Online Shopping

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[edit] Benefits of Shopping Online

  • Easy product research
  • Quick price comparison
  • Lower prices
  • No more carrying items home, they get shipped right to your door

[edit] Is it Safe to Buy Online?

If you take basic precautions to be safe, shopping online can be just as safe as buying something in a store or over the phone. Using common sense and following a few basic steps will ensure that your online shopping experience is a good one. And always remember, if you don't feel comfortable with something you see online then DON'T proceed.

[edit] Using Your Credit Card Online

Using a credit card online is a safe way to make purchases if you use a secure website and buy from a reliable company.

A couple of things to keep in mind when using a credit card online:

  • Use a credit card that has protection against identity theft. If you are unsure if your credit card does this check with your credit card company.
  • Use one credit card to make purchases online.
  • Use a gift card or a single use card if you are uncomfortable using a credit card on the web.
  • Check your credit card statements to verify the purchases that have been made.

Always remember that you should never give your credit card number or pin out to someone you don't know or trust and you should never send personal information through email.

[edit] Online Shopping Safety Tips

  • Make purchases from reputable companies. Check for the companies contact information. Is it a well known company? Trusted companies in the real world are generally trusted companies in the online world.
  • Research the company's policies. Before you make purchases make sure you understand the payment process, shipping costs and methods, return policies, etc.
  • Check the website's security features. Only make purchases from companies that are verified as secure. Also check for the "S" in the "http" section of the web address. The "S" stands for secure. You can also look for the symbol of a lock in the status bar at the bottom right corner of your web browser.
  • Investigate the website's privacy policy. You want to know what the company does with your personal information. The privacy policy will inform you of how a company handles personal information. Companies must allow you to choose whether you want your information shared with other companies. If you are not comfortable with a company's privacy policy, don't do business with that company.
  • Check user ratings. Many websites today have a section where users can provide comments and ratings of companies and sellers. Reading these comments can give you a better sense of what it is like to do business with that company.
  • Keep a record of your online purchases. If you have problems with your purchase you will have written proof of your transaction.

[edit] Reputable Online Shopping Websites

Here is a list of websites that are well-known, reputable, and secure.

[edit] More Information

For more information check out the following articles and websites.

General Information

Who to Contact if You Have a Problem

If you have a problem that cannot be worked out with the online seller, contact one of these agencies.

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