Online shopping do or don't

I am a shopaholic!!!
There I said it!

In the past it was getting the kids ready and then writing a *list* which I could never stick to, then driving to a mall which would have all the things I want, and then half way through shopping getting back into the car and driving back home cos the kids are tired and/or moody.....get home only to realise I didn't get the shampoo that was the reason of going in the first place

And then came my life saver, especially for my personal care and make up items,
Online shopping YAY (hear in the background my poor credit card crying Nay)

Anyways, the risks and benefits, the do's and don'ts

Research research research,  I can't stress this enough, this is what I do to make sure it is a legitimate company,  personally I like to email in about a specific item and see if and how long it takes to get a reply and not a generic message,  second I call in if they have a contact number on the website,  and ask a few questions to see how helpful and friendly they are. Then I Google to see any complements or complaints, and then I look for a Facebook page! I know I know, I'm a little neurotic,  lol but it's my hard earned cash on the line,
Also check what the companies policies are for returning items in the event an item reaches you damaged

After this I will browse the site,  and my first order is always a small one when dealing with a new company,  to see how fast their delivery time is and how good their customer service is,
Then if I'm happy they have a customer for life and I tell all my family and friends about it,
I have too many companies to list in this post so I am only going to list 3 here.

First of Amazon,
be careful here, as some of the items are direct from amazon and others from secondary companies that may send you fake and or used items!
ensure that when you order it says fulfilled by Amazon, and expect your order to arrive in 2 to 3 months, as it is shiooed from over seas, and then you still have to pay fees when you pick up at the post office

Second is RubyBox, this is a totally safe website to order with. They have the boutique store where you can order what you want, any orders over R300 get free delivery, within 5 working days,

Then they have a monthly surprise box which is a subscription service at R169 and you get a birthday present every month worth over R250,  expect three to four Trial size products* and one full size every month, I love being surprised so I have two boxes every month

Don't like being surprised? Then you can opt in for the Build a Box monthly subscription where you get to choose 5 items every month from a choice of 20 or more products, and make your box worth over R350 depending on what you choose! They have many payment options,  from credit card, to eft, to paying on delivery*
*1 trial size products but not sachets, proper tubes and tubs of products
*2 pay on delivery is only available in certain areas at the moment

And lastly but definitely not least, with the best customer service and fastest delivery time DuraLavora,  a relatively new company that only stocks the latest and hottest quality products from overseas, they replied to every single email almost immediately and I ordered on a Wednesday just before 1 and my Lip Voltage arrived the very next morning,  how wow is that?

I will be doing an in depth post on the Lip Voltage,  it's my new fav and a massive hit overseas, in fact they were only sent 200 as stock is so limited, 

Ciao for now
Phoenix