Shopping Starts Here has been designed to help you find the best secure UK online shopping stores on the internet.

We've reviewed each site based on their features and content, design and, importantly, security, awarding them a rating between 3 and 5 stars.

Shopping on the internet is becoming more and more popular - not surprising since there are so many benefits:

• You can buy goods cheaper than the high street.
  
• So convenient - you can shop when you want, you don't have to leave your home, queue or find a parking space!
• It's easy to compare prices from different stores.

But before you go spending your hard-earned cash there are things you need to check before you visit the site.

• Do they have a 'secure' server? How do I know when I'm in a 'secure' server?
  Most online shopping sites operate a 'shopping cart'. You can keep ordering as much as you like until you go to the checkout. Once you get to the checkout you should be put in a Secure Server.
  
  How Do I Know I'm in a Secure Server? When you go into a Secure Server a lock will appear in the bottom of your browser. The exact display of this depends on your browser (see below).
  
  

  Internet Explorer
  Netscape

  
  The http:// part of address of the web site will change to https:// meaning that the site is secure. If these two things don't happen then this is not a secure server and you must not enter your credit card details.
  
  'Which' Accreditation. Sites bearing the 'Which' logo ensure you are in a safe shopping environment.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Do they offer fast delivery?
  Check their delivery times (The best stores should offer next day delivery) and try to get your goods delivered at a time when you will be there.
  
  
• Are they easy to contact if the order goes wrong?
  Make sure that you can easily contact them about your order either by phone or email. Always print out your order confirmation page so that you have a copy of your transaction. If you don't have a printer just print the screen (press alt+Print Screen to copy it to the clipboard), then paste it into a word processor such as Microsoft Word or a graphics program.
  
  
• Are there any hidden charges?
  Be sure whether the prices quoted include VAT or Not and whether there are any other charges.
  
  Happy and Safe Shopping!