May 14th, 2009 by admin

Be Familiar with the Merchant

When you’re dealing with an online retailer, it’s good practice to be familiar with their name and reputation. Be weary of unknown or obscure merchants and check with online reviews, directories, and even the Better Business Bureau or The Federal Trade Commission before making a purchase.

Shop with Secure Websites

Before handing over your credit card number, make sure the website is secure. A secure website uses encryption technology to transfer your personal information securely and to prevent those not authorized from obtaining it. So how do you know if a website is secure? Most secure websites will have https:// in the address bar, which indicates it is a secure site. Some will have a closed padlock icon which is also an indication of a secure website.

Check the Details

Before placing an order, make sure you know the merchant’s policies on returns, exchanges, shipping charges, warranties, and other important information. Do they have contact information (e.g. an email address and legitimate phone number) listed so you can immediately contact them if you have a question or a problem occurs? Find out if they offer shipping insurance or a tracking number so you can keep track of the item during transport.

Making Payments

Make sure the online retailer offers a myriad of payment methods you can use (especially if you need to make international payments). They should have information about how they process your payment and if they use a third-party payment processor to do so.

Read the Privacy Policy

Fully read the website’s privacy policy and terms of use before making a purchase; reputable retailers will disclose whether or not they intend to share your information with a third-party or if they will send you marketing information via the contact information you provided.