Buying basics
Before you buy online, check these seven things.
A checkout page narrows your attention toward completion. This checklist helps you inspect the deal before you reach it.
What exactly am I buying — and from whom?
Confirm the product, condition, size, material, variant, included items, and compatibility requirements. Identify the seller, and if a marketplace is involved, check what the seller and marketplace each handle.
What is the total known cost?
Look past the item price to shipping, taxes shown at checkout, required accessories, upkeep, and likely replacement needs.
When and how will it arrive?
Read the current shipping method, handling estimate, destination limits, tracking details, and what is still uncertain.
What happens if it is wrong, damaged, or unwanted?
Find the current return, refund, replacement, and reporting conditions. Note the deadline, who pays return shipping, and whether any fee applies.
What are the material limitations?
Look for fit constraints, care requirements, use restrictions, and the situations where another option may be better.
Where will payment and support happen?
Know which store or marketplace handles the cart, payment, order confirmation, disputes, and support. Be cautious if the payment path unexpectedly moves somewhere else.
What proof will I keep?
Save the product description, seller name, total shown, delivery promise, return conditions, receipt, order confirmation, and important messages.