SHOPPING TIPS
Shopping Tips For Your Online Purchases
Shopping online seems like a good idea on the surface, but no one can argue that quite a few things can go wrong. For one, identity theft is higher than ever and if you order from the wrong merchant, your banking information may be compromised. Additionally, you need to consider that online merchants have rules quite different than brick and mortar stores. To help you stay on the safe side of things, here are a few shopping tips:
1. Check Website Security
You're going to be entering sensitive banking information when you checkout online, which is why you need to pay attention to website security. A secure website will usually have the padlock icon located in the address bar and the URL will start with https:// instead of http://.
2. Pay With Credit Card
When making any online purchases, unless you can use PayPal, use your credit card. You have a much higher level of protection with credit than you do with just a debit card. In fact, most companies investigate fraudulent charges thoroughly.
Shopping online seems like a good idea on the surface, but no one can argue that quite a few things can go wrong. For one, identity theft is higher than ever and if you order from the wrong merchant, your banking information may be compromised. Additionally, you need to consider that online merchants have rules quite different than brick and mortar stores. To help you stay on the safe side of things, here are a few shopping tips:
1. Check Website Security
You're going to be entering sensitive banking information when you checkout online, which is why you need to pay attention to website security. A secure website will usually have the padlock icon located in the address bar and the URL will start with https:// instead of http://.
2. Pay With Credit Card
When making any online purchases, unless you can use PayPal, use your credit card. You have a much higher level of protection with credit than you do with just a debit card. In fact, most companies investigate fraudulent charges thoroughly.
3. Check Return Policy
Ordering online can be a hit and miss experience. An item that seems ideal in a stock photo may very well end up being a disappointment when you receive it in person. For this reason, always make sure that a company has a reasonable return policy that you can live with.
Be careful as most companies allow returns, but there may be a catch. For example, you may be asked to pay a restocking fee of up to 20% and oftentimes, shipping charges are non-refundable. In some cases, you may even have to pay for the cost of the return shipping yourself.
Ordering online can be a hit and miss experience. An item that seems ideal in a stock photo may very well end up being a disappointment when you receive it in person. For this reason, always make sure that a company has a reasonable return policy that you can live with.
Be careful as most companies allow returns, but there may be a catch. For example, you may be asked to pay a restocking fee of up to 20% and oftentimes, shipping charges are non-refundable. In some cases, you may even have to pay for the cost of the return shipping yourself.
4. Check For Consumer Complaints
When ordering from any merchant online, make sure to check for consumer complaints. Most big name merchants will have plenty of reviews posted online and it makes sense for you to read a few. Of course, not everyone is going to be a satisfied customer regardless of how much a person tries to appease them, but if a company has too many complaints, it can be a sign for you to move on.
If you're going to be shopping online on a regular basis, always do your research on the background of the company and the products offered. Not to mention, you need to protect your identity from potential threats when making your purchase!
When ordering from any merchant online, make sure to check for consumer complaints. Most big name merchants will have plenty of reviews posted online and it makes sense for you to read a few. Of course, not everyone is going to be a satisfied customer regardless of how much a person tries to appease them, but if a company has too many complaints, it can be a sign for you to move on.
If you're going to be shopping online on a regular basis, always do your research on the background of the company and the products offered. Not to mention, you need to protect your identity from potential threats when making your purchase!