7 Rules: Shopping Online
December 14, 2011, By Kasie Baltes 0 comments
Ever shop online at work? Come on, admit it—we won't tell your boss. Well, if you were one of millions who did some serious "working" on this year's Cyber Monday, the market thanks you.
November 28, 2011, will go down in the books as the biggest online shopping day, ever. Seems like everyone was headed to the virtual checkout on Cyber Monday, but that doesn't mean this kind of shopping will be put to a halt. On the contrary, with those kind of numbers, it's pretty obvious that millions more people will keep up this trend throughout the entire holiday season. So if you, too, would rather skip the store and shop in those pjs, take a look at these seven rules for shopping online.
1. Check out various online stores before purchasing an item.
When searching for a particular item online, search multiple stores and do some price comparisons. One store might have what you're looking for cheaper than another, so it pays to shop around.
2. Shop on trustworthy websites.
This is an obvious rule, but during the holidays, some websites can entice you with unbelievable deals and great prices. Most of these "unbelievable deals" are literally unbelievable and just a way to get ahold of your credit information. Avoid credit card fraud and shop on websites you know to be reputable. When in doubt, check out the BBB.org to see if there have been reports of fraud.
3. Be aware of shipping dates.
If you are buying a gift for the holidays, you want to ensure the gift will be shipped in time to be wrapped and put under the tree. If you are worried about it arriving on time, go with expedited or overnight shipping. Most websites will give an expected delivery date when you're checking out, so pay attention to that date, and pick your shipping method accordingly.
4. Use your credit card when purchasing online.
I have heard plenty of horror stories when it comes to shopping online and using a debit card. Play it safe and use a credit card. Although it doesn't eliminate risk of fraud, it does reduce it. Most credit cards have fraud protection, and can track purchases, unlike many debit cards, where the money is withdrawn immediately from an account.
5. Check for coupons.
I have made this a rule on all things shopping. Checking online for coupons can save you some major cash. There are multiple coupon sites out there dedicated to searching for coupons. From 20 percent off coupons to free shipping codes, you will be glad you searched the web ahead of time.
6. Check statements.
Yet another safety precaution here—check your credit card statement after purchasing any item online. You want to make sure the purchase was processed and the correct amount was charged to your card. If you see any charge out of the ordinary, call your credit card company immediately to put a hold on your account.
7. Print and save receipts.
You expect a reciept when checking out at a store, so the same rule rings true when shopping online. When you receive an emailed receipt, it's best to print it out and save until you receive your item in the mail. If there are any problems with your order, you will be able to check the receipt and return the item much easier, than without a proof of purchase.
