Check they have an actual physical address and phone number. Make a low value order first, and see how that goes. And use a payment method like Paypal that has built in buyer protection.

Google the company name along with “reviews”. That’ll give you a surprisingly good insight. Also, use a payment method that has inbuilt protection, like Paypal.

I always google the business for reviews. Check to see if they have a facebook business page. See how active the page is, how old it is, what people posted on the page

This question is something l wanted to know as well,thanks!

I check for paypal and see what the reviews are like

I agree with most of the answers on here. Just take your time, don’t rush into buying anything and make sure you’ve done all the checks before you purchase.

google customer reviews on the site. use paypal and see if the site’s info matches up. you can search where the website is “based” and make sure that it matches the same company etc.

I’ve only purchased certain items from China and family members have bought clothes from Ebay and it is a bit touch and go. I find that delivery is far too slow ( sometimes 2 weeks ) and it is best to check for good feedbacks and maybe even from friends to see if they have used them before. Something like this I would rather get recommendations and people who use them regularly for me to even spend a cent on them . Good luck on finding one .

I’ve ordered a couple of items online. I received one today and am happy with it.

If it’s on eBay, you can check their sales history and read their feedback from people who have previously bought products from them

Thank you everyone. Your answers are very helpful and I will follow your suggestions.

Do an online search of the company to check name and reviews and service.

Make sure any site has a secure lock icon at the top – it is supposed to be a sign of the site being safe and secure.

I would be making sure you can pay with PayPal. Also Google the company and see if there and any bad reviews

look for online reviews, look at the date page updated (which is usually at the bottom of the page), if you have any concerns message them, pay with a safe payment method so if the items don’t turn up you can get your money back.

Try to use reputable and well known website if possible. Does your chosen brand of clothes have a recommended supplier? PayPal is a good idea for these kind of purchases too.

I do most of my online shopping through Ebay with my PayPal account.
I’ve only had a few issues with items never turning up that have always been resolved quickly with either a refund or a replacement sent out.
Look into the company before you purchase & someone once told me to look for a little padlock in the address bar, apparently that means it is a safe site.

I love online shopping but you’re right to be cautious. Is the company you’re purchasing from well known? If not, check if you can pay via Paypal, this will protect you in case you never receive goods etc. Ask family or friends if they have purchased from this company or do a google search. Generally if a company is involved in a scam of some sort it will come up in general google search. Hope this helps.