Webshop checklist: is this shop trustworthy?

A quick checklist for a shop you don't know. If you can tick every point, the risk is low. If two or more fail, look for another shop. For a longer explanation, read how to check if an online shop is safe.

• Company: a company name, street address and VAT number are on the site, and the VAT number is valid in the EU VIES register.
• Contact: there is an e-mail address and preferably a phone number, and a test question gets an answer.
• Returns: the 14-day right of withdrawal is explained, with a returns address.
• Terms and privacy: both pages exist and mention this shop, not another company.
• Payment: you can pay by card or another method with buyer protection, not only by bank transfer, crypto or gift cards.
• Reviews: buyers on independent sites report receiving their orders.
• Price: it is in line with other shops, not far below.
• Connection: the address starts with https.

Prefer not to do this yourself? Check the shop on CheckShop. It covers most of these points in 25 checks, looks up the VAT number in VIES, checks Google's malware and phishing reports and shows reviews from real buyers. Free, and every shop is checked again each week.