IV-A. Shopping on the Web

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  1. Finding a Place to Shop

    1. There are thousands of shopping sites on the Internet. For a selection of some of the more popular ones categorized by type of product, see Shopping Links

    2. There are also many sites where you can search the Internet for the availability of products and for the lowest prices (see Comparison Shopping Sites.)

    3. Check out the quality and dependability of the vendor at ResellerRatings.com

  2. Making a Purchase. Follow the instructions carefully. The steps usually involve:

    1. Select the product to be purchased. This typically involves placing it in a "virtual" shopping cart. You can then go on to more purchasing. At any time, you can review the contents of your shopping cart and remove any unwanted items

    2. Proceed to the checkout counter. Here your purchases will be totaled and (usually) the shipping charges will be quoted. You may be given several options for shipping the merchandise ranging from overnight to surface mail. These will each carry a different cost

    3. Provide the necessary information for the purchase to be processed. At this point, you should be on a secure web page (see Session VI-C below). You will be asked for your name and address, the shipping address, and your credit card number. This can sometimes become quite tedious. If you really want the product, stick with it

    4. Finally, you will be asked if all the information is correct and whether you want to complete the transaction. When you are sure, click ONCE on the button labeled "OK" or "Purchase" or something similar. The process may take up to a minute or so, but don't get impatient and click the button a second time. Doing so may initiate a second purchase transaction

  3. Post-Purchase Activity

    1. In most cases you will be provided with a Confirmation Number (either directly on the shopping web site, by email, or both). Save this number and use it to communicate with the seller in the event a question should arise

    2. Some merchants also provide a tracking number you can use to trace the shipment of your purchase via UPS, FedEx, etc.

    3. Should it be necessary to return your purchase, you should expect to pay the return shipping costs and, in some cases, a restocking fee that can range up to 25% of the purchase price. (Check the merchant's policy before you buy.)

  4. The Ten Rules of Web Shopping (From the September 2001 issue of PC World)

    1. Know What You Need. Before you hand over your credit card number, figure out exactly what you want. Determine what components come standard with your purchase. You're less likely to be talked into buying pricey accessories you don't really need

    2. Do Lots of Comparison Shopping. Dispatch at least three " bots" every time you shop. Since each bot scans its own pool of sites, you'll be presented with a wider range of vendors and prices to choose from

    3. Research Your Retailer. Don't order until you've carefully checked out the vendor. Make sure that the site lists a street address and a phone number. For customer feedback, visit ResellerRatings.com

    4. Understand the Ratings. Don't proceed blindly with a tranaction just because the merchange displays those little stars or ratings. They are sometimes helpful, but some ratings are simply an indication that the site is designed for easy shopping

    5. Do It Online. Be wary of obscure sites that insist you call to seal the deal. This arrangement can be part of a bait-and-switch strategy, and you could end up on the telephone with an aggressive salesperson who'll try to foist expensive extras on you

    6. Get the Real Cost. The best sites list the exact amount they will charge you before you finalize the purchase. Even if you must make a phone call, make sure the final tally adds up correctly

    7. Confirm the Warranty. Many sites are a bit fuzzy on warranty details, especially for refurbished items. So be sure to get the specifics and confirm them with the original manufacturer if possible

    8. Check Return Policies. Some products aren't returnable, and shipping and insurance fees are usually nonrefundable. Don't forget about the hefty restocking fees that some vendors charge

    9. Get Shipping Details. It's always nice to know your new computer's whereabouts, even if the poor thing is sitting on a truck three states away. So look for a merchant site that maintains ashipment tracking system or provides you with a tracking number

    10. Share Your Feedback. Help other consumers shop safely on the Web by sharing your experiences in online forums and on feedback sites like ResellerRatings.com

A very useful site for additional information about shopping online is SafeShopping.org. It is divided into 10 short sections ranging from "Security" and "Privacy" to "Complaints" and "Tips."

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