National Online Shopping Day (Harbolnas) is arguably one of the most-awaited events in December.

Introduced in 2012, the number of e-commerce firms taking part in the event continues to increase, with this year's Harbolnas set to feature over 250 e-commerce firms.

Before you click "buy now", check out the following tips to ensure you get the best online shopping experience.

Wait until midnight

Indra Yonathan, country manager of cashback platform Shopback Indonesia, told Antara news agency that people should wait until midnight on Dec. 12 to get the best offers. “E-commerce firms usually place large discounts during that hour, which also marks the beginning of the Harbolnas,” Indra said.

Read reviews

Reviews are very useful when you shop online. Spend time reading them, as well as ratings from other customers, especially regarding product quality and the e-commerce/seller's customer and delivery services, as these will determine whether your transaction is safe.

Read also: National Online Shopping Day eyes Rp 4.95t transactions

Payment system

E-commerce firms usually provide different payment channels to cater to their customers' various needs -- from credit card to e-wallet. Online fashion marketplace Zalora, for instance, offers a cash-on-delivery (COD) payment method.

Pay attention to any promotions and discounts that are found on those channels as well.

Delivery

Similar to payment system, e-commerce firms also offer various delivery systems with different arrival times. In general, a normal delivery service will take up to two days to reach a customer.

But if you cannot wait to get your product, it is best to use instant courier services, such as Go-Send.

Security

Shopping online is fun unless you come across a fake seller or your identity is stolen.

Bayu Syerli, vice president marketing of e-commerce platform Bukalapak, told tempo.co that customers should remain alert as criminals employed many methods to trap online shoppers, including by pretending to be the online shopping platform’s administrator. They will send you discounts and other promotions, and then ask you to click a given link.

Be careful if this happens to you, especially if you are required to provide your username, password and other private information. Always refer to the official platform and only use the official payment system. (wir/kes)