International online shopping

When buying something from overseas there are additional risks to consider. Often buying something from abroad is cheaper than the local option but sometime cheaper isn't better.

Ensure you make these checks and take the additional precautions.

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• Check postage and insurance costs, these can often make up the cost difference compared to local goods.
• If it's a valuable delivery insure it.
• Remember any disputes will be harder to resolve.
• Find out about refund and return policies.
• The warranty may be only valid in the country of origin.
• Check if the product is liable for customs duties.
• Find out about product import regulations.
• There may be currency conversion commissions on your payment.
• The chance of getting sub-standard fake or 'grey' products is greater.