What matters most when buying online?

[Ian]

What are the key things you look for when buying online? Is it the price, or is it the customer service you get?

 

[BigJay]

They all matter pretty much on a par to me...I couldn't just choose one!

 

[Taffycat]

Thinking about it, whenever I buy on-line (which is frequently) I usually check out the Terms and Conditions, when I've not used that company previously. Sometimes I go the whole hog and check out their Legal disclaimers too.... it's surprising how often I've been put off by "clauses" which are either nonsensical or else plainly unfair.... and probably wouldn't hold water with Trading Standards, etc.

Next I check to see that they have a contact address and landline telephone number. Lots of companies are very forthcoming and will even state their Company Reg and VAT numbers (depending upon how much I'm planning to spend, I have occasionally checked these out with Companies House on-line - trusting soul, eh

Online security is probably the number one that I would choose from the list - but on the other hand, if I had already used the firm, then "past experience" would have to be considered as joint number one .... ooh-er, split vote here. Delivery speed and cost are also important, because if the item you are buying is a must-have bargain, there is no point in buying it on-line if the p&p is going to be very high.

Good customer service is a very big influence. I am more likely to shop at the same online store again, when experiences have been favourable

So - I shall vote Online Security, which is something we all need to consider when handing out personal details, etc., but with the above-mentioned reservations .....sorry to be difficult

 

[floppybootstomp]

oh. loadsa factors, really, but I think I'll go for speed of delivery.

Even then, it's not really the speed but getting a definite delivery date confirmed.

I live by myself and there's nothing more agravating than staying in all day and nothing arrives

Secondly I'd say past experience which takes in factors like ease of RMA and being able to speak to somebody on the telephone.

And although price is an influence - I won't pay way over the odds - I don't always go for the cheapest, I'd rather feel confident in dealing with a company than saving a few quid.

And I hadn't really considered online security, I - rather foolishly perhaps - assumed that all reputable online suppliers had secure payment systems in place.

There, I managed all that without naming one single company

 

[V_R]

I think Flops sums it up well, only difference is that i have the added bonus of being able to get stuff delivered to work, so being in or not is not a problem.

 

[GONNA-GET-U]

prices is very important for me - but when i find the cheapest site and ive never justed it - sometimes i will pick a much more knowen site, and pay a bit more

i now buy most things online - pc stuff is a must,due to the lower prices online - unless i need it now

 

[crazylegs]

Customer service first then price then speed of delivery for me....Get all those right in that order and I'll be your customer for life...

 

[Alf]

A little bit of everything.
but i have to say that online security and past expericence are the most important

 

[Abarbarian]

Best price does it for me . Most of the reputable on-line dealers have decent security rfor payments . As to everything else , you can have a really good experience with a company once and the next time you deal with them it can be a nightmare .

 

[StarChild.exe]

Security Is a deal breaker for me, if it's giving me that dodgy felling it's Over before it begins. But aside from that secondary is getting Exactly what I want for what I belive to be the best price and "new" gear is a must
I will Not Tollerate any "Pulls" It's just unacceptable.

Peace N Goodwill StarChild.exe

 

[Alf]

Hmm... now that i am shopping online i find i hard to not add more items to than really need

 

[Jason.369]

Online Security

Of course Security is what I look for, that is the most important. And then the speed in which my package gets to me.
Obviously I'd be checking to see that the website is legit and not a scam ...so there's my #1 priority, but out the options you provide; Online Security is the #1.

 

[Darkelf720]

I have got to say price, sometimes you get something worth having and its a couple of pounds cheaper than anywhere else, then when you slap on the stupid p&p charges it works out a lot more than you thought.


I do think that past experience matters too, no point buying something from a seller that takes ages to arrive, leaves you feeling cheated to be honest.

I don't do a lot of online shopping, that's down to the Missus to do Look out Ebay here comes another unmissable bargain.........shar right

 

[Jason.369]

I have got to say price, sometimes you get something worth having and its a couple of pounds cheaper than anywhere else, then when you slap on the stupid p&p charges it works out a lot more than you thought.

Aye, that's happened to me several times Well annoys me!

 

[polysynaptic]

Customer Service.

I had amazon renew two of the books i bought and delivered damaged.

and they were quite good. i will continue amazon.

 

[Nobody in particular]

I lot of things mater really, usually it's price and Customer service. But sometimes I have found the same item on a few sites, one had faster delivery, but was a bit more expensive. Sometimes its all just confusing lol :S