7 tips for shopping online
The convenience of shopping from the couch is undeniable. But it’s not without risks. Scam sites, tough return policies and packages that vanish all challenge the online shopper.
So, before you click ‘add to cart’, check out our tips for having a good online shopping experience.
1. Know who you’re really shopping with
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Don’t assume a ‘.co.nz’ website is a New Zealand company. Having a .co.nz domain name can be a way for overseas sellers to win your trust.
If you’re lucky, that might just mean having to wait longer than you thought to get your package. But it can also mean it’s expensive to return an item or that you have to deal with an overseas seller if things go wrong. Having the name of a New Zealand city in the name of a store also doesn’t mean it’s really based here.
Look at the ‘contact’ and ‘about’ pages of websites to try and determine whether you’re really dealing with a New Zealand business.
You can also:
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search the Companies Register to check if the trader is New Zealand registered.
check who has registered a domain name using the Domain Name Commission’s website.
2. Ignore the sales hype
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Be sceptical of pressure tactics when shopping online. Claims like ‘limited stock’ and countdown timers are intentional sales strategies designed to get you to buy and not think too much.
Also beware of special deals on social media. They might use phrases like “1-day flash sale” to get you to act quickly but clicking these links can take you to scam websites. If a deal seems too good to be true it almost certainly is.
3. Be sceptical of reviews
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Fake reviews are everywhere. Often there will be tell-tale signs that a review is fake, like repetitive language and stock phrases that could apply to anything.
Look for independent sources of information, such as our website. We've reviewed thousands of products - this page with all our top tests is a great place to get started.
4. Pay by card
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We recommend using a debit or credit card to shop online – that way, you can apply for a chargeback (where your bank reverses the payment) if the correct goods don’t show up.
Remember to take a screenshot of your completed order or save the order confirmation email, in case something goes wrong. Keep an eye on your bank statements. Contact your bank immediately if you spot anything unusual, such as two transactions for one item.
5. Use price comparison websites
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Make sure a better price isn’t available just around the corner by consulting the price tracking graphs on price comparison websites.
We like to use Priceme and PriceSpy. The graphs show you the prices that stores have been charging for an item – so you can tell if you’re really getting a good deal.
Also check if the store you’re thinking of buying from has a price guarantee, which is when they’ll match or beat the price of another store. You can use theses online with most big box retailers. If you’re buying at full-price, check if they have a price promise so you can get some money refunded if it goes on sale soon.
6. Cover your tracks
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Regularly clear your cache and browsing data to reduce the chances of traders offering you prices based on your online activity.
Double check prices using another device (such as your desktop computer against your iPhone) or a different browser.
7. Check return policies before you buy
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Anticipate what will happen if your item arrives and isn’t to your liking. Will you be able to return it? Will you have to pay courier costs?
See if the policy says where you’ll have to return the item, so you can decide if the risk of paying the return cost is worth it.
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Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53.1% Yes
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46.9% No
Aucklanders, we want to know: How are you feeling about the current property market?
New Zealand homeowners are now more likely to sell at a loss than at any time since 2013, and if you’re in Auckland or Wellington, the odds are even higher.
But there is a silver lining: buyers are still in a strong position when it comes to negotiating prices.
So we’re curious…
How are you feeling about the current property market?
If you’re keen to dive into the details, Deborah Morris breaks down all the latest insights.
‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...
As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.
Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.
There are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe doing online trades this holiday season, says Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Dalton.
🔒 “A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”
🔒 Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up. “We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member - that’s a huge red flag."
🔒 “When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through."
🔒 “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage."
🔒 "If you’re buying a car, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”
A reminder: Suspicious activity can be reported on 105
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