The seller

Before you buy anything online, get to know the seller. You need to know their contact details in case something goes wrong; a reputable business should make this information easy to find. A reputable business should also have good customer feedback - do friends, family or other customers rate them highly? Also, in the case of an international business, if you do not know the name or the brand, research before buying.

The product or service

Read and look at the advertisement carefully – make sure that it is exactly what you want. Consider the features and specifications such as make, model, dimensions, condition, age, functions, customer service and support. If you are unsure about something, ask the seller for more detail before committing yourself.

The terms & conditions

Before buying, understand exactly what is involved in the purchase. The terms and conditions of your purchase should be outlined by the seller - they may be located on a separate webpage to the advertisement. They should be clear and outline any extra warranties or guarantees, or policies covering security, privacy and returns.