What to Check Before Buying from a New Online Store

Search for independent consumer feedback on trusted forums and check how long the domain has been active. Extremely new sites with unrealistic prices deserve extra caution.

Look for company registration details and a clear UK or international contact route appropriate to the business.

Check estimated delivery times, especially for overseas sellers shipping to the UK. Confirm who pays import duties or VAT if applicable.

UK-facing stores should provide clear customer service routes for order issues.

Distance selling rules may apply to many UK purchases, but exceptions exist for certain product types. Read the returns page for time limits and who pays return postage.

Keep packaging for electronics and homeware until you are sure you will keep the item.

Pay with methods that may offer buyer protection where eligible. Avoid unsecured bank transfers for consumer goods from unfamiliar sellers.

If a deal feels urgent or pressure-heavy, pause and compare the same product on an established UK retailer.

The same product may be available from an established UK retailer listed in our store directory. Compare options before risking an unknown site.

Itcauko guides are informational — we help you find recognised retailers, not certify every seller on the wider internet.