Top 10 tips for online shopping safely in Kenya
The uptake of E-commerce in Kenya has been massive and
admirable with most companies recording double digit growth and hyper-sales
even in their first year of operation.
In fact, most retailers and brands have moved to
establish virtual shops on some E-commerce company websites to
bridge the gap between offline and online and maximize on sales.
A big chunk of Kenyans have adopted online shopping but there
are those who are still skeptical.
1. Use the best
anti-malware program on 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.
2. 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.
3. Avoid clicking on links
from spam emails to make purchases
It’s a bad idea to click on an email sent to
you from someone you don’t know and shop on its landing page. Ensure you know
the retailer’s website and key in the search words for yourself
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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!!!!
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10.
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.
