Advice for the e-commerce user

Include a comprehensive table/flowchart illustrating the process of making purchases and payments online, with reference to an actual item of choice

Step Action Example 1 Go to a website that sells either

products or services I have visited the General Pant’s online store

2 Select the product or service that

you wanted or that you like I wanted a jacket, and have found this denim jacket by the brand Somedays Lovin

3 The next step is to select the

quantity and size of the product or the time of the service

I would like 1 of the jacket, size S (small)

4 Then you must add the

product/service to your bag or cart so that you can buy it.

I am happy with the size and quantity of the jacket and I add it to my bag

5 Once the product/ service is in your

bag or cart check the price as well as the items/services and go to the checkout.

The jacket I want costs $99.95 with GST included. I check that my order total is correct and proceed to the checkout.

6 Enter your personal details including

your name, phone number, address and e-mail. Next you will be asked for your credit card details including your card number, expiry date and CSS code. Double check you have the right order and then confirm the payment. The bill will go through to your bank and then the order will be complete.

7 Most online stores will either give a

receipt there and then or send you an email with the receipt and order number attached.

8 If you have bought a service you

may be able to use the voucher they give you straight away or whenever the event/service is scheduled to be. If you have brought a product that is shipped to you (not one you go into the store to collect) then you must wait the specified number of business days given until the package is delivered to your door. Depending on the couriers policies they will either hand it straight over or make you sign for it. If however you are not home when the courier arrives they will either leave it at the door or mailbox or take it to the post office for you to pick up when you can.

Comprehensively describe how to make payments secure over the internet

Fraud is an often occurrence nowadays as it is a quick and often traceless transaction. Since online shopping has become so popular it has become an easy target for people to rob others of their money with little to no trace. Online shopping has become so popular because it is a quick 24/7 means of shopping and often has cheaper prices and discounts to offer. We have covered a broad range of methods to keep your payments secure over the internet. By following these guidelines you can ensure that your payments are secure and safe.

Research whether the store is safe to make transactions on: If you research whether the store is safe it can save you a lot of trouble and money. Making sure the online shop is secure and has regular traffic is a critical aspect to know if the site you are using is a protected site. Checking whether the site has regular customers is a good way to check how reliable the store is as you are basically getting feedback from experiences to know how authentic the site is.

Do not disclose personal details or credit card numbers: Make sure you do not put in your personal details online unless you are 100% positive that the site is a secure and reliable. Preventing putting in your details will lower your risk from unwanted fraud.

Use strong passwords: Doing so will make it harder for hackers and scammers to access your money and is essential for protecting your security and identity. If scammers have a hold of your passwords they can access your bank account, purchase things online with your money, sending emails on your behalf and accessing personal information.

Look for a padlock sign on your address bar: If you see a padlock sign and an ‘s’ at the end of ‘http’ then it means secure. However sometimes the padlock is not in the same place for different browsers or computers. This is a quick method to identify whether the site is safe.

Identify and comprehensively describe laws which provide protection for e-commerce users

While using e-commerce on the internet there are laws that are in place for the protection of consumers under the Australian Consumer Laws. However most of the laws do not specifically apply to e-commerce, they are broadened to anyone who is purchasing a good or service whether that be online on in a store. Also the Australian Consumer Laws may not apply for a transaction you make to another country and they definitely do not apply when buying from a private seller or from buying from an online auction.

Under the Australian Consumer Laws the three major laws that provide protection for e-commerce users:

● unconscious conduct: this is when you don't intentionally buy a product or service, and you can not get out of the deal that you have been sucked into. It is illegal to do this and if a e-commerce consumer is faced with this then you can sue them.

● misleading or deceptive conduct and passing off: this is when you are led to believe something that is not true whereas passing off is when one company is posing to be another.

● conditions and warranties: conditions and warranties are part of a contract. For example if you aren’t satisfied with the product you have purchased and they had a 30 day back warranty then you can send it back under their contract.

There are laws that are specific to you while making online transactions in certain circumstances. These laws enforce that all actions while using e-commerce are regulated.

Comprehensively describe the safeguards individuals should undertake before transferring funds online.

There are many safeguards that individuals can use to protect their personal and financial information while transferring funds online. By using payment methods that you know are safe and secure (because they are either major names or have secure terms) such as PayPal or other secure online credit cards it is a way to ensure the safety of your financial information to protect yourself from fraud. You can also purchase security programs for your computer or mobile device which can help to protect you when shopping or completing transactions online. Going on websites such as scam watch can help you to identify when you have received an email or file on your computer which is potentially a dangerous scam.

Be vigilant and aware of the sites you are using and treat each site as a potential threat. Anyone can make a website online which is why you need to be very cautious in what you do online and the information you reveal.

Comprehensively describe the extent to which redress is available when shopping online While shopping online, different companies have different conditions to the availability of redress. Generally, a website will have a problem and dispute section so that you can try resolve your issue; otherwise use their contact details to ask for their help directly. If the company can not help you, then your next options are to your credit card company about the issue or the Financial Ombudsman Service With many online companies if you are not happy with the product you received, refunds and redress are not available. And if if is it can be difficult to send the item back to the company or you will be charged the cost of sending it back. Therefor when shopping online the customer should do research to confirm that the product they are buying is right. The customer should also do research to understand what they are buying and if is available from anywhere else and at a better price. To know the extent of redress available with a specific company then you must read the terms and conditions. The information provided will determine who is responsible for undelivered or damaged goods, the time for products to be delivered and if insurance and shipping costs are included in the price. The extent to which redress is available when shopping online depends on the policies of the company however generally the major companies such as General Pants, Glue Store and City Beach will let you send back their item if it is either damaged, doesn't fit or you don’t want it anymore as well as having a strong customer service system for any other problems .

Bibliography

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