What are the key things you look for when buying online? Is it the price, or is it the customer service you get?

They all matter pretty much on a par to me...I couldn't just choose one!

Thinking about it, whenever I buy on-line (which is frequently) I usually check out the Terms and Conditions, when I've not used that company previously. Sometimes I go the whole hog and check out their Legal disclaimers too.... it's surprising how often I've been put off by "clauses" which are either nonsensical or else plainly unfair.... and probably wouldn't hold water with Trading Standards, etc.

Next I check to see that they have a contact address and landline telephone number. Lots of companies are very forthcoming and will even state their Company Reg and VAT numbers (depending upon how much I'm planning to spend, I have occasionally checked these out with Companies House on-line - trusting soul, eh

Online security is probably the number one that I would choose from the list - but on the other hand, if I had already used the firm, then "past experience" would have to be considered as joint number one .... ooh-er, split vote here. Delivery speed and cost are also important, because if the item you are buying is a must-have bargain, there is no point in buying it on-line if the p&p is going to be very high.

Good customer service is a very big influence. I am more likely to shop at the same online store again, when experiences have been favourable

So - I shall vote Online Security, which is something we all need to consider when handing out personal details, etc., but with the above-mentioned reservations .....sorry to be difficult

oh. loadsa factors, really, but I think I'll go for speed of delivery.

Even then, it's not really the speed but getting a definite delivery date confirmed.

I live by myself and there's nothing more agravating than staying in all day and nothing arrives

Secondly I'd say past experience which takes in factors like ease of RMA and being able to speak to somebody on the telephone.

And although price is an influence - I won't pay way over the odds - I don't always go for the cheapest, I'd rather feel confident in dealing with a company than saving a few quid.

And I hadn't really considered online security, I - rather foolishly perhaps - assumed that all reputable online suppliers had secure payment systems in place.

There, I managed all that without naming one single company

I think Flops sums it up well, only difference is that i have the added bonus of being able to get stuff delivered to work, so being in or not is not a problem.

prices is very important for me - but when i find the cheapest site and ive never justed it - sometimes i will pick a much more knowen site, and pay a bit more

i now buy most things online - pc stuff is a must,due to the lower prices online - unless i need it now

Customer service first then price then speed of delivery for me....Get all those right in that order and I'll be your customer for life...

A little bit of everything.
but i have to say that online security and past expericence are the most important

Best price does it for me . Most of the reputable on-line dealers have decent security rfor payments . As to everything else , you can have a really good experience with a company once and the next time you deal with them it can be a nightmare .