Handbags are a part and parcel of every woman’s paraphernalia. These multi-utility bags help a woman carry her personal belongings with her. Buying handbags on the internet is at times fraught with risks unless you are buying a replica handbag. But, if you are paying money for an original brand, you expect nothing but an original handbag you ordered. Not all websites that deal with handbags are expected to deal with genuine stuff. Thus, exercising due caution is a pre-requisite when purchasing online. The following points will help ensure that you are not taken for a ride.

• The website from whom you are purchasing your designer handbag should be an authorized dealer. Do not be in a hurry to buy your stuff unless you are sure about the authenticity of the dealer.

• You could check the genuineness of the dealer online referring to websites of Better Business Bureau, Internet Trade Bureau, Scambusters, or Federal Trade Commission. They maintain a list of defrauding websites.

• Scour the website of the dealer carefully. Look for reviews of buyers before you. Read the negative reviews with care to find out why certain buyers are not satisfied with the dealer. Look for the contact number and physical address of the dealer. If a post box number is mentioned, you could put yourself on guard. If the website closes shop suddenly, you would not be able to trace it.

• Before buying your handbag, ask yourself whether it is safe to pay with your credit card. Look for the “verisign” mark or any such secured credit card payment system to ensure that your credit card payment is safe. The internet has many such fraudulent websites which may steal your credit card information and misuse it. Do not use your credit card, if there is no such security support available.

Most of all, it is important that you buy your handbag from a genuine dealer. Your payment will be safe and you will also be sure of buying a genuine item.