Even for the tech-savvy, buying gadgets online can be quite tricky. Apart from the fact that there are plenty of options out there, you won’t physically see whatever it is you’re buying until it arrives at your doorstep. There’s also the risk of damage during the shipping. And worst, you can be a victim of counterfeit products.

Going online shopping for your next tech buy? Here are nine tips to help you out.

Know what you want. From the brand and model to the specs and accessories, you have to be really decided about the product that you’ll buy. By knowing what you’re looking for, you can narrow down your search only to the shops where you’ll buy that gadget.

Compare, compare, compare. Don’t just buy from the first online shop that pops up on your search. Compare prices from at least three sellers. Also, you have to compare the tally of features in the product description to prevent yourself from getting scammed.

Buy from a trusted seller. To further avoid buying counterfeits, it’s a must to buy from a seller trusted by tech enthusiasts. Search if the shop indeed carries authentic products and see what other buyers have to say — which brings us to our next tip.

Look for reviews from previous customers. Read reviews about any product before buying it. And when you’re looking for reviews, also check the quality of service of the seller itself — from how they accommodate queries to how they securely deliver the gadget.

Mind the shipping. Buying gadgets like computers can be expensive. But apart from the price of the product itself, you also have to factor in shipping in your budget allocation. Typically, the farther your location is, the pricier the fee will be. To save money, be on the lookout for free shipping promos.

Take advantage of discounts and promo codes. Don’t just avail of free shipping deals. When checking out, always tick off that promo code box — it’s there for a reason. There could be a coupon code or any sweet deal that may await you.

Only purchase a product with a warranty. Warranties are there as the consumer’s safety net. But be careful not to get lured by extended warranties that your seller may offer. Often, these are unnecessary purchases that can only make you go over your initial budget. When online shopping, also read your seller’s return and exchange policy. A good R&E policy will make it easier for you if you want to return a product that’s damaged or simply didn’t meet your expectations.

Don’t buy when you’re connected to unsecured wifi. An unsecured internet connection exposes your personal information to hackers. And it can be quite headache-inducing to deal with unauthorized purchases — especially if it’s pricey stuff like a smartphone or a laptop. Also, don’t pay with a debit card — it’s easier to dispute transactions when you use a credit card.

Never leave your parcel on your doorstep. Gadgets are fragile objects. During the expected time of your order’s arrival, make sure that you’re there (or someone from your household) to receive the parcel.

Be A Smarter Online Shopper of Anything Electronics

Whether it’s a computer, a projector to up your home theater experience, or just a phone charger — shopping for electronic devices is something that entails meticulous research.

At King's Online Shop, you can find helpful guides and blogs that relay practical tech knowledge to help you with your search for your newest tech buy. Check out their reads about computers and electronics at https://kingsonlineshop.com/category/computers/ and https://kingsonlineshop.com/category/electronics.