Dr. Ecommerce Home


Ask Dr. Ecommerce a question

Q&A Alert
Latest Questions
Archives 2001
Archives 2000
Archives 1999
FAQ
Legal questions
European Institutions
Nat'l & local government
Technologies
Marketing & Selling
Definitions and Philosophy
How do I do it?
Money
General e-commerce

eThesis home
Universities and schools
eThesis best links

About Dr. Ecommerce
Discussion lists
In the news
Dr. Ecommerce speaks out

Board of experts
Legal guide
Statistics

20 Oct 2000, Poland

Dear Doc,

Thank you for giving me a chance to ask about just anything.

I've never done any online shopping before just because I'm
afraid I'll have to pay a lot of extra money such as delivery or
packaging fees. How safe is it? It looks like not all web stores
say exactly how much they charge for a particular product.

I'm looking forward to a reply.

Yours faithfully,
Dave

Dear Dave:

Actually, on-line shopping is generally safer for consumers than it is for merchants, particularly if you use a credit card. This is because if you are unhappy with a product or feel you have been cheated, you can contact your credit card company, inform them of the problem and they will generally do a chargeback, that is claim the money back from the merchant. Unfortunately, some dishonest individuals have taken advantage of the situation by placing large orders with on-line shops and doing chargebacks. Obviously, merchants don't like chargebacks very much.

Regarding shipping and handling costs, better merchants should provide this information on their web sites. However, sometimes you will not be able to find it until you complete your order and begin the check out procedure. The best thing to do is to try out the check-out system at an on-line shop that interests you. Put some products in the shopping cart and begin the checkout procedure. Provided you don't click on the last button to finalise your purchase, you will not actually have bought anything - but do make sure you read all information before clicking on anything.

Of course there are honest and dishonest on-line merchants. Buying from web sites friends recommend is always a safe bet. You should also only buy from on-line shops that are clear about their terms, location and who provide several means of contacting them (e-mail, telephone, etc).

You should be aware, however, that if you buy anything from outside Poland, you may be subject to import duties, VAT and/or other taxes when the products enter Poland. Generally, this fee will be payable to the post office or courier company that delivers the products. Check with your customs department, post office or courier company for more information about importing products that interest you.

Happy shopping,

Dr. Ecommerce