Online shopping is booming because it is convenient, cost-effective and safe
-- if you follow Mr. Modem's recommendations:
1.
Shop with Retailers You Know
If you want to try
shopping online but are a bit leery, start by purchasing an inexpensive
item from a retailer you know and trust in the off-line world, just to
get a feel for the process.
2.
Comparison Shop
Prices vary widely
on the Internet, so be a savvy shopper and use a free, online comparison
shopper such as www.mysimon.com
or http://pricecomparison.net/
to refine your choices.
3.
Use a Secure Web Site
On the payment
page of a Web site, look for the prefix "https://" at the beginning of
the Web page address, or a little closed-padlock icon in the lower right
corner of your browser window. The "s" indicates a secure site. Click
the padlock icon for additional security information.
4.
Pay by Credit Card
Nothing is more
misunderstood in the world of e-commerce than using a credit card.
Purchasing by credit card is the safest method of shopping online.
5.
Understand the Transaction
Be sure you know
and understand what you’re purchasing, the total price, the delivery
date, shipping charges, if any, the return and cancellation policies,
and the terms of any warranty.
6.
Protect Your Personal Information
Only shop with e-tailers
that have posted privacy policies that explain what personal information
is collected and how it will be used.
7.
Look for Off-Line Contact Information
Shop with
merchants that display their street address and telephone number on the
Web site. Call the telephone number to be sure it's a working number of
a legitimate business.
8.
Keep a Record
Print out and save
a record of your online transactions, including any order confirmations
received by email.
9.
Know Your Consumer Rights
The same laws that
protect you when you shop by phone or mail apply when you shop in
cyberspace. Under the law, a company must ship your order within the
time frame stated in its advertisements and no more than 30 days after
the order date.
10.
Think!
You have
accumulated a lifetime of common sense so don't put it on hold when
shopping online. Listen to the voice of your inner modem. If that little
voice is telling you to be wary of a retailer, don't place an order.
Chances are your common sense isn't going to steer you wrong.
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