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With the numerous e-commerce shops available today, finding the best selection of the most popular handheld devices on the Internet is not at all difficult.
You will be able to look at dozens of gadgets within an hour without wasting time, energy, and even money hopping from one brick-and-mortar store to another. What’s more, you can find both new and hard-to-find older models in most online shopping sites.
Also, shopping for tablets and mobile phones online will allow you to enjoy two huge benefits that many traditional tech stores do not offer: amazing discounts and excellent freebies. Additionally, by purchasing your device from an e-commerce site, you will have the option of paying for it using your credit or debit card or cash on delivery (COD).
Mobile devices, however, are not the easiest items to buy. They are quite expensive in general as well. As such, it is crucial that you choose the best product to buy before proceeding to the checkout page and confirming your purchase. By doing so, you will avoid wasting time, money and a lot of inconvenience.
To ensure you enjoy a hassle-free online shopping experience in your hunt for your next handheld gadget, avoid these common mistakes:
1. Shopping from a dubious online shop
One of the most common mistakes you can make when buying a mobile device (or any item) on the Internet is not shopping from a reputable website.
Check the reputation score and track record of the e-commerce site especially if it’s your first time dealing with an online shop. Make sure the website is in good standing among their customers.
They should have an exceptional history of adequately delivering products as advertised on their site, in excellent condition and within the given timeframe.
You can verify the trustworthiness of an e-commerce site by reading online reviews about them and asking people you know about their shopping experience with the online shop.
2. Shopping blindly
It can be fun and exciting to look at and compare gadgets online, especially if it’s your first time purchasing one on the Internet. However, with hundreds of devices to view, you won’t help but feel exhausted after a couple of hours or so.
To avoid spending too much time browsing, decide what kind of gadget you want or need to buy beforehand.
Think about your intended uses for the gadget: work, gaming, or social networking, etc. If you are buying a smartphone, consider which operating system you are familiar with or comfortable using. Lastly, factor in your budget.
Once you have considered all these, you can filter and sort online shop products. This will help you reduce the time you spend on finding your ideal device.
3. Failing to read the product description or specs completely
Make sure the specs listed on the website are exactly the ones you are looking for. If you don’t, you will end up buying the wrong product or one that won’t meet your needs.
If you have already narrowed down your choice of device, make sure you know the specs including its operating system, storage capacity, camera quality, network type, etc. When you’re looking at a particular product, make sure the specs match the product description, including the model number.
Making sure of all these seemingly minor details will help reduce the likelihood of going through the hassle of returning your purchase.
4. Not reading the product or user comments
Aside from perusing customer reviews online, take the time to read the comments left by people who already bought the product.
User reviews will help you know if there are any possible problems with the device. You will also have a good idea if the seller is advertising a genuine product and responding to online inquiries by reading the comments.
If the majority of these reviews are negative, consider looking at a different item or online store.
5. Failing to go over the terms and conditions
Finally, before clicking on the ‘buy’ or ‘check out’ button, read the terms and conditions published on the site. In particular, make sure you understand the shipping and returns policy.
Carefully read the method of exchange, returns, shipping, and refunds before you make any purchase. By doing so, you will have an estimate of the expected time to receive your order. You will also know precisely what to do if you are disappointed with your purchase.
Buying a mobile phone or tablet online will allow you to experience several advantages. If you painstakingly avoid the mistakes listed here, you will get the device you are looking for and enjoy even more benefits.
About the Author:
George Azar is Co-Founder and CEO of HiCart.com. He has extensive work experience with blue chip multinational organizations on both regional and global levels. George is also the founder of companies in the fields of advertising and media buying, professional trainings and development.
