Lately we have seen that some companies are offering hardware products, spare parts for vehicles, appliances, cell phones and other items, in social networks and digital platforms through companies that have no commercial relationship with Zona Franca de Occidente.
We alert the public opinion not to be fooled by these types of pages and false publications. We invite them to denounce and thus, prevent other people from being victims of unscrupulous actions.
We are emphatic in expressing that in Zona Franca de Occidente none of its installed companies perform retail sales of any kind. Likewise, we emphasize that these false pages and publications are in the process of investigation by the prosecutor's office.
If you have any doubts, you can request information by mail, experienciacliente@zonafrancaoccidente.com or call 321 497 34 47
We take this opportunity to give you 10 tips to make your online purchases safely.
Undoubtedly, the Internet has come to make our lives easier. Today we can buy practically anything through a computer, phone or tablet and receive the product at our doorstep in a matter of days or even the same day. However, being such a large universe, the web can pose some dangers, especially when we talk about private, personal or financial data. That is why it is important to take precautions when making online transactions. Here we will explain how to offer and make secure online purchases.
1. Shop on well-known and reputable websites.
A serious site can be recognized by its design, what it offers, the payment method and its security.
Searching the net for the best deal can lead you to unknown and unreliable websites. Stay away from them. Check that the URL of the site matches the web where you think it is and that its address begins with https. Buying from reliable and reputable websites online will prevent you from becoming a victim of data or identity theft. Likewise, it is important that these stores have a secure and responsible payment gateway.
Remember that credit card numbers, security codes or debit card passwords are confidential information and should not be given out via chat, email, phone call or text message.
2. Check the legality of the company.
Every company must have a registration of incorporation or creation. In Colombia it is the NIT, in it you can corroborate the constitution of the company, physical address, contact telephone, legal representative and contact email.
Check that all information is consistent. Name, Address, Landline Phone. Cell phone. Even more you can request the chamber of commerce and in both cases no company will give you problems.
3. Conditions and additional costs
When making the purchase procedure, always read all the information offered by the promotion. Sometimes taxes or shipping costs are not included in the price offered, as well as the dates on which the discount applies.
If you are not sure or do not provide enough information, it is best to contact the store directly and ask as many questions as necessary. Some offer advice via WhatsApp or chatbots. Better to find out and avoid headaches.
4. Review the store's privacy and return policy.
Before buying in an online store check if they have their privacy policy in a visible place and it is updated. Do you know what you have to do if your product is not the right one? How can you return it? These are also aspects to take into account when choosing where to buy.
Each store has its own policy; either after certain business days, free of charge, directly at a physical store or by shipping only, etc.
Of course, always with the original purchase invoice, tags, accessories and packaging.
5. Give only the necessary personal data
If you are surprised if you are asked for any personal information (cell phone, names of family members, place of birth, etc.) to make the purchase, do not do it and check if you are on the right site.
6. Avoid links in e-mails and advertisements
Is the offer you just received in the mail too good to be true? Then it probably isn't. Ad campaigns and e-mails with offers and big discounts are a tool widely used by cybercriminals. Avoid phishing.
7. Compare prices and offers when shopping online
The great advantage of buying online: being able to check different websites to compare and be sure that the promotion is worth it. Or also to learn more features of the products and / or services. It is always better to be suspicious when something is too cheap, you may end up buying imitations or poor quality versions.
8. Discuss shipping or in-store delivery options
Sometimes the buyer has the option of paying for shipping to the door or picking it up directly at the store. However, if the promise of home delivery is more than 20 business days, it is better to pick it up in person.
Also, don't forget to check if your address is within the coverage area and how many days delivery takes. When stores have alliances with quality and recognized shipping services, you can track from the shipping company's website and know where your order is and the estimated time to have it in your hands.
9. Verify the payment method available for online purchases.
At this step you have probably already made the decision to buy on the Internet. Now it is necessary to check what payment methods the store of your choice offers. If it is credit card only, or if it offers more options such as debit card, cash on delivery, bank consignment, Paypal, among others. In fact, recently they are implementing even more options and innovations such as virtual cards, payments through apps and others.
10. Check the status of your purchase and bank transactions.
After making the purchase, it is important to check if your transaction was approved and to review the movements of your bank account. This way you can find out the number of transactions and the merchant from which they were made. If you suspect a scam or see anything irregular, call your bank immediately.
We hope that with these tips, you will make a successful sale or purchase process. Ensuring successful processes.
