Guide to safe online shopping

Check the seller’s reputation

Ask friends or acquaintances whether they have previously purchased from the seller and what their experiences were. Any information can be valuable, and the risk of fraud is significantly reduced. Whenever possible, buy only from verified sellers or directly from online stores. When shopping on webshops, pay attention to reviews and customer feedback.

Read the terms of sale, delivery and returns

Most reputable sellers clearly state their return policy on their websites. If return conditions are not available, request clarification before making a purchase. The more information you have about the product and the seller, the lower the risk of issues. When buying from private individuals, agree in advance on possible returns.

Always pay with money

Pay for ordered products exclusively with money. If a seller requests alternative payment methods such as mobile vouchers or gift cards, be cautious. These payment methods are harder to trace and are often used by fraudsters to conceal their identity.

For this reason, bank transfers are rarely used by scammers. If a seller avoids providing a bank account number, proceed with caution.

Compare prices and stay realistic

If you encounter a product offered at an unusually low price, compare it with prices from other sellers. If there are significant differences, contact the seller to check whether there is a valid reason (e.g. used or damaged product).

If no reasonable explanation exists, be cautious. Remember – no one wants to sell below realistic value.

Register and save on delivery

By registering for Internet Shipping free of charge, you can receive a 20% discount on shipping in Overseas Express boxes of all sizes and be exempt from cash-on-delivery fees.

Verify seller details

Always request the seller’s full name and, if possible, verify their identity online. Compare payment details with those stated in the advertisement. If discrepancies exist, contact the seller by phone and ask for clarification.

Learn about the product

Gather as much information as possible about the product you are buying. Request additional photos and a detailed description of colour, texture, size, capacity and other relevant characteristics to ensure your expectations match the actual product.

Ask for an invoice and warranty

When purchasing new products, request an invoice and warranty, especially for technical items. If the seller cannot provide these, check the reason, as this may indicate the product is not new or was not obtained legally.

Check the packaging method

The sender is always responsible for proper packaging. Insist on safe and adequate packaging, particularly for fragile items. For additional protection, Overseas Express boxes suitable for various shipment types can be used.

Track your shipment

Track your shipment using the Track & Trace system. Request the tracking number from the sender and monitor the delivery status in real time. If the sender refuses to provide the number, be cautious.

Protect your personal data

Never send credit card details by email or share them over the phone. Use strong passwords and avoid using the same password for multiple accounts.

Be cautious with emails

Suspicious emails often request that you open links or provide personal and financial information. Be careful even if the message appears to come from a courier service. Overseas Express will never request financial information via email.

Shopping abroad

When purchasing from foreign webshops, inform yourself about additional costs such as shipping, customs duties and VAT. Products ordered from within the EU are not subject to customs procedures, usually resulting in faster delivery and lower overall costs.

Communicate with the seller

If you receive a product that does not match what you ordered, contact the seller immediately. In most cases, issues can be resolved through direct communication. If a replacement is offered, do not return the original product until you receive the new one.

When using cash-on-delivery services with Overseas Express, the seller receives payment only after you receive the shipment, providing an additional level of buyer protection.