InfoSearched
If you’re like millions of other Internet users and myself, you are doing more online shopping these days.
There are many reasons more people are shopping online today. People want to avoid the crowds at the mall, find lower prices, have the convenience of 24-hour shopping, and find a more comprehensive selection. There are some pitfalls and drawbacks to online shopping, but consumers can avoid these if they’re savvy online shoppers.
You have an idea of a product you want to buy. You go to one of the big three search engines online, Google, Yahoo, and MSN, to do some research. Or perhaps you use one of the many comparison shopping sites to find a store that carries the product you are looking for. Now that you’ve found the store and the product at the price you’re happy with, what’s next?
First, take a look at the store’s contact information. Do they have a toll-free number you can call and talk to a real person if any problems arise? Perhaps they are a very small or new operation, if they don’t have a toll-free number, do they at least have a regular telephone number to call? The very least a store should have is an e-mail address where you can contact them. If all you find for contact information is a web form to fill out, leave quickly!
Second, take a look at the store’s return policy you’re considering. Sometimes the store owners make this more complicated than it should be. If you don’t see a button on the main page saying Return Policy, look for an info page. A reputable store will give you at least 30 days to return your purchase for a full refund of the purchase price. Don’t expect the shipping cost to be refunded. The merchant has already paid that amount to the shipping company. Look out for stores that shorten the return time to 7 or 10 days. Many of these also have a restocking fee that they charge. If you return an item to them, the restock fee can range from 10 to 30% or higher. It would be best if you never had to pay a restocking fee.
Third, take a look at the store’s privacy policy. They should never share the information you give them when purchasing with any 3rd party. If you have any questions or something isn’t clear up to this point, call the store. You should expect to talk to a real person during business hours, and after-hours, you should be able to leave a message, and they should return your call the next day. If you contact them via e-mail, they should reply within 24 hours. If you have any trouble contacting the store before a sale, you can be assured that they won’t be easily reached after a sale. So it’s time to find another merchant.
One of my pet peeves is unsolicited e-mails from online stores where I’ve made a purchase. If they send newsletters or sale notices, they should have opt-in signup. If you didn’t sign up for any promotional material to be e-mailed to you, you should never be contacted by them unless it regards a problem with your order being completed and shipped. Personally, when I receive unsolicited e-mail from a store where I’ve made a purchase, I contact them. I tell them to take me off their contact list and that I will never do business with them again. If enough of us do this, maybe they’ll take the hint.
There are many reputable companies, both large and small, online. You can buy great products at low prices and receive outstanding service. But keep your eyes open for the few bad actors online who try to take advantage of you.
How can I protect my personal information when shopping online?
In the modern digital age, online shopping has become the norm for many people around the world. It has become a much easier and more convenient process than physical shopping, saving time, effort and money. However, as with all forms of shopping, there are some pitfalls and risks involved that can make the experience a frustrating one. Therefore, in order to ensure a smooth, hassle-free and genuinely smart online shopping experience, there are a few key factors to consider.
Firstly, it is vital to choose the right e-commerce platform. There are numerous online stores out there, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Some may offer lower prices, while others may have a better reputation for customer service. Take time to research online stores and read feedback from other customers to help guide your decision.
Secondly, always do your homework before making a purchase. Compare prices across multiple stores to ensure you’re getting the best deal, and read reviews for the product you’re interested in to ensure you’re getting a good quality product. It’s important to remember to always trust your instincts if something seems too good to be true; always do due diligence and proceed with caution if you decide to take a chance.
Thirdly, when shopping online it’s important to protect your personal information. Avoid sharing your financial details on an unsecured website, and be wary of scams or phishing attempts. Only shop on trusted sites and never give out sensitive information over email or messaging platforms.
Fourthly, be aware of shipping costs and delivery times. Pay attention to the estimated delivery times provided by the store, as well as any shipping fees that may be applicable. Look for stores that offer fast, reliable delivery services, particularly if you are purchasing a time-sensitive item.
Finally, when shopping online, it is important to always keep an eye out for discounts and special offers. Many online stores offer promotions such as free shipping or discounts for first-time buyers. Be sure to subscribe to newsletters or follow social media pages of your favorite stores to stay informed about any deals they may have.
In conclusion, online shopping can be a smart and practical way to get what you need, when you need it. However, to ensure a truly smart online shopping experience, it’s important to choose the right platform, do your research, protect your personal information, stay aware of shipping costs and delivery times, and keep an eye out for discounts and special offers. By following these steps, you can make sure that your online shopping experience is both enjoyable and productive.
