Ordering online should be convenient. So it’s always frustrating when a failed delivery, faulty item or misleading product listing turns into a customer service nightmare.

Issues with online ordering can be even more difficult to manage during the busy holiday shopping season, when missing packages and fraudulent “deals” are often commonplace.

Before you place an order this year, it’s worth doing your research and following a few simple steps when shopping to ensure you’re getting a good deal.

Here are seven tips I’ll be using this Christmas to make my shopping go as smoothly as possible.

1. Shop for competitive prices (and discount codes)

One of the biggest benefits of shopping online is being able to compare prices of the same products or brands across retailers.

I often use price comparison sites, such as Google Shopping, Price Runner, or Price Spy, to check prices (including shipping) across multiple websites.

It’s worth checking multiple comparison sites if you have time, as these sites sometimes show different prices for the same items.

Some retailers will offer you a discount on your first order if you sign up for their newsletter. Take this into account when evaluating overall prices.

For some retailers, you can often find additional discount codes listed online.

• Learn more: how to get the best price when shopping online

2. Pay with a credit card or PayPal

I always pay by credit card for any product costing £100 or more.

By paying by credit card, you benefit from additional protection against Section 75 of the law on consumer credit, which makes your service provider jointly liable with the retailer in the event of a problem.

So if your order doesn’t arrive or the retailer goes bankrupt, you can file a Section 75 claim and get your money back that way. The goods must have cost more than £100 and not more than £30,000. Section 75 does not apply if you buy multiple items totaling more than £100 but individually costing less than £100.

For debit card purchases, you can request a chargeback with your bank if your order goes wrong, but chargeback is not enshrined in law like section 75 is.

If paying by credit card is not an option or the value of the goods is less than £100, try to use PayPal where possible as you can use its Buyer Protection Program. This gives you extra protection in case something goes wrong with your order. There are some exclusions though, so check the terms and conditions to see if you’re covered.

• Learn more: start your Section 75 or chargeback request

3. Find the retailer

At Which? we’ve heard many horror stories over the years from consumers who have been scammed or left out in the cold by dodgy retailers.

If you come across a store you’ve never heard of before, it’s worth doing your research to verify it’s legitimate before placing an order.

You can read reviews online (be sure to check the retailer’s one-star and five-star ratings to get a clearer idea of ​​the service you’re likely to receive), as well as take a quick look at the retailer’s social media pages.

Remember that fake reviews are commonplace online, so if the reviews seem suspicious (perhaps the retailer received an influx of five-star reviews in a very short period of time), it’s best to stay tuned. ‘gap.

Likewise, if the retailer is offering a price that seems too good to be true, it’s probably best to avoid it altogether.

• Learn more: how to spot a fake, scam or scam website

4. Check return policies

Retailers will be posting their Black Friday promotions everywhere in the coming days, encouraging you to shop early.

You may be itching to do your Christmas shopping, but be sure to check the retailer’s returns policy before paying.

Most retailers extend their return windows during the holiday season, allowing you to return any unwanted or duplicate gifts until January.

But this may not always be the case, so take a look and make sure you’re happy before ordering.

Many retailers too return costsbut these fees are not always clearly indicated on product pages or during the checkout process.

If you’re ordering multiple sizes of the same dress to try on at home, for example, it’s worth checking whether the retailer will charge you to return items that don’t fit.

• Learn more: find out which retailers charge for returns

5. Pay as a guest (and don’t save your card details)

With data breaches on the rise, I am more reluctant than ever to disclose my data unnecessarily.

If I have the option, I will always check out as a guest when placing an order online, rather than creating an account with the retailer.

Additionally, I never save my credit or debit card details to my account when paying (as you are often asked to do).

Although it is difficult to re-enter your details every time you place an order, it is better than storing your financial information in a database that could be compromised.

• Learn more: my personal data was lost following a breach, what are my rights?

6. Never specify a “safe location” or “designated neighbor” with couriers

It may seem wise to select a safe location or designated neighbor where the courier can deliver your order if you are not at home.

But be aware that giving these authorizations to the carrier considerably reduces your rights if your order disappears.

If you have specified a location or neighbor to receive your package and something goes wrong, you will still be considered to have received the delivery.

This means you’ll likely face an uphill battle when trying to get the retailer to refund or replace your missing items.

• Learn more: file a delivery claim with our free tool

7. Avoid worthless guarantees

Many major retailers offer extended warranty plans for technology products and devices.

These retailers often prompt you multiple times to add their additional coverage during the checkout process.

But don’t let that fool you. These plans rarely offer good value for money and often don’t include the coverage you’d expect if your product becomes defective.

Which? research also found that one-time repairs may be less expensive than the cost of a warranty. Additionally, your rights for defective products under consumer law cover you for up to six years in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (and up to five years in Scotland).

If you want extra protection for your new product, it’s worth getting home insurance that covers all your technology and appliances in the event of accidental damage.

• Learn more: file a complaint about a defective product