subject: Shop A Lot? Adhere To These Rules To Improve Your Experience [print this page] Think you're a super-shopper when it comes to finding trendy items or bargain buys? There are a number of tips and tricks to make your online shopping experience easier and worry-free. And the good news is that most of these tips are simple to remember. Some may even save you a wad of cash, which of course means, more opportunities to shop!
Before you pull out the credit cards and fill up that virtual shopping cart, take a few minutes to investigate the website. Sometimes it's hard to tell an honest business from a scam site that's just out to take your money. Reputable businesses usually have approval seals prominently featured on their landing and homepages. These seals, from organizations like the Better Business Bureau, let you know this is a site that can be trusted. But don't just check for the seal, once you find one, click on it to make certain its a live link connected to a real group, not just an image someone put up to fool the public. Also, look under the "contact" tab on the business's menu to find information about the company's physical location. Dishonest sites won't often post a real address, so beware of post office boxes listed for a location; that can spell trouble.
Of course, the time when your financial security is most vulnerable is at check out when you are providing a business with your credit card information. You can avoid the anxiety of sharing this information by utilizing a site like PayPal, which acts as a third-party buyer for you on a host of sites. All you need to do is provide your sensitive information to PayPal and they will do the rest when you make purchases on a site that accepts this form of payment. Of course, it is safe to use a credit or debit card online. You just have to know what to look out for. Only provide credit card information over secure sites, that is sites that use an "https" in their web address.
When buying online with plastic, it's a good idea to keep one credit card for online purchases. You can use a card that offers high rewards to maximize your purchases, but whichever card you select, just make sure it has a low limit to add an extra safety boost. Read the fine print on your credit card agreement to find out about the card's safety and contested charges policy.
Don't let shipping charges take a bite out of your bargain. There are numerous sites that offer free shipping; sometimes you just have to spend a certain amount. Opt-in to website mailings so you can receive offers for free shipping or a percentage off your next purchase. Always calculate your shipping costs before checking out so you don't get a shock at order confirmation. If you're really sick of shipping, look into the pick-up option that is available from many national chains.
One of the best parts of online shopping is that unlike at a brick and mortar store, you can quickly get a full report on a product in seconds. Reviews are abundant on the Internet, and in no time you can be learning why the product you just added to your cart is a winner, or why you should reconsider. When shopping for clothing, also check the website's sizing chart. Sometimes sizes might not be what you expect and you can save yourself a return by verifying this before checkout.
And while we are on the topic of returns, make sure to take a look at a site's policies on returns, exchanges and refunds. Sometimes there are very specific guidelines and time frames to account for, and it's best to know this before you receive the item.
There is an endless array of ways to save money by shopping online. Before checkout, try searching online for promotional codes for the specific store. Also visit comparison shopping sites and join group coupon sites that offer exclusive deals just for becoming a member. It can also be beneficial to use the wish list or save function on shopping sites to keep products you want in mind. Sometimes you will be pleasantly surprised to find their price has dropped and you've gotten a deal just by waiting a week or two.
As you can see, online shopping is safe and easy. It's a great way to save money, especially if you know what tricks to use. By always being aware of the red flags to look for, you can ensure that every time you click you are keeping your personal information safe. And with a few coupons, sales and emails, you can save extra money and enjoy the convenience of having your purchases delivered right to your door with just a click of your mouse!
