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Weigh risks that come with internet shopping before indulging in it
Shopping online. In the event that you have to pay online, some consumer watchdogs advise that it is better to use a credit card rather than a debit card. Photo/REUTERS
Posted Friday, July 16 2010 at 00:00
With the installation and connection of undersea and terrestrial fibre optic cables, the penetration of internet broadband has increased as more internet consumers demand for faster speeds at bargain prices.
The increase in internet speeds and ease of access through various devices such as laptops and mobile phones has resulted in a more than proportionate increase in internet based services in Kenya.
According to a survey conducted by Forrester Research, internet commerce totalled $175 billion across the world.
If the success of mobile commerce products such as M-Pesa is anything to go by, the incidence of online shopping and auctions will increase dramatically over the next two years.
The current traffic and congestion in our key cities such as Nairobi and Mombasa will result in a significant shift in behavioural shopping habits.
There will be no need to struggle through traffic to buy tangible items (and some intangibles like air time) because the services will be delivered to your location of choice.
In essence, retailers will bring their services directly to you.
Currently, there are some entrepreneurs who are providing grocery shopping services for busy customers who do not have time to go to supermarkets.
Orders are placed and sent online and the groceries are delivered to the location of the customer’s choice, at a fee.
The convenience and cost efficiency that online shopping offers has to be weighed against the potential risks that come with any new service platform.
Know the seller
Bearing in mind that most Kenyans will be experiencing online shopping for the first time over the next couple of months, it is important that they take cognizance of some of the risks that they may face when going through this new experience.
The first thing you need to do is to know the seller.
If you are buying from a site that is unfamiliar, research them before you place the order.
Try calling the seller’s number to make sure that you can reach them.
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