The 4 Certainties Security 2: Safe online

WebwinkelKeur stands for honesty and safety in the world of online shopping. Both webshops and consumers benefit from a transparent and well-secured digital environment. Below you can read how WebwinkelKeur supports this and what it means for both parties.

For merchants: Strengthen your reliability

- SSL certificate: The basis of security
An SSL certificate provides a secure connection between your website and visitors. This protects customer data from malicious parties. As a webshop, you cannot become a member of WebwinkelKeur without a valid SSL certificate. This is a simple but crucial step to build trust.

- Extra safety with security scans
Security does not stop with an SSL certificate. With a security scan, like the one from Trust Guard, you can discover and fix vulnerabilities in your website. This helps prevent hacks, which not only protects your revenue, but also your reputation. If you are a web shop owner and want to do a scan, you can request one here

Careful handling of customer data: building trust through good practices

Managing customer data correctly is not only a legal obligation, but also an important part of building trust with customers. WebwinkelKeur sets strict requirements for this, so that both consumers and merchants are protected against misuse of personal data. Here's what it means to handle customer data carefully:

1.No automatic subscription for newsletters.
Consumers may not be automatically signed up for newsletters, for example, after placing an order.
What is allowed: Customers may sign up only by explicitly giving their own consent, for example by checking a box (opt-in).

Why is this important? This prevents spam and ensures that customers have control over what communications they receive. It also forces Web stores to offer relevant content, since customers only voluntarily subscribe.

2.Clear Information via a Privacy Policy.
Every online store should have a clear and accessible privacy policy that explains:

- What data is collected (such as names, addresses, and payment information).

- Why this data is collected (such as for order processing or customer service).

- How this data is protected and how long it is kept.

Examples of essential elements in a privacy policy:

- Purposes: Such as order processing, customer service or marketing (only with consent).

- Security: For example, through SSL certificates or restricted access to data within the company.

- Customer rights: Such as the right to see, modify or have data deleted.

3.No unsolicited sharing of data with third parties.
Personal data should never be shared with third parties, such as advertising companies or other organizations, without permission.

- Consent required: Customers must explicitly consent if their data is shared, such as for marketing purposes.

- Exceptions: Sharing data with logistics partners (such as delivery services) is permitted if it is necessary to fulfill an order.

Why is this important? It prevents customer data from being misused, such as for unwanted advertising or identity fraud. It gives customers peace of mind that their information will not be used for purposes beyond their control.

Valued Shops: What is it and how does it work?

Valued Shops is the international hallmark of WebwinkelKeur. It emphasizes that a shop meets strict requirements for customer service, reliability, and security.

- Honest Reviews: Customers can independently share their opinions about the webshop, ensuring transparency. These reviews checked for authenticity and unjustified negative reviews are not just published.

- Top quality customer service: Webshops are obliged to respond quickly and adequately to questions and complaints. This contributes to a pleasant shopping experience for consumers.

- Dispute mediation: In case of problems there is a possibility for mediation. If it cannot be solved through mediation, the dispute can be transferred to the DigiDispute Dispute Commission.

Pay afterwards

When consumers order something online, they naturally want to be sure that the product meets their expectations before they pay for it. This is why it is a legal requirement that when making an online purchase, people have the option of paying at least 50% of the purchase amount afterwards. This protects consumers and helps build confidence in online shopping.

- Consumer protection: Consumers do not want to risk paying in advance for a product that: Is not delivered, does not match what was promised, or arrives damaged or incomplete. By paying after the fact, they maintain control over their spending and are assured that they are only paying for something that was delivered correctly.

- Trust in the online store: Paying in arrears shows that your online store is transparent and trustworthy. It sends a signal that, as a seller, you have confidence in your product and are willing to deliver first before receiving payment.

- A low-threshold shopping experience: Many consumers feel more comfortable making a purchase if they do not have to pay the full cost immediately. This can lower the barrier to making a purchase, which is not only beneficial to customers, but also to web shops looking to increase their conversion rates.

How does paying in arrears work in practice?

Webshops can use external payment services such as Klarna, Afterpay, or Riverty. These services take over the risk and administrative burden of the webshop and ensure that consumers can pay safely and easily afterwards. This keeps the process smooth and reliable.

For consumers: Shop worry-free online

1. Safe browsing with SSL: See the green lock in the address bar? That means the website uses an SSL certificate and your data is sent securely. With members of WebwinkelKeur this is always guaranteed.

2. Transparency in customer data: Members of WebwinkelKeur handle your data with care. You are not just added to a newsletter, and your data is only used as described in the privacy policy. This gives you control over what happens to your information.

3. Pay afterwards: See first, buy later Members of WebwinkelKeur often have the option to pay afterwards. This means you can first be sure of the quality of a product before you pay.

4. Complaints? This is what you can do Do you encounter a problem? WebwinkelKeur members have a complaints procedure that protects your rights. Is a complaint not resolved? Then WebwinkelKeur helps with mediation or, if necessary, with an independent dispute resolution process.

5. Report misuse of the trustmark Do you see a webshop that wrongly uses the WebwinkelKeur logo? You can report this through the website. WebwinkelKeur takes strict action against this and publishes a warning in case of persistent abuse.