Online Holiday
Shopping
Are you one of those folks hoping to
avoid crowded malls by doing most of your holiday shopping online this year?
But you're concerned about late deliveries or other potential problems? Good!
It pays to be careful wherever you're shopping. You still need to know where to
buy, what you're buying, and to keep good records. As you surf 'n shop, the
following are some tips to
help ensure that you'll have a happy and safe shopping experience, get
your gifts in time for the holidays, and know how to resolve problems that may
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Privacy
Nervous about hackers breaking into
online retailers' transaction records, the release of your credit card
information, or identity theft? It's always wise to be careful about how you're
using your credit card, and there are steps you
can take to ensure that your transactions are secure and your privacy
protected. When visiting an online retailer's web site, check out their
security policy statement. Good privacy notices, at a minimum, will let you
know how the company protects your privacy, how it will track
your purchases, and if and how your personal information is shared.
If
you'd rather not use your credit card, in some cases online retailers
may offer an "electronic cash" option which is a form of electronic currency
that can be purchased and downloaded to your computer, similar to "having money
on account." In other cases, your credit card issuer might issue a "single use"
credit card number that allows you to use your credit card without using your
real account number, protecting it from hackers or dishonest employees of the
retailer. |
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Other Resources
For more information about online
shopping, check out these resources from FCIC and on the World Wide
Web:
Publications
Available from FCIC:
Web Sites*:
*If
you click on these links, you are leaving FCIC's web site. Please bookmark us
before you leave so you can return easily. FCIC is not responsible for the
content of these web sites. |
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Tips for
Online Shopping
- Know who you're doing business with.
Do you recognize the name of the online retailer or know its reputation? In
many cases, your favorite "bricks and mortar" retailer probably operates a web
site offering similar products or services. Do you have any friends or family
members who have used the same company and if they were satisfied? While
visiting the web site, be sure to note whether the company indicates its
physical address and phone number (not just an e-mail address) in case you need
to contact them. Check out their privacy policy-will your name be sold to
others? And look for sellers who participate in programs that encourage good
business practices such as those sponsored by the Better Business Bureau.
- Get all the details before you buy.
When comparison-shopping, check with several online retailers. Consider using a
shopping
robot to help find the best price online. When checking prices, be sure
to calculate the full cost of the transaction, including the total price of the
item and applicable shipping and handling charges. Be sure to note the delivery
time. If you're asking for express shipping, verify the shipping method to be
used and any extra charges. Sellers
are required to ship items as promised within 30 days after the order
date, when no specific date is promised. Be sure to read the complete item
description; warranty information; return policy; and what you should do if
there's a problem.
- Print and save proof of the
transaction. You might need to refer to these if you have a question or a
problem later on. Be sure to keep the item description, promised delivery
dates, and charges. In many cases, the retailer will assign some sort of a
transaction number to your purchase. Archive and print any e-mails the retailer
may send you regarding the transaction.
- Use your credit card. It's the safest
way to pay. It gives you legal rights
to dispute charges for goods or services that were never ordered, never
received, or misrepresented.
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Problems
One of the most common online purchasing
problems is purchases that don't arrive in time. Of course, you shouldn't wait
until the last minute to do your online shopping. No matter how reputable the
company is or the guarantees it makes, sometimes delays happen or stock runs
out. If the company is unable to ship as promised, it must provide you adequate
notice promptly and give you a revised delivery date. You must be allowed to
agree to the delay or cancel the order and get a refund. If you're not happy
about a transaction, you should complain
to the retailer using the address or phone number you kept from your
transaction receipts. |
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We will not retain or use this information for any
other purpose. |
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For more information on
other popular consumer issues check out FCIC's Consumer Focus Archive. |
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