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Holiday Shopping Online? Wrap Up a Good Buy!
Whether you're looking for a toy, a trinket, or a travel deal, doing your
holiday shopping on the Internet can be fun, easy, and practical. At the same
time, viewing a product on the screen can present different challenges than
seeing it in the store. When you're buying from an online retailer or an
auction Web site, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) — the nation's consumer
protection agency — wants you to keep these shopping tips top of mind:
- Know who you're dealing with. Confirm the online seller's physical
address and phone number so you can contact them if you have questions or
problems. If you've never heard of the seller, check its reputation with the
Better Business Bureau or the state attorney general where the company is
located, or one of a number of consumer rating sites.
- Know exactly what you're buying. Read the seller's description of the
product closely, especially the fine print. Words like "refurbished,"
"vintage," "closeout," "discontinued," or "off-brand" may indicate that a
product is in less-than-mint condition. Some name-brand items with
"too-good-to-be-true" prices may even be counterfeits.
- Comparison-shop. You may want to check out Web sites that offer price
comparisons on similar items from different manufacturers or different Web
sites. Some price comparison sites favor their advertisers' products, so
it's a good idea to look at more than one. And remember to compare "apples
to apples."
- Check the privacy policy. The company's privacy policy should let you
know what personal information the company is collecting, why, and how the
information is going to be used.
- Pay with a credit card. It offers you the most protection as a consumer.
Don't send cash.
- Use a secure browser. Look for an unbroken key or padlock at the bottom
of your Web browser window to ensure that your transmission is protected.
Buy only from Web vendors that protect your financial information when you
order online.
- Consider shipping and handling costs. Factor these into the cost of the
order, and choose the delivery option that best meets your needs and budget.
- Print records of your online transactions. Print and save the product
description and price, the online receipt, and copies of every email you
send or receive from the seller.
- Understand the return policy before you buy. Can you return the item for
a full refund if you're not satisfied with it? If you return it, are you
required to pay shipping costs or a restocking fee?
- Check delivery dates. An FTC rule requires sellers to ship items when
they say they will or within 30 days after the order date when no specific
date is promised. If the vendor can't ship the goods within the promised or
30-day deadline, it must notify you, give you a chance to cancel your order,
and provide a full refund if you've chosen to cancel. The seller also has
the option of canceling your order and refunding your money.
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