discuss the issues relating to information
found on the Internet, for example unreliability, undesirability and
security of data transfer;
Convenience and security issues involved in online retailing:
Fraud - the use of stolen credit cards to buy goods.
Hacking - the use of someone's credit/bank card details without their
permission
Non-delivery - payment for goods that are never received, a particular
problem with online auction sites and spoof retails sites.
Incorrect goods supplied - either because they were not chosen correctly
or an error was made in the order. Both can cause problems because of
the difficulties in returning the goods.
Not being able to view the goods or try on clothing - resulting in
unwanted goods which have to be returned.
The use of secure web sites - these should stop financial data being
intercepted by fraudsters but don't help if someone already had your
credit/bank card details.
Use of passwords and ID's to log onto retail websites - to allow shops
to store your details if you visit again, but a risk of these details being
hacked by fraudsters.
The ability to shop from home - avoiding transport problems, poor
weather etc. and a particular advantage for those with physical
disabilities.
Waiting for deliveries and missed deliveries - a real issue for those
who work during the day and then have to collect items from parcel depots.
Postal costs - can be expensive, in particular for heavy items.
Delivery tracking - a common service with many items which helps avoid
missed deliveries.
Price comparison - this is much easier than on the the high-street with
many independent price comparison websites.
Product reviews - easy to access and often very detailed, making it a
lot easier to compare products.
Payment methods - these are often limited to credit/bank cards so
customers without these facilities cannot make purchases. Even
alternative methods such as Paypal require some method of funds to be
transferred electronicly.
