitting another payment.
10. Make sure you take a copy of any confirmation codes or details you are then directed to.
11. Check your email.  You should receive confirmation within a few minutes.  If you don’t you may have to contact the company by phone.