Tips for Shopping Safely Online
Online shopping makes gift buying so easy, especially when illness makes it difficult to go to stores. You have so much choice, and can even find consumer reviews of the products you’re considering buying. Most businesses that sell online are legitimate and reliable – but some are not. Here are some tips for safe online shopping.
1. Use your common sense. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
2. Don’t buy anything from companies that use bulk email solicitations or spam you. There is a good probability you won’t receive the items you ordered. If you get unsolicited email do not click on links inside the email or open any attachments.
3. Only do business with companies that provide a geographical address and a phone number. You can usually find this on the bottom of their home page or on a contact info page.
4. If you’re buying from a smaller, specialty company call them and ask for references to check. A reputable company will be happy to provide references.
5. Only do business with companies that offer a product or service guarantee or warranty. Find out what their return policy is.
6. Pay by credit card rather than by check or money order. If you use your credit card to make a purchase, and you encounter a problem, you can notify your card issuer that you are disputing the charge, and payment will be halted until the dispute is settled.
7. Always print out documents connected with the purchase of any online products or services such as the product description, the company home page, your e-receipt, any emails. Save this information in case you need it later.
Article written by Barbara Kivowitz from In Sickness and In Health, for butyoudontlooksick.com ©
