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Shopping online can be very convenient. You can shop at any time of day with lots of stores readily accessible, which makes comparison shopping very easy. However, to be sure that you have a good experience, follow some basic guidelines. Here's what you should know.
- Does the company have a secure site?
Deal with companies that have secure sites. Secure server technology works with your browser and encrypts the information that you send so it cannot be read as it travels over the Internet. When you connect with a Web site, look for a symbol that indicates whether the connection is secure or not. These symbols differ, but one browser shows a locked padlock on secure sites. You also may wish to consider getting computer software that can help to secure your personal and financial online activities.
- Are you shopping with a company you know?
Anyone can set up a shop online, so it is a good practice to have a paper catalog or brochure mailed to you to get a better idea of a company's merchandise. Make sure you understand a company's refund and return policies before you place an order.
- Have you checked the privacy policy?
Make certain that the site's privacy policy answers your questions about how the company will use your information. Read carefully to make sure you are comfortable with the approach. Also be sure you trust the company with which you are dealing. If you do not like how your information will be used or shared with other companies, find out if you can restrict its use.
The bottom line is to take security steps before you make that impulse online buy. You may look at sites with seals that indicate compliance with the Better Business Bureau and the TrustE privacy policy guidelines.
- Do you use different passwords?
If you use a password to log on to your computer, choose a different one to make a purchase. Do not use a recognizable word. Instead, use a combination of numbers, letters and symbols.
- Have you paid by credit card?
Paying by credit card is the safest way to pay because your transaction will be protected by the Fair Credit Billing Act. Under the law, if you have a problem with your purchase, in some cases, you can temporarily withhold payment for the item while the credit card company investigates the issue. In addition, if there is an unauthorized purchase, you are generally liable only for the first $50 in charges.
- Have you kept a record?
Be sure to print a copy of your order and confirmation number in case there is a problem with your purchase. Make certain you have a written record of shipping and handling costs as well as the amount of the item you have bought. Under the federal Mail or Telephone Order Merchandise Rule, which includes Internet purchases, merchandise must be delivered within 30 days. If there are delays, you should be notified.
- Do you have a complaint?
You can contact the attorney general's Consumer protection office, Better Business Bureau (www.bbbonline.org) or TrustE (www.truste.org) if you have a complaint. In addition, you can contact the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-FTC-HELP to register your concern.
For more information about cyber shopping, the November 1999 issue of Consumer Reports rated 25 shopping sites on their policies, ease of use, content and shipping. A copy should be available at your local library.
Other organizations that have web sites for more information include:
- Better Business Bureau: www.bbbonline.org. This Web site is devoted to ensuring that people get reliable service when shopping on the Internet.
- Federal Trade Commission: www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/online/payments.htm. This Federal Trade Commission publication provides a detailed description of ways to pay on the Internet, including credit, debit and stored-value transactions. Also take a look at www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/online/sitesee/index.html for a brochure providing an in-depth description of the world of cyberspace with guidelines on how to travel through it successfully. It includes an extensive glossary of Internet terminology.
- National Consumers League: www.fraud.org/internet/inttip/cardtip.htm. This brochure sets forth practices for obtaining and using credit cards online.
- American Bar Association: www.safeshopping.org. This Web site has a wealth of information for shopping online, including, security, privacy and payment guidelines.
For more information, contact your local
Colorado State University Extension office.
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Updated Tuesday, November 27, 2007
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