The difficulty is that many buyers cannot be sure of the quality and origin of the product they are buying.  Many wonder what guarantees they have.

Many buyers have been tricked into buying faulty or false goods.  Sometimes sellers falsely claim to be offering celebrity possessions such as Greta Garbo’s cigarette case.

E.KAT.O gives this advice:

• Make sure that the website in question has good security measures and your personal data will be safe.  For example, a secure padlock or key sign in your browser.
• Do some research on the quality and authenticity of the product before you buy.  Ask for an official certificate if necessary.
• Make sure you have a valid name, address and contact number of the vendor in case you are not satisfied with the product.
• If you are the victim of a scam or unsatisfactory purchase, be sure to report it your relevant consumer protection organisation.