According to recent research released by an international credit card company, 77% of the estimated 5.7 million South Africans who have access to the internet are successfully and securely shopping online, with a whopping 87% of shoppers satisfied with their overall online shopping experience!
As with most of the developed world, South Africa is now regarded as a bastion of online shopping safety and consumers are opting to purchase a lot more than travel packages, movie tickets, books and DVD’s online.
Apart from basic necessities including home appliances, motor cars and even groceries; South Africans, and visiting tourists, are also choosing to buy South African art online. Not only is it convenient but safe and secure too.
Although virtually all online South African based shopping websites are totally legitimate, there is always the risk of coming across a dodgy site. We have set out a couple of handy pointers that will help you select the perfect site to buy art online.
- Most secure online sites will have a logo, featuring a padlock with the words 'Secure', ‘SiteSafe’, ‘Secured by Thawte’, or a variant thereof, posted on the home page.
- Internet browser filters have the ability to warn you about reported phishing sites and effectively block you from visiting them.
- Internet Explorer 11 and beyond offers even further protection for prospective shoppers eager to buy paintings online, or any other product for that matter. If the site is above board, the address bar turns green and features both https and a closed padlock, indicating unbeatable online security.
- Check out the site’s privacy policy online and ensure you are entirely comfortable with the manner in which your personal information is treated under that policy.
- Look for seals of approval from trustworthy organisations such as MasterCard SecureCode, Verified by Visa, SafeKey by American Express, 3D Secure, or PayPal.
- Ensure you have all the current contact details posted on the site including an email address, telephone number and physical address.
- Be totally informed as to the shipping & handling fees, return policies, anticipated delivery date and warranties.
- Keep a physical record of your online transaction.
For total peace of mind, we recommend you buy South African art online at Fine Art Portfolio where each purchase is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and value. Contact us for more in-depth information.