Online shopping is beginning to take shape in Africa, particularly in
Uganda. You can now buy cars, order food and buy all sorts of other
products online in Uganda. However, the internet can also a wild jungle
with predators who might want to turn your cash into prey.
Here are 10 tips to help you.
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Use the best anti-malware program your computer
Make sure you are using the best anti-malware program and its virus
signatures are constantly updated. Also, ensure your firewall is on when
using a public wireless network and your own wireless network is
encrypted with a password to prevent anyone outside from collecting
information.
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Shop from online merchants with a good reputation
Ensure you know the online store’s physical address and you can walk into their office if there is a problem to be sorted.
If you have friends who have purchased from the site before, you can be re-assured by their trust too.
If the store is new, or not reputable conduct your own research by
looking at the site’s reviews, customer complaints on social media pages
also, ask around. If no one knows about it, don’t use it.
Read more:
Online Shopping In Uganda: Here are the Top 10 Sites to get you started
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Don’t use a public computer unless you really have to
Public computers such as those at an internet cafe or even the ones
at your workplace used by several other people must be used with caution
when shopping online. There are possibilities that Keyloggers, a type
of surveillance software that has the capability to record every
keystroke you make on your keyboard are installed tap your login details
in a PC you don’t own. Also don’t forget to logout from your account
from a public PC.
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Create a unique/strong password for online account
You will be required to create an account with the site you intend to
purchase from. Make sure the password is strong and unique, passwords
like 1234 or those that start with a short form of your name like
Ken1234 should be avoided.
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Avoid ‘Extremely good offers’
If a store offers too good deals like extremely low prices, be
suspicious. During mega sales/flash sales, most E-commerce sites will
offer ‘incredible’ discounts but just for limited quantity of products
and time.
Also look for discount coupon codes that can significantly lower your purchasing price.
Read more:
5 great places to order food online in Uganda
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Don’t give too much information
After opening an account with an e-commerce company, expect to give
the same information in future purchases e.g. telephone number, email
address, shipping address, method of payment.
If asked for suspicious information like bank account details, driver’s license numbers, spouse or family information. Run!!!!
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Check the company’s shipping, warranty and return policy
Ensure the shipping fee charged is reasonable for the product you buy
and the distance. The return and exchange policy should be flexible
with a time limit of at least 7 days. Be sure that the warranty policy
is sensible and applicable.
Read more:
How online shopping in Uganda works: 5 important things you must know
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Use a reputable method of payment to pay for products
Some E-commerce sites will
OFFER CASH
on delivery payment method within certain geographical location, if you
are beyond those regions, use payment methods that provide you proof of
payment like Mobile money transfer and Credit cards.
Credit card vs Debit card- a credit card will have a spending limit
while your debit card –linked to your bank account does not. If your
credit card financial information is stolen, your money at the bank
remains untouched- most debit cards do not offer this advantage.
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Print or save a copy of your orders
It’s advisable to keep a documentation of your online purchases. You
will receive a confirmation email with the order number. Print, take a
screen shot and save till you receive the product. Follow up if the item
is not shipped within 10 days without prior communication.
Read more:
Ugandans now more versed with online shopping says DHL Executive
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Download shopping apps created by trusted developers
Many of the big online retailers in Kenya have created apps that
allow you to shop conveniently and compare prices, read reviews on your
smartphone or tablet. Ensure you download the legitimate app and have a
mobile anti-malware for viruses and spyware.
Image: huffpost.com
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