Shopping Tips
Below are some guidelines on how to shop safely on the Web:
Before You Buy:
1.
Do your homework
Take the time to research before you buy. Buying guides provide a useful introduction to different product categories and help you determine what best suits your needs.
2.
Compare products
Once you have narrowed your choices to a few products, find the right one for you. Consumer reviews can uncover the important pros and cons of similar products.
3.
Calculate total price
When you compare prices, don't forget to add applicable tax and shipping charges to the base price. Many online stores regularly offer free shipping promotions.
4.
Look beyond price
Unfortunately, the lowest price stores do not always provide the highest level of customer service. Make sure to check a store's reputation and rating before you buy.
5.
Order ahead of time
Give yourself a few weeks of lead time especially during the busy holiday season. You can pay extra to expedite the delivery of your order, but it may be costly!
6.
Check return policies
Before you buy, check the particular store's return policy. Return policies can vary widely, though many online stores offer 30-day money back guarantees.
7.
Pay by credit card
Online fraud is rarely a problem, but just to be safe, many credit cards offer complete purchase protection. Debit cards may not offer you the same protection.
8.
Keep your receipt
Save your receipts in case you need to track your shipments or even return the item. You can even create a special email folder to store all of your online orders.
9.
Share your experience
Help others make smart decisions by recounting your shopping experience. Write reviews of the products you bought and the stores where you bought them.
10.
If you experience a problem, take action immediately:
•
Notify the store as soon as you become aware of the issue
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If the merchant does not resolve the problem quickly and to your satisfaction, contact the Better Business Bureau (www.bbbonline.org), the Federal Trade Commission (http://www.ftc.gov/ftc/consumer.htm) or your state attorney general's office (www.naag.org).
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Contact your credit card issuer immediately. They usually have resources available to help you mediate any dispute.
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Contact Shopping.com. If you can't resolve a problem with a store listed on our site, we want to know about it and will try to help. Please e-mail us here.
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Learn more about consumer laws and your rights as a shopper, by visiting the Federal Trade Commission's Web site at www.ftc.gov.
