Shopping Tip List

Here's a list of tips you should consult when shopping online. Print this page and keep it in a handy place so it will be easy to review before you order.

1. Trust your instincts. If you don't feel comfortable buying or bidding on an item over the web, or if you feel pressured to place your order immediately, maybe you shouldn't.
2. Be knowledgeable about web-based auctions. Take special care to familiarize yourself not only with the rules and policies of the auction site itself but with the legal terms (warranties, refund policy, etc.) of the seller's items that you wish to bid on.
3. Double check pricing. Be suspicious of prices that are too good to be true. Also consider carefully whether you may be paying too much for an item, particularly if you're bidding through an auction site. You may want to comparison shop, online or offline, before you buy. Make sure there are not extra shipping or handling costs.
4. Find and read the privacy policy. Read the privacy policy carefully to find out what information the seller is gathering from you, how the information will be used, and how you can stop the process. If a site does not have a privacy policy posted, you may not want to do business with it. If it does have a privacy policy, there will probably be a link to it from the seller's home page, or it could be included with the Legal Terms.
5. Review the return, refund, and shipping and handling policies as well as the other legal terms . If you can't find them, ask the seller through an e-mail or telephone call to indicate where they are on the site or to provide them to you in writing. See Legal Terms.
6. Make sure the Internet connection is secure. Before you give your payment information, check for indicators that security software is in place. See Security.
7. Use the safest way to pay on the Internet. Pay for your order using a credit card. See Payment.
8. Print the terms. You should print out and date a copy of terms, conditions, warranties, item description, company information, even confirming e-mails, and save them with your records of your purchase. See Recordkeeping.
9. Insure the safe delivery of your item. If you're concerned you may not be home when your package is delivered and that someone may take it if it is left on the doorstep, ask whether you can specify that the shipper must receive a signature before leaving the package. Or, it may be safer to have the package delivered to your office. See Delivery.
10. Inspect your purchase. Look at your purchase carefully as soon as you receive it. Contact the seller as soon as possible if you discover a problem with it. Tell the seller in writing about any problems you have, ask for a repair or refund, and keep a copy of your correspondence. See Legal Terms.

Source: Safeshopping.org

1. There's no waiting in line. On the web, it's like you're the only one in the store!
2. You can multi-task and fill up a shopping cart over the course of several days, as time permits.
3. You can wear anything -- or nothing! -- and shoes and makeup are entirely optional.
4. Can use coupon codes, easily getting percentage discounts and/or free shipping.
5. You don't need to go from store to store with tons of bags.
6. No sore legs and aching feet from walking all over the place.
7. Big, awkward or heavy items are delivered right to your door.
8. Save money on gas, public transit fares, tolls and parking.
9. No battling for a parking space or need to repeatedly circle the parking lot.
10. It's simple to keep track of your spending and your purchases.
11. No paper receipts to stash in your wallet/purse.
12. It's relatively easy to find what you want, there are lots of online shopping directories and stores that has a thousand products to choose from..
13. You can easily check the prices at a variety of stores with just a few mouse clicks.
14. It is simple to research products and to find product reviews.
15. You can read detailed product specs and even check out instruction manuals right in your browser window.
16. You can pre-shop (checking prices, features) online and then make a final decision in person.
17. You can also pre-shop at a brick-and-mortar store, deciding which products feel good in-hand, and then find the best deal online.
18. You'll totally avoid pickpockets and chances to misplace your credit card or wallet.
19. It's super-simple to send a gift to someone by simply ordering online.
20. You can get in on the latest international trends without spending money on airfare.
21. You can easily search for those hard to find gadgets, products or items. It's easy to find those rare products online just by a click of a mouse.
22. Typically, web stores offer a far greater selection of products, colors and sizes than you will find locally.
23. Some stores offer a selection of products (sometimes discontinued items) available exclusively online.
24. Ability to set up repeat orders and have prescriptions or groceries delivered on a regular schedule.
25. You can go shopping when it's convenient for you -- even if the mall is closed -- and take as long as you like. There's no rush.