Your Guide to Safe Online Shopping

The An Post Online Shopping Directory provides a comprehensive up-to-date listing of Irish and International online shops. Here are some tips to help you get started and to stay safe online.

Top Tips

1. Shop from a secure PC

Before you start shopping online, make sure your system is running with up-to-date anti-virus software, and be sure that your computer has the latest software security updates installed.

2. Shop only at sites that you trust

For the safest and most hassle-free online shopping experience, it's best to stick with online shops you trust.

3. Protect your privacy

Know what information the website is collecting about you, how it will be used, and whether they share it with or sell it to others.  You should always be able to easily find a link on the site to “Terms of Service” and “Privacy Policy”.  

4. Get the details

Check for expected delivery dates, shipping and handling fees, warranties, return policies, and other important information.

5. Keep an eye on the final price

Keep an eye on the price and make sure that it includes any possible extras such as VAT, postage and packaging and insurance if required.

6. Keep good records

Make sure to print or save any records related to your purchases.

7. Know your rights

Online shoppers are protected by law, in some ways more so than high street shoppers.  For example, you have the legal right to a ‘cooling off’ period of 7 days for certain types of purchase, during which time you are legally entitled to return the goods as new, without reason, for a complete refund.  Full details of your rights can be found at the European Consumer Centre, who also offer  free assistance to online shoppers: www.ecic.ie or 01-809 0600.

Delivery Tip from An Post

Most online retailers give you the option of having your purchase delivered to an address other than your credit/debit card billing address. Do give this option some consideration. For example, if there's nobody at your home address during the day, it might make sense to direct your parcel to an address where someone will be able to take delivery for you - your work address, for example. Otherwise if you're not at home when the postman calls, you will have to collect your package at your local parcel depot.