Father’s Day is around the corner and finding the perfect gift for the special man in your life need not be a stressful exercise. Where do you even begin? Going to a shopping mall and hunting for a present is not always an option because of time constraints, why not try to find the perfect gift online this year?
Gone are the days of buying dad the boring socks and tie combo – expand your options to find a present that is sure to surprise him. Online shopping has made it convenient and easier to delight our loved ones with experiences such as tickets to a concert, dinner or an adrenaline packed adventure for more adventurous fathers.
If you are new to online shopping, MasterCard has a few tried and tested tips to help you become a smart and savvy shopper.
Tip 1: Get to know the e-tailer
Review previous customer ratings and reviews as this often provides good insight about overall customer service and the quality of the items sold. Also check out their return and refund policy before placing your order. MasterCard recommends that if you are buying from an online store outside of your country, that you familiarize yourself with the current exchange rates. To ensure that dad gets his gift in time, find out how long it will take to arrive.
Tip 2: Delivering smart solutions
Most online stores offer free delivery for purchases over a certain amount. If the store doesn’t deliver free of charge, find out if they will deliver to one of the physical stores near you for collection. More and more stores nowadays are offering this Click-and-Collect service. If your dad is in another city or even in another country, delivering the gift directly is also an option.
Don’t forget, most stores now offer options to personalize your gift. They will wrap it and include a special note from you to make him feel extra special.
Tip 3: Save by going cashless
MasterCard prepaid, debit or credit cards are accepted by millions of online stores across the world. If you have a profile already set-up with a retailer and have your card-on-file, be sure to keep track of your spending to ensure you don’t blow your budget. These digital payment solutions give you full control.
Tip 4: Stay secure without compromising on convenience
Online retailers that offer MasterCard SecureCode ™ are serious about protecting you. This one-time-pin offers you security when shopping; it authenticates your identity at the time of purchase and it is quick and easy to use. The best way to pay is online and with more than 575, 000 online retailers supporting transactions made with SecureCode™, the digital ecosystem is more secure. You also have peace of mind knowing that your transactions get independent approval every time. Working with your existing MasterCard account, it is easy to activate and does not require downloading.