Before you buy
Before you buy from any e-tailer, though, you need to be sure the site is legitimate, and there are plenty of ways to do just that.
Positive experiences of friends and family are always helpful. But there are also consumer advocate organisations, such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and TRUSTe, that investigate online retailers to ensure they're safe to do business with. If so, these organisations will certify the retailers with a seal.
Look for consumer seals at each site and click on them to read about the company's basic policies and consumer-agreement information. If you don't see a seal, go to the BBB's or TRUSTe's Web site to view the lists of member companies. Also look for the company's privacy policy. At minimum, the merchant should reveal whether or not it will sell, trade, or share your e-mail address and personal information with other companies that sell products you might be interested in.
Many online retailers have built stellar reputations in the real world, while others have built up great reputations solely onlineââ,¬"take Amazon, for example. Many offer discounts and coupons, and some will even offer to match other site's prices. Online vendors will find many ways to gain your loyalty, including product-review databases, consumer ratings, consumer information, and personalisation.
Tip: You can save money by joining a frequent-buyer club. Online vendors work to gain your loyalty by offering extras, such as product reviews, consumer information, and personalisation services.
Little details go a long way toward making your online shopping experience a rewarding one. At the very least, you can avoid many hassles associated with traditional shopping: parking, lines, and pushy salespeople. If you use your street smarts, the Internet is the ultimate mega-mall and a great place to get the goods.
