Prior to the Internet, unless you used mail order, you were limited to the range and prices of goods in the stores around your home.
Now not only can you buy competitively from anywhere in the world, 24 x 7, but also frequently cheaper than shopping on the high street.
The internet has also enabled you to pay bills and renew licences and memberships all from the comfort of your own home.
Shopping Online
Comprehensive information instructing you how to shop safely online together with valuable advice on what to do if you become a victim of online crime are available from MAG -SHOPPING SAFELY ONLINE.
General and specific guides to shopping online are available at the following links:
Consumer Rights
Whether you are buying online or in the high street you are protected by law against unfair trading practices.
If you buy goods or services on your credit card, you have extra protection if things go wrong compared with paying by cash or cheque.
If you have a problem with an item or a service and you consider that your rights have been breached there are several options available to you depending on the nature of the problem including making a requesting a replacement or a refund, requesting a chargeback, making a complaint and taking legal action.
Comprehensive details of all aspects of Consumer Rights, including Unfair Trading Practices & Fraud, Buying & Payment Options, Problems with Goods & Services and Taking Action, are available at MAG – CONSUMER RIGHTS.
Price Comparison Websites
The increase in buying online has resulted in an increasing number of price comparison websites.
They are designed to help you to compare products and prices quickly whether it is to buy a specific product or to check whether you can save money for a regular service by moving to another supplier.
Whilst they can provide information accurately and quickly there can be risks associated with using these sites.
Wherever possible always use an independent site or one that is recommended by a Regulatory Body such as Ofgem, Ofcom and Consumer Focus.
A detailed guide to Price Comparion Sites is available from MAG - PRICE COMPARISON SITES
Banking Online
It is now easy and safe to pay bills, transfer money, manage investments and apply for credit cards safely and securely from home via the Internet.
It’s a service that’s available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you don’t need to worry about getting to your local branch before it closes to keep up on your accounts.
Paying Bills and other Tasks
Routine, tedious tasks that used to mean a trip in your car, like renewing your car tax, paying bills & council tax, claiming benefits, moving money between bank accounts, selecting & booking holidays and even renewing your passport can now all be done online, from the comfort of your own home.
There are also some of the great opportunities to make some extra money and find amazing deals online.