internet

http://www.shopsafe.co.uk/

How can you know from looking at a site on the internet if it's a safe site to shop at?

The answer is you can't but this site takes things further by creating a listing of only those sites that it has checked and that appear to be safe to shop at.

In order to be included in the directory the shops must be the sort of shops that you would find acceptable to shop at in your own high street, only then will they display them and recommend them as safe.

To use the directory you simply choose a category from the left hand navigation on the main page – for example, we chose flowers.

A page now opens that list shops that sells flowers

A page now opens that list shops that sells flowers while the left hand navigation has now changed to reveal, under the flowers heading, various types of flower shops – in this case 'Florists,', 'Plants' and 'Wedding Flowers' should you want to narrow your search.

Each entry in the directory contains the name of the store, a 'star' rating system, a few details of the shop and a link.  Selecting the link takes you direct to the shop's own website where you can browse and make your purchase.  Usefully, the link opens in a new window or tab leaving you able to go back to Shopsafe to choose another shop if you wish.

One problem we all have is, if you find a good shop, how do you remember and find it again?  Shopsafe allows you to register and save your favourite shops as well as providing other benefits.

In addition, you will find tabs at the top to take you to sections where you find gift ideas, special offers and, available shortly, a section where you can compare prices.  If this is your first visit then be sure to read the tab marked 'Safe Shopping' for more information about the website.

There is also a blog accessible from the link at the bottom right of the page which has useful posts about the site and provides information about known scams and similar problems.

This is a useful directory and with some 3,000 sites listed there appears to be a good choice of shops in most of the main shopping areas.  So, whether you are a seasoned online shopper or considering your first purchase, this is a site that is worth serious investigation and a bookmark at the top of the shopping list!

See our new and exciting Resource Page for more information.

Tags: food, gifts, review, security, shopping, technology