The internet is an amazing tool for shopping. Through it, it’s possible to track down highly specialized vendors and have them deliver products right to your front door. In terms of value, choice, and convenience, online shopping is a major win, which is why the vast majority of Americans engage in it.

But online shopping is not without risk. You might see something online and buy it on a whim, only to regret it later. There are a few sensible precautions that will help you mitigate the risk. Let’s consider a few things worth checking.

Check the Seller’s Reputation

Star ratings provide a fairly reliable shorthand of the seller’s reputation. But they often don’t tell the whole story. A seller’s recent history might give a better indication of the service you’re going to get than the older ratings. Make sure that you check the return policy, too. When the policy is generous, it tends to mean that the vendor has faith that you won’t need it.

Compare Prices Across Sites

Don’t assume that the price you’re paying is the lowest available for the same product. In some cases, shopping around can yield a substantial discount. You might even log in from a different region in order to unlock special discounts and get around dynamic pricing mechanisms. A good VPN for iPhone will allow you to do this fairly easily.

Review Shipping and Return Terms

Sometimes, the time you wait for a delivery can make what seemed like a good deal turn out to be rather less impressive. When delivery timelines and return schedules are vague and opaque, the result can be stress, especially if you’re shipping a high-value item or you have a deadline (like a friend’s birthday) to meet.

Of course, if you only have a very limited window in which to reconsider and return your purchases, then it might be a good idea to check them over the moment they come through the door. Don’t order things unless you know that you’re going to be able to check them promptly.

Secure Your Connection Before You Pay

If you’re logging into a website from an unfamiliar location, like a public Wi-Fi network, then you’ll need to take sensible precautions. We’ve already mentioned the value of a good VPN, but other precautions, like the encryption built into your browser, can be helpful. If there isn’t a padlock in the address bar, it’s time to think twice about handing over sensitive details.

Pause Before You Click ‘Buy’

Buying things on impulse can lead to regret later on. Give yourself a cooling-off period of at least twenty-four hours, especially if you’re prone to impulsive behavior. You might also devise a wish list and section off a portion of your monthly income to commit toward the things you want to buy. This doesn’t mean denying yourself the purchases that might give you pleasure; it just means shopping in a thoughtful, deliberate way that’s more likely to leave you satisfied in the long run.