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Smart Tips for Purchasing Items
Over the Internet

by Gina Novelle

 Often, I hear from people who are afraid to make purchases online, due to identity theft. Yes, identity theft is a major issue in today’s society. But the convenience of online shopping offers the buyer a world of products. Retailers strive to have safety techniques for their online customers. Become a savvy online buyer by using the tips below.

Tip 1: If you want to venture into shopping on the net, then first start with the name brand stores you already trust. For example, I have an intercom system for my house. It is a modular system, that in Las Vegas, I could go to the local Target store and pick one up. The Target store in this area doesn’t carry them. So I’ll purchase the extra modules online.

Tip 2: When you hit the order button, the web site address above should start with the five letters of https; that indicates the site is a secured site. Regular web addresses start with just 4 letters; http. A secured site adds the fifth letter s. When you enter your credit card information, glance up to the web address and check to see that it starts with an https, if not; consider another site.

Tip 3: On some sites, it is important your credit card’s shipping address and mailing address are the same. This causes problems for me, since my billing address is a post office box, and I want the items shipped to my physical location. Some sites do not give you the option of entering the billing address, and therefore reject the order. I had this problem during our family’s relocation. I changed my address on my credit card, when an online order was being processed. An e-mail advised me my order was rejected and pending address confirmation.

Tip 4: Pick one credit card and use just that card to purchase online. I have a credit card that I only use for online purchases. That way when the bill comes, all charges are for online transactions. When you purchase online, the website name is not the company that appears on the card. A good example of this happened when I signed up for my online service. I signed up with Qwest, but the DSL modem shipping charges were from another company.

Tip 5: Print both the order information page, and the confirmation page! I print the order information page so I remember if any shipping charges were included. Then I also print the confirmation page. I put these pages in with my bills, and that allows me to track my online orders while I wait for delivery. Do not wait for an e-mail confirmation. Since many of us now use spam filters, that e-mail may not be delivered to your inbox.

Tip 6: Make sure the credit card you use, has a “no questions asked” policy about removing the charge. I was double charged for an item by a reputable retailer. When I called my credit card help line, the charge was removed immediately. This hasn’t happened very often, but when it does, it’s good to know my credit card people are on my side.

The convenience of buying on the net, not only saves gas, but online items can be bought at a cheaper price even with shipping cost. Also, many online stores offer free shipping!

Have a great shopping experience in cyberspace!

 

About the Author Gina Novelle is a published free lance writer. She writes “How-To” articles, press releases, and other informational articles to enhance web site placement. For more tips and tricks, visit her online monthly magazine, www.thirdpocket.com , a site for those who work at home!