Useful Tips for Online Shopping

Tips: 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 : http://www.safeshopping.org/tips.shtml


5 Items That You Shouldn't Buy Cheap Alternatives Of

Perceptive consumers know that if you want to get the best bargain or value you need to do your homework before making your purchase. It is wise to compare prices, quality and features before making a final decision on a product. While many products on the market aren't much better than their cheaper alternatives, there are still certain items that are worth spending that extra money on.

ComputerThere are plenty of options for computer purchases these days, with some products that are definitely more affordable than others are. Don't be lured by a low price tag until you review the computer's specification. Although you will pay less up front, you may be confronted with a less than adequate product. Budget computers often come with basic software, limited memory and much to be desired. It would be wise to shop around and compare computers before making a decision. Many people buy refurbished computers to save money. This is a great way to get a high-quality brand name laptop at a lower price. Many major laptop manufacturers such as Sony, Dell, HP and IBM offer sales of refurbished laptops through their websites. If you want to ensure your laptop remains in good working order, you can purchase an extended warranty.

MattressAnother item that you may want to invest more money into, is a mattress. Sleep is a vital part of our lives, and if you have an uncomfortable or low-quality mattress, you are going to feel the effects of it. Rather than trying to save money on your mattress, purchase a quality made one instead. People generally spend hours sleeping on their mattress and having a higher quality mattress will generally help you get better, longer sleep.

LinensHome linens such as sheets, blankets and towels are also a necessity for everyday living. Not all linens are created equally though. Cheaper alternatives may not be as high of quality as their more expensive counterparts and you may find yourself replacing them more often. For example, when purchasing sheets pay special attention to thread count on the package; the higher the thread count, the more durable and comfortable your sheets are likely to be.

Infant Car SeatAnother item that you would be wise to pay more money for is an infant car seat. Infant car seats have the important task of keeping your baby safe while the car is in motion. Not all car seats are created equal, and you tend to get what you pay for. Rather than picking out the least expensive or trendiest car seat, do your homework, check the safety ratings and compare against other models.

AppliancesWhen purchasing appliances it is important to thoroughly review what each appliance offers, as well as look for the best value. Appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers and the like can be found at reasonable prices. In order to get the best value, you will have to do your homework and compare models. According to Consumer Reports, shoppers still prefer walk-in stores for major appliances. However, purchasing online is becoming increasingly popular. You can order an item online and pick it up at the store, which saves on shipping fees.

The Bottom LineGetting the best value on a product has much more to do with retail price. There are many factors that come into play, such as how will the product be used, length of time the product is needed for and many other variables. Don't judge a product on price tag alone, but instead research and compare products to determine the best value.

Source :

By Amanda C. Haury | Investopedia – Sat, May 26, 2012