Before the pandemic, online buying was merely a shopping alternative when you didn’t have time to stroll through physical stores. However, life has been relatively online since the pandemic commenced in the last two years. Now, most people who have access to the internet use online shopping as their primary purchasing habit.
E-commerce sales are projected to grow further in the coming years to as much as $8.1 trillion by 2026. In 2021 alone, e-retail sales exceeded $5.2 trillion worldwide. It’s undeniably a fast-growing market as more people adapt to digital life.
Nowadays, online shopping isn’t just for convenience but also for safety from getting infected with the coronavirus. You have probably grown accustomed to this habit and are considering upgrading or buying a new smartphone. Online purchasing of basic living commodities, including gadgets, has been the norm.
While online purchasing brings a sense of comfort, this process remains entirely different from physical ones. For some, buying gadgets online is risky since they cannot see and hold the actual product before buying it.
Do you want to ensure that the smartphone you’re planning to buy is of the best quality? Then, here are the things you’ll need to consider before completing that checkout and placing your order.
1. Assess the Merchant for Legitimacy
Assessing online shops is the gospel of online shopping. Ensuring that the online merchants where you’ll buy your smartphone are reputable guarantees the phone quality. Some shops could deceive you into believing their fake products, so check carefully.
Smartphones tend to be pricey, and you must protect that hard-earned money. You want to keep it from fraudulent acts of scamming and deception. Ask your loved ones if they have made purchases from the same shop before for an unmistakable, informed decision.
2. Read All the Shop’s Product Reviews
As you browse that online shop, read all their product reviews. Counterfeit shops have their fair share of negative reviews. Sometimes, others lack them completely. Even if the shop has significant good reviews, consider the negative ones.
Product reviews are standards in determining online shops’ reputation to consumers. These will help prevent you from making a regrettable decision.
3. See if the Specs are Completely Listed
Specifications are necessary aspects to look for when buying smartphones. Smartphone performance based on specs determines whether to purchase it or find one that qualifies with better features.
It’s more than just knowing the model you want. You have to see if that smartphone fits your work or personal needs. A legitimate shop will put a complete list of specs in the product description for their customers’ reference.
4. Brand New or Secondhand?
What type of smartphone are you planning to buy? Consider thinking about the condition of the smartphones you’re eyeing. Secondhand ones are not bad, but they might not meet what you want, especially when you come across a fake shop. Even if it’s cheap, losing your money for a bogus secondhand phone isn’t worth it.
You can directly message the seller for a more detailed presentation of the smartphone, whether brand new or pre-loved, to confirm its legitimacy. They will openly discuss all things concerning the smartphone with you if they’re genuine for awareness.
5. Opt for an Affordable Price
Naturally, you’ll try to find variations of the same smartphone model for lower prices. Thankfully, discounts, promo codes, vouchers, and coupons are always there for online shopping. Find legitimate shops that offer your desired discounts and have that smartphone for an affordable price.
DontPayFull and similar platforms can offer you up to 70% exclusive discounts in bundles at different stores for online shopping. Using their discount codes and coupons is best if you aim for cost-efficient smartphones.
6. Personally Meet With the Seller
If you still have doubts about the integrity of the merchant and its products, you can request a face-to-face meetup with them. Of course, do this when you have the luxury of time.
It’s a win-win situation where you’ll not just meet the seller but also have an opportunity to quality-check the smartphone physically. This way, you can confirm whether you’ll push through or not.
7. Remember the Warranty and Return Policies
Awareness of terms and conditions upon buying is crucial for purchasing smartphones online. The merchant needs to tell you about the gadget’s warranty period and return policies. Moreover, they should be able to tell where to go when it needs fixing. Such valuable details are essential in establishing the merchant’s legitimacy.
It is a security measure vital for your smartphone’s durability. In unfortunate events, you’ll get your money without facing any inconvenience.
8. Avoid Paying With Digital Wallets or Credit/Debit Cards, if Possible
Gadgets are intricate items, and anything can happen during the shipping process. It’s better to pay with cash upon the item’s arrival. Before giving that cash away, assert the need to open the package first. You have to check if the product works and is still in good condition.
If you received the item with defects, you could quickly put it back in the package and instruct the courier for return purposes. You and the merchant should then discuss the return and refund process accordingly. When you don’t like a refund, replacement is also an option.
9. Use Your New Smartphone Without Worries
Remembering these tips before buying new smartphone results in a smooth and worthy online transaction. The process is easy when significant steps are taken beforehand. It also builds trustworthiness with the merchant, benefitting both of you.
As the world progresses towards digital living, adapting to the nature of technology is a necessity. Many people like you need smartphones for work, studying, connecting with loved ones, and staying updated with domestic and international news. It’s critical to have a multifunctional smartphone that performs best for these activities.
Waiting for your smartphone to arrive at your doorstep becomes worry-less when you’re sure of its quality. Thinking about whether that smartphone won’t last long isn’t going to bug you all the time. You’re not only sure where it came from, but you’re also certain of easy access to warranty and return services when needed.