For one thing you already have point-and-click access to just
about any brand name item ever produced. By shopping carefully you'll
get the same quality merchandise you find in the real stores
delivered right to your door. Shopping via the Internet has the
potential of making your life a lot easier. And, you won't even need
to get dressed to wander around the stores -- a definite plus for
those who live in North America.
Virtual stores are open 24 hours a day. You can easily avoid the
screaming kids, the full food courts, and the parking hassles,
"by logging on and clicking in".
In short, doing your shopping online can be a time and money saving
experience if you only follow a few simple rules and use your head a
little. After all, you wouldn't wander around a busy mall or store
with $100 bills and credit cards hanging out of your pockets or purse
now would you? Would you ???
The Credit Card Thing
Here's where the mainstream press starts shouting their warnings.
Since shopping online involves typing your credit card account number
and sending it out over the Internet there is a risk of someone
intercepting it. Listening to the press you would think that by
sending your credit card number over the 'Net every person in the
world who has an email address will magically find your account
number in their mailbox.
While there are dishonest people out there (Surprise! Surprise!), the
skills needed to pick credit card numbers out of the information
stream are not as easy as shown on TV. (Such as: Hacker types a
password or two, then states matter-of-factly "We're in!")
The truth is that at any given moment there is so much noise and
clatter over the Internet it's a wonder your request gets through at
all. Although you should always consider your financial security when
dealing with any purchase, ordering merchandise over the Internet is
no more a risk than giving those same credit card numbers over the
phone to a stranger. Still hesitant about sending your card number
over the 'Net? Most vendors supply another way of paying for your
order such as a toll-free number you can use.
Secure Servers
Online vendors are betting big dollars on the profitability of online
shopping. Some of that money is going into the implementation of
secure server technology -- protocols designed to offer some degree
of private communication. The key word here is some. Security on the
Internet can only be close to being totally secure.
The most often used security protocol is Netscape's SSL (Secure
Sockets Layer) technology. Microsoft also has been working on secure
server technology and offers their PCT protocols. Yet another way is
the older "Secure http protocol". You can tell these sites
by the "https" in the site's address.
How To Determine If A Web Site Is Secure
Spotting a Web site that has a security feature in place is easy with
either Netscape Navigator or Internet Explorer browsers. Internet
Explorer users will be notified with a pop-up window that states that
the page you have hit on uses security measures. Right-click on the
background of the shop's Web page and select Properties from the
menu. Next, click on the Security tab and you'll instantly see what
system the site uses to secure transactions.
Those who use Netscape Navigator need only look at the bottom left
corner of Navigator's window for the security icon - a gold key. If
the key appears broken, the site is not secure. If the key is solid
and has a blue background you're on a secure site. Looking closely at
the teeth of the key reveals the degree of security the site
supports. One tooth = a medium security grade, while two teeth
indicates the highest security grade.
Since Secure Server technology is a bit pricey many small vendors are
unable to afford it. If you shop at smaller on-line vendors, you'll
need to determine whether or not you want to take the risk before
sending your credit card information out over an unsecure connection.
Legitimate online businesses will recognize your concerns and will be
more than happy to provide other means to make the transaction. Be
sure to look for phone and fax numbers as well as a postal address
that can be used to complete your purchases.
One more thing to consider when shopping online is whether the site
is secure or not. By law, consumers are responsible only for a
maximum $50 liability on lost or stolen credit cards. The online
shopping risk is far greater for banks, merchants, and credit card
companies than it is for you. Credit card companies take the majority
of the risk in the purchase before you receive it. Should something
go wrong before you receive your item, a refund is almost assured by
using your credit card on-line.
The Online Shopping Experience
Shopping online is not unlike mail order catalog shopping. You look
through the offerings, find what you want, choose a method of
payment, and wait for delivery. Buying merchandise online is even
quicker and easier. You select your items for purchase, type in your
credit card information, and wait for delivery.
At some virtual shops and malls you purchase items similar to mail
order shopping -- filling out an online form. You supply the
necessary information that pertains to the items you wish to buy.
More sophisticated shops and malls use a shopping cart program which
allows you to wander through the offerings and dropping the items you
wish to purchase into a virtual cart.
When you exit the store, the items you selected for purchase are
shown on your screen along with the total amount you owe including
any shipping fees and taxes due. At this point you have the option of
removing items from your cart if you choose to do so. Supply a method
of payment (usually a credit card) and you're done. Be sure you know
how and when to expect your purchase.
Open The Doors I'm Ready To Shop!
Things to be sure of when shopping on-line. Compare Prices. Just because you find it in an on-line store doesn't
automatically mean it's at the best price. Just as in the real world
of malls and shops, look around. Online stores can afford to discount
prices because of lower overhead, but any bargain that seems too good
to be true probably is.
Look for brand name merchandise. Make sure the on-line shop has a return policy and understand it.
Find the shop's address, phone number, fax number, and customer
service number. These should be clearly displayed by any reputable
business. Or e-mail them and get a response before continuing with
your purchase. If they value your business, you should receive a
prompt response, just keep in mind that just because they are open
for business 24 hours / seven days a week you may have to wait for
regular business hours to receive an answer.
Find something you want to buy at Roger's Pants Shop and Grill? It
may not hurt to have a look at the National Fraud Information Center
(http://www.fraud.com)
just in case. There you'll find any complaints that have been
registered about the company you're dealing with. There are more
places to visit for help listed below!
And always remember to get a hard copy of your sales receipt, even if
it means just printing out the confirmation page for your order. It
will contain details that will be important should the order go awry
for whatever reason.
Conclusion
Nothing will replace the traditional method of buying goods and
services, but retailers and entrepreneurs are betting that online
shopping will become a popular method of using the Internet. And, as
security concerns are addressed and buyers become more confident in
the safety of their purchases online, buying and selling will become
an everyday activity.
Do you want to read more about the subject of shopping online? Below
are recommended reading materials available from AMAZON.COM.
read the reviews, and click on the book's title to order.
Buying
Online for Dummies ~ Usually ships in 24 hours Joseph Lowery
/ Paperback / Published 1998 ~ This is a very current book, teaches
everything from what to look for, and where to find it.
The
Complete Idiot's Guide to Online Shopping ~ Preston Gralla /
Paperback / Published 1998 This book promises to be very
up-to-the-minute for all the information that you would want for
on-line where's and what's of shopping.
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