Proceed to checkout
To actually purchase your items, click the button marked "Proceed to Checkout" or the like. The checkout area should be "secure," which means personal information, namely your credit card number, will be submitted to the merchant in encrypted form. A dialog box often pops up to alert you that you will be using a secure server, or a site will indicate up front that all transactions are secure. You may see a small closed-lock icon on the lower-right corner of your Web browser window or an "s" after the "http" in the URL. If you do not see any of these alerts, shop somewhere else.
You can rest easy if you enter information at a secure site. You're more likely to have your purse snatched at the local mall than you are to have your credit card information intercepted by a cyber thief. It's way too time-consuming for it to be worthwhile.
However, if you still feel uneasy about transmitting your credit card number over the Internet, you have other options. Most sites let you enter the last five digits of your credit card number, along with the expiration date. You can then call or fax in the rest of the number.
To process your order, other informationââ,¬"your name, shipping and billing address, e-mail address, and telephone number, as well as your credit card type, number, and expiration dateââ,¬"is required. You may also be asked to enter a promotional discount code, which is an electronic coupon that is often advertised on the site or sent via e-mail. Many sites offer free items to first-time shoppers or members of frequent-buyer programs. (Buy 10, get one free; spend $250, get a $15 gift certificate; and so on.)
Finally, you'll be asked about any optional services, such as gift wrapping or the type of delivery you want. Even if you don't need overnight delivery, you'll still pay for shipping at most sites, although some offer discounts for purchases over a certain amount. Shipping charges do vary widely from one site to another. Some charge based on the dollar amount you spend, others on the size or weight of an item, and still others charge a flat fee plus an incremental increase for each additional item.
If you don't have a credit card, you can usually pay by cheque or money order. The site will advise you where to send payment. But because merchants won't ship until the cheque clears, this could delay your order by several weeks.
Paying by cheque, however, is never recommended. There is very little recourse if a dispute arises in your dealings with the merchant. If you still want to go this route, make sure you're dealing with a reputable company. Search the site for a physical address (not a post office box), then make sure it's legitimate. Also, familiarise yourself with the merchant's customer service and return policies.
Remember, reputable merchants do want satisfied customers. So just be smart, and click away!
