Online Shopping
Tips To Avoid Getting Ripped Off

Ready, set, shop online! But wait!!! You need to know how to protect yourself from getting ripped off. Learn how to protect yourself with these tips.

A lot of being a savvy online consumer is common sense, but if you are new to online and online buying you may not know the facts. Here are things to look before, before you enter your credit card number.

• Look for the secure transaction symbol on your screen before entering your credit card number. This will look like a padlock on the very bottom of your browser. Do not enter credit card information without seeing that symbol.
• Check for a money back guarantee from the seller and the product's warranty before buying.
• Use a credit card instead of a bank debit card. Credit cards will usually help you if you are ripped off.
• When you make a purchase online, get some proof that you did. Right click on the page that shows what you ordered and your information, select print. Keep the print out and record the date and time on it. If you don't receive your ordered items, you will know when you purchased and the order number.
• Try to determine if the company is genuine before ordering. Does it have brick and mortar stores? Does it have a good reputation? If you have never heard of the company, it does not necessarily mean not to order from them. But you should check them out a little further. You can contact The Better Business Bureau and The National Associations Of Attorneys General online to investigate the company.
• If you go to one of the popular auctions, be sure to check the feedback area about the seller. Auctions like Ebay, keep a log of customer complaints and comments on the seller.

There are also many ways that you can check out the product online before you buy. If you are contemplating whether or not the item is safe, you can check their safety record with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. You can find out about toys and what type to buy for the age group by looking at recommendations.

Buying online is generally safe, cost efficient, and easy to do, but just as in the real world, you need to protect yourself. When you buy from a road side dealer, you are a little more careful about the value and whether you can get your money back on an item. Since, Internet stores can be put up by anyone very easily, you need to exercise the same care.  

Internet Shopping Tips

Use the technology of the internet and the world wide web to save time and money while shopping from your home.
Shopping at your fingertips. You don’t have to get dressed and leave home. You don’t have to hassle with crowded stores and malls. You don’t have to fight for a parking space. What could be more convenient? But, beware. Are you spending more online than you would by actually going to the store? There are ways to spot a bargain, save money and avoid paying too much while shopping online.

1. Pay close attention to store circulars and mailings. When you spot an article on sale in the store, check out the store’s website to see if it is on sale there as well. Remember, you will also be paying for shipping charges online that you wouldn’t have at the store. Be sure to take that cost into consideration when determining the item’s total price.

2. When searching for an item, be sure to check out as many websites for companies carrying that item as you can. A smaller, but reputable company may offer the same item at a more attractive price in order to lure customers. Also, many stores run online specials that they do not advertise anywhere else but at their website. You may find yourself spending five dollars extra for shipping but the website may be offering a ten dollar off coupon for first time buyers.

3. Shop for coupons. Register with a bargain hunter’s newsletter e-mail service. There are many companies out there who make money by trying to save you money. And, there are many, many internet sites that offer first time consumers substantial savings in the hopes that you’ll return to their site.

4. Search for items via search engines. Try running a search for the item you’re looking for using just the item’s name. Next, run another search and this time add the word, “wholesale” to your query.

5. Search or browse online auctions sites. There are many to choose from as online auctions have come into their own as a growing business and can offer the consumer substantial savings by buying previously owned items. However, if it is new that you’re looking for, don’t despair. New items can also be purchased through auctions, you may just have to look a little harder. Another positive aspect about auctions sites to keep in mind is that to purchase an item you do not necessarily have to use a credit card. A vast number of sellers will accept checks of money orders that can be sent through the mail. It may take a little longer to receive your item but you will save money by not accruing interest and finance charges.

In the beginning, online shopping can appear intimidating. You may have fears and doubts about sending your personal information out into cyber space. But, take heart. Companies are aware of the concerns of consumers and the majority of websites available have taken extreme precautions to protect you, the consumer as well as themselves. Their ultimate goal is to get you back to their site and if they can offer protection and any guarantees then it’s that much better. Remember to read the fine print. Always carefully review and disclaimers or agreements. Do not sign up or register for anything you don’t want to receive. Again, the internet is business. Big business. And, there are companies and corporations whose work consists of making the world wide web a safe and enjoyable place to visit.