Is Online Christmas Shopping Preferable In The Current Weather Conditions?
The weather conditions in the UK this December have had a massive impact on many people for a number of reasons
. Amongst the things it has affected is shopping, with many unable to get to the shops because of the snow and ice. This has meant a lot of people choosing to shop online instead.Amongst some people shopping online has a reputation of being dangerous, with internet fraudsters after your bank account details. But with the current weather conditions is it safer and more convenient to shop online rather than face the treacherous journey to the shops?
In many parts of the country there have been particularly dangerous driving conditions. With snow and ice on the roads there has been a large increase in the number of accidents and breakdowns, with the AA reporting a record number of call outs. With icy footpaths, even walking can be difficult.
As well as safety, there is also the shear inconvenience. There is a higher than usual probability of getting stuck in traffic caused by accidents and breakdowns. There is also the risk of getting stranded. Even with no traffic, due to the conditions it is necessary to drive slower than normal to stay safe, something that can double journey times. Then there is having to spend time out in the cold de-icing the car and clearing it of snow before you leave. Some shopping centres have even been closed due to the weather, for example Brent Cross in North London. Other shops have been short staffed due to employees being unable to get to work, potentially resulting in reduced customer service and more headaches for customers. Relying on public transport to do your Christmas shopping has in some cases proved even more problematic than driving. Some people have even managed to get to the shops but have then been unable to get home.
So does all this mean shopping from home on the internet is a better option? Well, firstly it depends on how you are getting to the shops, how far it is, and the particular conditions in your area. Then there is personal preference, some people love a day out shopping, while some really dont.
Overall the security risks of online shopping are not as high as many are led to believe. Yes, there are those out there looking to scam people but in reality these are few and far between. A sensible approach greatly increases the likelihood of a safe online shopping experience.
So what are the steps that can be taken to ensure you do not get caught out? Some of the most basic steps are below:
Use reputable websites that you know you can trust. Dont use sites you have never heard of.
Check for https and a lock symbol in the address box during the transaction phase. On any pages where you are entering bank account information these should be in the URL box at the top of the browser. Any address should start with https instead of the usual http, while there should also be a lock symbol. Dont take you transaction any further if you do not see these.
Check that the website states the address and telephone number on the website.
So there are things that can be done to increase the chances of shopping online safely. There are some risks but this does not mean that it should be avoided. It is certainly an option this Christmas with the weather related chaos around us.
Andrew Marshall (c)
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