Found a new webshop? Use these tips to check whether the online shop is reliable
Have you seen a fantastic offer on a webshop you don't yet know while shopping? Then do not order straight away, but take a little time to check the reviews. That way, you reduce the likelihood of paying for an item that is not delivered, or only delivered months later. The European Consumer Centre is receiving more and more complaints about the delivery of online purchases. But how do you know whether a webshop is reliable? Follow our tips below to find out and shop sensibly!
Check reviews on Google
Are you shopping online and the webshop is new to you? Then google the webshop's full link (url), adding the word ‘review’. That way, you can find information about the webshop quickly. Sometimes you find complaints from consumers who ordered an item but never received anything. Sometimes there are only positive reviews on a website. That is not always accurate. That is why it is important to check reviews on different websites.
Check reviews on review sites
On Trustpilot, you can find reviews about companies all over the world. Also make sure to check other independent review sites. You can find reviews by Dutch consumers on klacht.nl.
Fake reviews
Since May 2022, it is forbidden to post fake reviews or misleading search results on webshops and digital platforms. Vendors must check consumer reviews and remove fake reviews. You usually see no or very few reviews for unreliable webshops. Criminals can also post fake enthusiastic reviews on their webshops themselves. That is harder to do on well-known review sites. That is why it is always advisable to google the webshop too.
Check police reports
You can check the police website (in Dutch) to see whether there have already been reports about the vendor. Here, you can search for the webshop's bank account number, email address, telephone number, or link (url). Even if you do not find anything, the website may still be unreliable. Scammers sometimes use someone else's contact details. So always check reviews about the webshop too.
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