Internet shopping: how to buy online
From concert tickets to washing machines, groceries to holidays, there’s bound to be a website that sells just what you want. If there’s a particular brand or store you like, you can go straight to their website or you can visit a shopping website such as eBay or Amazon, which carry broad ranges of new and second-hand items. If you’re a bargain hunter, you can use a price comparison site such as moneysupermarket.com, which lists the websites that sell your product according to price.
In this guide, we’re going to show you how to find a product online and make a transaction.
You’ll need:
- a computer with an internet connection
- a credit or debit card.
Follow these step-by-step instructions to learn how to buy online
Step 1: Type the name of the product you want to buy into the search box of a search engine such as Google – for example, ‘roberts radio’ – and click Search.
Step 2: You should see a range of websites, from ‘bricks-and-mortar’ department stores such as John Lewis to large websites simply devoted to shopping, such as Amazon. If you’ve searched for a particular brand, you may also see the brand’s own website. Choose one of these websites and click on the link.
Step 3: A new page will open, taking you to the retailer’s website. You can now refine your search by typing in keywords (for example ‘Roberts Revival radio’) in the search box, which is usually at the top right of the screen. Then click Go or Search or, in this case, the arrow next to the search box.
Step 4: A new page will open, displaying the item or items that match your search criteria. If you’ve landed on a page showing the item you want, click ADD TO BASKET. Doing this will save the details of this item until you’re ready to purchase it, just as if you’ve popped something you want to buy into a real shopping basket,.
Step 5: You’ll now to be asked to confirm your selection, by clicking either ADD TO BASKET if you want to continue browsing for more items or BUY NOW if you’re ready to make your purchase.
Step 6: If you’ve clicked BUY NOW, a new page will open that displays the details of your order, including the cost and any postage and packaging charges. At this stage, you’ll usually be asked to agree to the vendor’s terms and conditions. If they’re OK with you, click the relevant link.
Now, if you’re happy to proceed with your purchase, click PLACE YOUR ORDER.
Step 7: Most shopping websites require customers to register before buying, and you’ll now have to fill in personal details such as your name, home address and email address before giving any payment details. You must fill in an item if it’s marked with an asterisk (*).
Once you’ve filled in all the details in the boxes provided, click CONTINUE.
Step 8: A new page will open that displays a summary of your order, complete with billing and delivery details. If all the details are correct, click CONTINUE.
Step 9: Finally, enter your credit or debit card details and any other information required. Click PROCEED if you’re happy to make the payment.
At this point, you may be asked for another password if you’ve signed up for 3-D Secure, an added layer of security for online credit and debit card transactions. This includes Visa’s ‘Verified by Visa’ and MasterCard’s ‘SecureCode’. Once you’ve given the right password, your order will go through.
You should receive an email confirming that your order has been received. Retailers often send a second email once an item has been posted.
Jo Munday is an experienced writer of online tutorials.
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