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<< Buying Guide
| Shopping Tips >>
Security is probably the hottest topic regarding the Internet
at the moment, especially when it comes to buying online.
Many online-security concerns are unfounded and
generally avoidable if you follow our commonsense 'Safety
First' check-list shown below.
Please note: the vendors
listed at this site - especially Amazon
- have been carefully selected to provide you, the
customer, a safe online shopping experience! (Phew!)
However, Best Digital Cameras can not be held responsible
for your online purchases made at these online vendor sites.
(See our disclaimer.)
Safety First Check List
If a site cannot guarantee you a safe and secure shopping
experience - these logos
provide some level of security - there are several ways
that you can minimise your risk when shopping online, and
below we have listed some handy tips to bear in mind:
- Try to use a web browser which uses 128-bit encryption
like Internet Explorer 5.0 (and above) or Netscape Navigator
6.0
- Only use sites which utilise SSL ('Secure Socket Layers')
technology which is more commonly referred to as 'secure
servers'. There are 2 ways to know you are in a secure
environment:
1) The web address will start with https:// rather
than http://; e.g. https://www.shoptour.co.uk
2) In the bottom right of Internet Explorer you will see
and the bottom left of Netscape
- Always make sure that you are able to contact the company
in question using regular methods (i.e. by telephone or
by letter) so that you at least have a point of contact
should anything untoward happen.
- Ask the company in question to explain the refund and
return policy before making your purchase. It is also
wise to check their delivery times.
- When making your purchase, print all information from
the initial product description all the way through to,
and including, the actual ordering process so that you
have a proof of purchase.
- Check for accreditation. There are many accreditation
schemes around, but make sure that you are aware of what
they do for you if something goes wrong. The majority
only testify to the integrity of the hardware and software
systems in place and do not offer compensation or protection
if you have a fraudulent experience.
My objective is for you to enjoy a safe and pleasant experience
whilst shopping online and always welcome feedback or enquiries,
so please feel free to email
me
Enjoy safe shopping!
Steve Nash
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