Zenaida Maglaya, undersecretary at the Department of Trade and Industry, pointed out consumers should always check the validity of the online store they are purchasing from before clicking that "buy" button.
"Whenever they see anything online that is being offered, they should ask around first. Magtanong sa iba: kayo ba ay nakabili na dito? Did you try the services? Maganda ba ang produkto," Maglaya told ABS-CBNnews.com.
She noted that online shops or sellers usually have feedback forms that can come in handy for the buying public. One can check the comments from the shop or seller's previous transactions to be able to gauge if the entity is trustworthy.
"Pangalawa is you have to make sure kung ito ay discount or ito ay promo, dapat may DTI permit," Maglaya said.
"Importante ang permit kasi pag nagka-problema at hindi na ma-contact yung nagebebenta ng items, may traceability pa rin because we (DTI) have the address at kung sino sila," she continued.
Maglaya stressed consumers should be very careful when buying goods online. One should be responsible enough to verify first the credibility of the seller, at least through other friends or consumers who have had previous transactions with the shop or the person.
"Ang importante, wag basta-basta bibili lang pag mayroong nag-offer kasi yung iba diyan, fly-by-night na basta na-swipe mo na yung [credit] card mo, hindi na sila ma-contact o mahagilap," Maglaya said.
The DTI also heeds complaints from consumers with regard to defective products bought online or even for fraudulent transactions.
"An online shop is like any other store, just a different platform. So kung may reklamo, may dapat isauli, may panloloko, you can complain to DTI," Maglaya assured.
Various online shops have gained popularity in the Philippines and have even caught the eye of the tax bureau. These online stores are being preferred over physical shops as goods are deemed less expensive.
source: www.abs-cbnnews.com
