When you say online shopping, the top-of-mind websites are Amazon and eBay for buying goods from the US. But a new trend has sprung up in this city: Some enterprising women are starting to import goods and sell them off Facebook, running their small businesses from the comfort of their own homes. The women's clients have said they find this kind of online shopping more suitable and even less threatening. The items are delivered straight to their doorstep in just a day or two after they place their orders. They could also pick up the items themselves with a flexible return policy. Online shops here offer a range of designer merchandise, electronics or even used items which buyers could get at a more affordable price than at brick-and-mortar shops. Ahlam Al Silamy said she was never into online shopping but after these miniature Facebook stores became all the rage, she has turned into a shopaholic. “I don't advise anyone to start shopping online because it is truly addictive — although it is time-saving and you don't have to leave your home,” she said, adding it could prove very convenient for women. Sumaya Batarjee, a local schoolteacher, said she resorts to both Facebook and online shopping because she can do it anywhere, anytime even through her phone or tablet device. “I love the fact that I can shop from bed and not have to go to the store and be harassed by salesmen.” Price comparison between merchandise offered by online stores and those from physical stores can be easily done through browsing. “You can't be tricked because you will be able to check the world prices of the item you want and know whether you're being offered the standard price,” said Al Silamy. According to a poll run by Facebook itself, credit card fraud and lack of trust in local websites are the top barriers to online shopping in the world, even in Saudi Arabia. Nadia Jeelani, a stay-at-home mom, said she liked shopping via Facebook — but doesn't do much of it because she still preferred traditional shopping. She also said, “I have had credit card problems many times when buying things online, which is why I totally stopped.” Facebook sellers' authenticity are also a concern. Shopping via social networking sites does not ensure full protection of consumer rights; if shoppers get tricked in any way, it would be difficult for them to get their money back, experts have warned. Online shopping precautions n Shop from safe and secure websites with URLs that begin with “https://” — the “s” indicates the website is secure. n Look for a closed padlock at the bottom of the browser window; if that lock is open, you should assume it is not a secure site. n Read the privacy and return and/or exchange policies before even browsing. n Do a background research of the site to see what other people are saying about it. n The safest way to pay is cash on delivery or protected credit cards that are specifically for online shopping; these are provided by banks in the Kingdom. n Save or print a copy of your order. n Pay attention to shipping facts and prices. n Shop from sites that have a home office in the Kingdom or within the GCC. n Make sure prices are the same as indicated online; some e-tailers may have hidden charges or tell you the real price only upon delivery. n Trust your instincts — if you don't feel comfortable buying or bidding on an item over the Web, or if you feel pressured to place your order immediately, maybe you shouldn't. n Inspect your purchase. Look at your purchase carefully as soon as you receive it. n Contact the seller as soon as possible if you discover a problem with it. n Tell the seller in writing about any problems you have, ask for a repair or refund, and keep a copy of your correspondence. __
