Online Shopping Tips & Resources

While you will find great tips and good resources here, I invite you to keep tabs on my blog as well.  When our site started blogging was in its infancy and not used as it is now.  by blogging I am hoping to keep a strong content of current information.  I will actively search resources for online shopping, government sponsored information and editorials written by others. 

By shopping online you save on travel time and you're spared the frustration of traffic jams and parking nightmares!  With gas prices constantly soaring, online shopping saves us a substantial amount on transportation.  Though not as frequent as in the past, many merchants offer free or discounted shipping rates.  Not to mention the crowds inside, or not finding what you are looking for.  The internet is online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week including holidays – which gives you instant service.  Purchasing products or services on the Internet is safe, but unfortunately only as safe as the company you're dealing with.  But don’t rule out the small mom&pop stores – sometimes they can be more reliable than the biggest!  Online shopping offers you the experience of finding the newest and most unusual products from all over.  From boutiques in small towns, to large Department stores, anything you imagine can be found.  

Things to look for at online merchants:

• Does the merchant have a street address? If not, check him out before you commit to making any purchases.   Be sure there is a clear email address for any questions you might have.
• Check for a Return Policy, Delivery and Shipping Policies and Privacy Protection BEFORE ordering.  Read all the fine print!  Generally speaking, a merchant will require your surname and first name, your e-mail,  delivery address, telephone number , your credit card number and its expiration date.  (Credit cards are the most secure way to shop online).  If you prefer, may will allow you to order online and then phone in your credit card info.
• Product or Merchant guarantees.

Purchase Checklist & Security

Your credit card information is safer online, within a secure shopping area, than it is when you give your card to a store clerk.  More credit card fraud stems from stolen paper receipts than from hackers intercepting transmissions to and from a secure shopping site.

• For online payment, be sure the merchant has a secure order site.  A key or a lock icon is usually an indication that the site is secure.   Another indication is the web address, it will start with https:// - note the “s” for secure.  This means the information that flows through the site is encrypted and therefore indecipherable to anyone but the merchant.
• Check all fees, check the math
• shipping and handling fees
• insurance
• applicable taxes
• return fees, if ever applicable
• For international fees, check applicable exchange rates if necessary.  International buying may also entail restrictions on certain item.  Consumer Protection available in one country may not be available in another. 
• Print the Web page that identifies the merchant name, address and telephone number; including the proof of your purchase.  Also make note of the name and telephone number of sales representatives with whom you may have spoken or to whom you may have verbally provided personal information.

What to do if you have complaints about a merchant or order

If you cannot resolve things with the merchant,  then you can report them to the Better Business Bureau online. You can also file a Consumer Protection Report to the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) as well as get the Attorney General's Office where the business is located.

Comparison Shopping, Research and Low Prices

Internet businesses quite often offer specials that are available only through “affiliates”  Affiliate sites, like Store Finders, advertise these specials for your benefit.  Be sure to check dates on the merchant site before buying.  Affiliates are not responsible if the coupons or specials have expired.  Here at Store Finders, we try to include dates wherever possible.  Retail sites offer many shopping tips, gift ideas, best-selling products, free gifts, and more.  More and more merchants are offering free or upgraded shipping.  This makes shopping online as inexpensive, or less, than driving to the stores!

Because of the enormous number of online shopping sites, we encourage you to use comparison shopping sites such as mySimon, shopping.com or nexTag.  NexTag is available through our site where ever you see Compare Products.  These sites allow you to research, compare, and buy at the best price available.  The amount of information you get on each product varies enormously from site to site and product to product, but the internet offers many ways of researching.  Newsgroups exist which are dedicated to specific types of products, i.e. apparel, gifts, and general shopping.  Another avenue is to register on mailing lists.  Just be sure you can opt-out as discussed above.  

The web can also be used to develop a set of criteria to aide in narrowing your search.  Taking the information with you to your local store can cut down the amount of time you spend searching.   A favorite query of mine is to type in the product I’m looking for and the word “review” in a search engine.  This way I get information from critics and consumers which probably know more than the average salesperson.  two of my favorite review sites are Epinions which is a consumer review site and CNET which is reviewed by professionals in the electronics and computer categories.

Cookies and Other Information

Recently, the Federal Trade Commission at http://www.ftc.gov/ found that 86% of online stores provided no information about how they would use demographic data gathered from email or order information. Reasonably enough, many customers refuse to provide this information.  Eighty percent of Web users said they wouldn’t object if the stores would just issue a statement promising not to resell the personal data.  

Certain merchants use information gathered to customize your online shopping experience.  Generally speaking this is fairly benign and can enhance your visit by remembering your information. 

Some merchants also gather information through email.  Email, while giving you periodic offers and such can become junk mail.  With new regulations, this become much less invasive.  Always be sure that any email list you join has a method for “opting-out” or un-subscribing to the mail list.  Also be sure you are aware of any third party lists.

Shipment Tracking

FedEX.com
Transport company offering integrated transportation, information and logistics solutions.

UPS
United Parcel Service of America, Inc. Company news, tracking, software, employment information, FAQ.

DHL Worldwide Express
Air express transportation of goods between countries. Site contains excellent how-to and country information.

Airborne Express
A low-cost delivery service offering U.S. and international express and freight services.

U.S. Postal Service
The U.S. Post Office Shipping Info and Stamps by Mail

Consumer Protection Information

Thawte Digital Certificate Services
Thawte is the second largest Internet Certificate Authority that provides digital certificate products, services and PKI solutions world-wide.

VeriSign 
Providing public-key cryptography solutions. Issues Digital IDs to support privacy and authentication within a broad range of products and services.

TRUSTe
Independent, non-profit, global initiative aimed at building trust and confidence in online transactions through the adoption of a branded "trustmark" informing users of how their personal information is handled by online organizations.

The Better Business Bureau
Better Business Bureaus can alert you to complaints against companies in your area.

FTC Bureau of Consumer Protection - Online Shopping
Bureau of Consumer Protection's mandate is to protect consumers against unfair, deceptive, or fraudulent practices. The Bureau enforces a variety of consumer protection laws enacted by Congress, as well as trade regulation rules issued by the Commission.

Federal Trade Commission Consumer Protection 
FTC works to eliminate unfair or deceptive marketplace practices. Site includes areas of FTC involvement plus a complaint form for consumers.

U.S. Consumer Gateway 
Federal government consumer information gateway. Find federal government resources on food, product safety, health, financial services, and other consumer topics.