Things You Will Need to Know Today to Shop Online

Shopping online may look fascinating due to almost unlimited supply of products and different sellers on your computer screen. However, online shopping differs from a regular brick-and-mortar one where you can see the product in person and have less doubts if you can trust the seller. Luckily, following simple procedures may make your shopping experience better and safer.

Before you do your online shopping, and especially, before entering your credit card number, make sure that your computer operating system and security software are updated (including firewall, anti-virus software, and anti-spyware). Make sure that you are using the most recent version of Web browser.

The first step is to find an exact product (that you need) with good quality and the best price. You can find reviews on almost any product on the Internet. There are many different product reviews websites - well-known general websites, like, ConsumerSearch (it compiles cross-references reviews from many sources) or special ones, like, NotebookReview. Many websites allow you to compare prices on different sites at the click of a mouse.

When comparing prices, there are some useful tips to keep in mind. (1) Check the price of shipping; a low price with paid shipping may be a better deal than a higher price with a free shipping. (2) For an expensive item, you would feel comfortable using a more trusted retailer even with high price. (3) Check the return policy and possible insurance. In case of returning, some stores deduct a "restocking fee" from refund. However, this fee should be voided if the item was damaged or defective.

The next step is to determine if a selected retailer is trustworthy. Be aware: there are many untrustworthy retailers on the Internet. There is a certain probability that you may get a bad product, have a bad experience, or lose your money. When you visit a new website, use your intuition and common sense. The first impression of web design is important for fraud prevention. It should be clear and easy to navigate website. A trustworthy retailer has a telephone number to call their customer service.

Look for a web-page that includes information on the company's policies. Check if the return policy is existent and it is clear. It is good if a retailer is “VeriSign Secure“, “Hacker Safe“, or “BBB“ certified (although it does not guarantee a complete security). The letters "https" should appear at the beginning of the URL if you are on a page where you submit your personal and credit card information. It is better to deal with well-known and reputable payment systems.

If you have doubts, search Google, Yahoo, or Bing using the company name with the word "fraud", "scam", or “complaint”. Watch out for fake web-sites. Be aware that some websites may look like well-known companies' sites. Check your browser's address bar to make sure that you use the correct website address. Also it would be good to check the domain information using www.whois.org or www.dnsstuff.com. Pay attention to the registration date, registrar name, and contact info.

Make sure to keep the receipt (printing normally available at the end of your transaction). Keep copies of any emails you exchange with the seller. Do not share your passwords with anyone. Never provide your social insurance number, birth date, or any personal information that is irrelevant for shopping. Notify your credit card company immediately if anything wrong happens. Check your bank and credit card accounts regularly for any activity you did not initiate. Do not allow crooks avoid punishment – it will prevent you and others from becoming a victim of online fraud in the future.

© Alex Smartson. Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission.