Christmas Shopping Online - Take a Little Care While

Take a Little Care While -
Christmas Shopping Online -

 

Legitimate businesses use encryption that protects your credit card data as it travels from your computer to the merchant. This means the Web address for sending in the order will begin with https instead of the familiar http. The change from http to https may not happen until you move to the page that actually processes your order.


I once gave a vacuum cleaner as an anniversary gift.

Despite my good intentions that proved to be an ugly mistake.

My judgment isn't the only shaky thing. My gift-wrapping skills are so bad that, when I'm done with the paper and ribbons, the finished product often looks as if it has been attacked by a large dog.

So today we'll talk about a shopping topic where I can truly help -- showing you how to dodge some of the hazards of shopping online. This is the peak time of the year for online shopping and, for those of us who get a little dizzy just thinking about navigating mall crowds, online shopping can be an attractive notion.

There are ways to do it that reduce the chance of broken hearts and busted bank accounts.

Do not be creative: This is not the time to try out odd little Web sites -- places with names like Crazy Ivan's Incredible Bargains. While some might end up being great finds, you also take the very real risk of poor customer Relevant Products/Services service Relevant Products/Services, products that only slightly resemble what you see online and outright fraud. So, especially this time of the year, stick to brand name stores and Web sites where you've had success in the past.

Give yourself credit: Using a credit card gives you protection Relevant Products/Services under the federal Fair Credit Billing Act. Checks and some debit cards do not. By paying with your credit card you have the right to dispute mistakes by the merchant and, if the card ends up in the hands of crooks, you're only responsible for the first $50 of the charges.

Look for a bit of security Relevant Products/Services: Legitimate businesses use encryption that protects your credit card data Relevant Products/Services as it travels from your computer to the merchant. This means the Web address for sending in the order will begin with https instead of the familiar http. The change from http to https may not happen until you move to the page that actually processes your order. You also should look for a link that explains the site's privacy policies. And look for an icon of a closed padlock that should show on the bottom part of the Web browser. A closed lock means the site is using encryption.

Use a unique password: Before your order can be placed, you may be required to create a user name and a password for the site. When it comes to passwords, one size does not fit all. So don't recycle a password that you use to log on to other shopping sites or to check your bank account. It's perfectly OK to write down a password and user name and store it away.

Be patriotic: Only shop sites and businesses that are located in the U.S. If the business or Web site is located in another country, you may lose the protection of consumer protection laws in your state and the U.S. Besides, you will have little or no clout when dealing with a business located in another country.

Do the math: Shipping charges, taxes, handling fees and insurance charges can greatly increase what you are actually paying. What may seem like a bargain can turn into an over-priced purchase. On many sites you don't get all this information until you actually fill in the order blank. If that's the case, take a long pause and tote up the numbers before pressing the button that sends in your ordering information.

It's also smart to check out the site's return policy. For instance, if you need to return an item, will you be responsible for paying the cost of shipping it back? And will you face even more shipping charges when a replacement item is sent to you?

There might be a surprise in store: While online prices and products can be great, it's not a given that you'll find the best deal online. Don't assume local stores can't match or beat the price. That's why it's smart to start your shopping early. Give yourself enough time to check prices online and then compare the total cost from the online merchant to what you'd pay at a store.

There are many times when -- especially after you factor in shipping and handling costs -- the best deal may be located just down the street at a local store. Shopping locally also eliminates the fear that the item won't arrive in time for the holiday.

For more tips on safe online shopping, check out this Web site: www.bbbonline.org/OnLineShopTips/

Meanwhile, a last bit of advice. Avoid vacuum cleaners as a holiday gift. While, to my eyes, there's nothing more romantic than a fine piece of machinery, I have discovered that not everyone holds that same view.