By Andrea Hargraves 
Online Shopping Day will be held on Friday in Portugal: the ACEPI initiative aims to support digital commerce in Portugal.
The project that annually brings together the best websites and online stores of the major brands operating in Portugal, in a wide-ranging campaign of promotions and discounts that lasts 24 hours. The main goal is to promote and stimulate Portugal's digital economy and its good practices, as well as to increase confidence in online shopping, increase Internet users' experiences and demonstrate the potential of the Internet in general.
On this day, many campaigns and promotions are conducted in online stores, to encourage more people to make online purchases. Free shipping is an example of the offers on this online shopping day. The goal is also to encourage online shopping, especially for people who have never tried online shopping. Moreover, you would also like to be aware of the main requirements for safe purchasing in online stores.
People who are accustomed to buying online can take advantage of the special conditions and enjoy the fun of online shopping.
If you are a fan of online shopping, here are these dates that may excite you:
– Cyber Monday – At the end of the year, but without a specific date, Cyber Monday is celebrated 4 days after Thanksgiving.
– World Day Without Plastic Bags (July 3)
– Memorial Shopping Day (November 25)
– Black Friday (November 29)
– Computer Security Day (November 30)
– Cyber Monday (December 2)
– Boxing Day (December 26).
Due diligence when shopping online: Before purchasing
1. Make sure your device is secure
On your computer, cell phone, or tablet, make sure it's protected against malware. It is essential, not only for shopping, but for all your online activities, to have up-to-date antivirus software and an active firewall. This is so you can filter your internet traffic.
2. Use secure connections to shop online
One of the basic requirements for security when shopping online is privacy, therefore, you should avoid using public access, such as networks of shopping malls or cafes and shared computers. Whenever possible, use your own computer, tablet, or cell phone and avoid accessing via public Wi-Fi networks.
3. Make sure the site is secure
The simplest way to check this is to check the address bar for https://. If the site is truly secure, it will be accompanied by a lock. Also check the privacy policies of the website, research the reputation and rating of the online store on Google, social networks and complaints portals.
Avoid accessing websites through links, choose to enter the address directly and check if this is indeed the official address.
When purchasing from individuals, which is common on secondhand sites, take extra care. Read the site policy carefully and remember that in transactions between individuals, it may be difficult to enforce your rights.
Due diligence when shopping online: During the purchasing process
1. Read the online store information and terms of sale
Before making a purchase, read the terms and conditions and privacy policies. Please be aware that according to current legislation, all online stores must provide complete information identifying the company or seller:
– Name or company name
– The geographical address where it was established and the email address
– commercial register
– Tax identification number
Verifying this information is also a way to ensure that the online store is trustworthy.
The online store must also report return and refund conditions, delivery times and costs, as well as report the true value of the products in the case of sales, promotions or discounts, in accordance with the “Law on Sales, Promotions and Liquidation”.
Another point to pay attention to is whether the prices of the products are very low compared to other online stores. In these cases, always be skeptical.
2. Pay attention to the payment method
Payment is one of the most important moments to ensure your purchase is completed safely, so please pay maximum attention during this stage, so that your bank account details are not compromised. Do not provide personal or confidential data that is not strictly necessary to make a payment.
In general, online stores offer different payment methods. The payment methods most used by Portuguese are Paypal, Multibanco and MBNet, but many Portuguese still choose to pay when the product is delivered for fear of fraud (learn more about this on Jumpseller).
It is important to know that with Paypal or MBNet cards there is no need to provide your card details to the seller, which makes your purchase more secure.
Choose the payment method that you feel is most secure, also taking into consideration the product you will be purchasing. If you use cards, choose those that require additional authentication, at least two steps of authorization, or have a limited cap and reduced validity period.
Care to be taken after making a purchase
1. Save proof of payment
Please note that after making an online purchase, the seller must immediately send the invoice in digital format. Therefore, as with paper invoices, it is important to maintain information about the seller and the transaction.
As a precaution, if you do not receive your invoice in digital format, you can ensure that the transaction data is screen printed.
Monitor your bank statement and, if you suspect fraud, contact your bank and personal authorities.
2. Know your rights as a consumer
Know your rights regarding online purchases. These rights allow you, for example, to opt out of purchasing or subscribing to a product or service within 14 days.
On the European Consumer Center website you will find useful information about the best way to file a complaint if something goes wrong during the online purchase process.
OyourEUright is another platform that contains information about consumer rights and offers advice on how to proceed.
Through electronic purchases on the website with rights, you can also obtain information from the DECO-PROteste initiative. If you feel that you have been harmed during the online purchase process, you can go to the Consumer Association website to file a complaint.
3. Buy and Seller Evaluation
The reputation of online stores is essential for both sellers and consumers. Therefore, as much as possible, evaluate the purchase and the seller, whether positive or negative, and leave your testimonial. This will help other people know if this website is safe or not.