It is no secret that browsing and online shopping can save you time, money and effort. But there can be pitfalls if you are not careful when online shopping. Here are some tips that you can follow to avoid problems.
Know who you’re dealing with. Check out unfamiliar sellers with the Better Business Bureau and your state or local consumer protection agency. If you are buying an item on an online auction site that provides feedback forum, check the track record of the seller before you bid. Don’t buy things in response to unsolicited emails from unknown companies.
Double check the pricing. Whether the product is being sold as new or used, you should be suspicious of prices that are too good to be true. Also consider carefully whether you may be paying too much for an item.
Read the privacy policy. Read the privacy policy carefully to find out what information the seller is gathering from you. Find out how the information will be used, and how you can stop the process. If a site does not have a privacy policy, then it is advisable not to do business with that site.
Get all the details. Check the name and physical address of the seller; how much the product or service costs; what is included for that price; whether there are shipping charges; the delivery time, if any; and the cancellation and return policy.
Pay the safest way. It is best to always use a credit card, because under federal law you can dispute the charges if you don’t get what you were promised.
Never enter your personal information in a pop-up screen. When you visit a company’s website, an unauthorized pop-up screen created by an identity thief could appear. Legitimate companies don’t ask for personal information via pop-up screens.
Print the terms. You should print out and date a copy of terms, conditions, warranties, item description, and company information and save them with your records of your purchase.
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 problem that you are concerned with, and then ask for a repair or refund and a copy of your correspondence.
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