MANILA, Philippines – As shoppers rummage through the best buys and brave the crowds in mall and bazaars, an increasing number of internet-savvy consumers are now doing their shopping online.
The director of DTI-Bureau of Trade, Regulation and Consumer Protection Victor Dimagiba said that the online shopping community may soon compete with retail stores.
“Although internet commerce is still a very sunrise industry, it’s getting to be bigger and maybe at some point it will compete already with the person to person retail industry,” Dimagiba told ANC’s “On The Money.”
He said Filipino online shoppers frequent deal sites, online retailers, classified ads, and airline sites to check for good deals.
The more popular commerce site that offers daily discounts, according to Dimagiba, are Metro Deal, Living Social (formerly Ensogo), and Cash Cash Pinoy.
However, Dimagiba warns that buying products online requires discipline, due diligence, and control.
Since online shopping involves the use of credit cards, he said buyers have the tendency to go over budget because the transaction only takes a click of a mouse or a swipe of the finger.
He said shoppers should carefully read and understand the terms and conditions of the site, particularly on deal sites, before making a purchase.
“You have to read to be able to intelligently understand what the bargain is all about before you use your credit card,” he said.
Dimagiba said consumers should also ensure that the product they are getting is not counterfeit. Getting imitations is among the top complaints the DTI receives from online shoppers.
The government does not require a permit for online commerce, but bills have been filed in Congress to tighten the regulation of online businesses.
Until these bills are passed, Dimagiba said shoppers should be wary of dubious sellers.
He added that online sellers also have a responsibility to make the shopping experience convenient and safe for their buyers.
He said online commerce has to improve its after-sales service, as consumer complaints usually take weeks before they are addressed.
source: www.abs-cbnnews.com
