7 tips for shopping online
The convenience of shopping from the couch is undeniable. But it’s not without risks. Scam sites, tough return policies and packages that vanish all challenge the online shopper.
So, before you click ‘add to cart’, check out our tips for having a good online shopping experience.
1. Know who you’re really shopping with
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Don’t assume a ‘.co.nz’ website is a New Zealand company. Having a .co.nz domain name can be a way for overseas sellers to win your trust.
If you’re lucky, that might just mean having to wait longer than you thought to get your package. But it can also mean it’s expensive to return an item or that you have to deal with an overseas seller if things go wrong. Having the name of a New Zealand city in the name of a store also doesn’t mean it’s really based here.
Look at the ‘contact’ and ‘about’ pages of websites to try and determine whether you’re really dealing with a New Zealand business.
You can also:
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search the Companies Register to check if the trader is New Zealand registered.
check who has registered a domain name using the Domain Name Commission’s website.
2. Ignore the sales hype
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Be sceptical of pressure tactics when shopping online. Claims like ‘limited stock’ and countdown timers are intentional sales strategies designed to get you to buy and not think too much.
Also beware of special deals on social media. They might use phrases like “1-day flash sale” to get you to act quickly but clicking these links can take you to scam websites. If a deal seems too good to be true it almost certainly is.
3. Be sceptical of reviews
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Fake reviews are everywhere. Often there will be tell-tale signs that a review is fake, like repetitive language and stock phrases that could apply to anything.
Look for independent sources of information, such as our website. We've reviewed thousands of products - this page with all our top tests is a great place to get started.
4. Pay by card
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We recommend using a debit or credit card to shop online – that way, you can apply for a chargeback (where your bank reverses the payment) if the correct goods don’t show up.
Remember to take a screenshot of your completed order or save the order confirmation email, in case something goes wrong. Keep an eye on your bank statements. Contact your bank immediately if you spot anything unusual, such as two transactions for one item.
5. Use price comparison websites
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Make sure a better price isn’t available just around the corner by consulting the price tracking graphs on price comparison websites.
We like to use Priceme and PriceSpy. The graphs show you the prices that stores have been charging for an item – so you can tell if you’re really getting a good deal.
Also check if the store you’re thinking of buying from has a price guarantee, which is when they’ll match or beat the price of another store. You can use theses online with most big box retailers. If you’re buying at full-price, check if they have a price promise so you can get some money refunded if it goes on sale soon.
6. Cover your tracks
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Regularly clear your cache and browsing data to reduce the chances of traders offering you prices based on your online activity.
Double check prices using another device (such as your desktop computer against your iPhone) or a different browser.
7. Check return policies before you buy
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Anticipate what will happen if your item arrives and isn’t to your liking. Will you be able to return it? Will you have to pay courier costs?
See if the policy says where you’ll have to return the item, so you can decide if the risk of paying the return cost is worth it.
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Poll: Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️
First introduced in New Zealand in 1927 with the passing of the Summer Time Act, it's what we know as 'Daylight Saving' and this year it ends on the first Sunday in April.
While we do get to sleep in this time around, some people would like to scrap the clock tinkering for good.
And why? Some evidence suggests the time changes are bad for our health as they mess with sleep patterns leading to short-term fatigue and affecting mood. Meanwhile the hour change is frustrating for farmers and a nightmare for getting the littlies to sleep. But what's your take?
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36.6% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
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62.6% No, I enjoy it
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0.8% Other - I'll share below
Poll: Are you still heading to your local for your caffeine fix, or has the $$ changed your habits? ☕
Auckland has a thriving cafe culture, but with costs climbing, that culture is under pressure. We’ve seen the headlines about recent closures across the country, and it’s a tough pill to swallow along with a $6+ coffee.
We all want our favourite spots to stay open, but we also have to balance our own budgets ⚖️
We want to know: How are you handling the "coffee math" in 2026? Are you still heading to your local for a chat and a caffeine fix, or has the cost of living changed your habits?
Keen to read more about "coffee math"? The Post has you covered.
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42.9% I avoid spending money on coffee
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41.1% I still indulge at my local cafe
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16% Irrelevant - coffee is not for me
Poll: How important is the ability to book a doctor’s appointment online?
Hi Neighbours
Here at The Doctors we would love to hear how you prefer to book your doctor’s appointments. With busy schedules, different people find different methods easier.
For some, online booking is very convenient, you can make an appointment anytime without needing to wait on the phone. Others still prefer calling the clinic and speaking to a real person, especially if they have specific questions about their visit.
Your feedback helps us understand what works best for our patients and how we can improve access to care.
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40.3% I prefer booking online whenever possible
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21.4% Online booking is helpful but not essential
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34.6% I prefer calling the clinic
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3.7% I didn’t know online booking was available
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