|
|
Which
Will Crash Sooner? Your Computer or Your Cash?
A
guide to on-line shopping
|
| |
In
fact the number of people shopping on-line has grown. However
unlike the prognosticators (many of whom were stock promoters
hawking their overpriced dot.com stock offerings), the world of
mall rats has not been replaced by a world of mouse clickers.
Still there is a gradual increase of on-line shopping for some
purchases as people become more trusting of on-line shopping.
In fact the Annual University Applicant Survey found that 29.1%
of students found on-line shopping to be trustworthy, up from
just 11.5% in 1998.
Still
the on-line shopping experience does have dangers associated with
transferring personal information on-line in addition to dealing
with a merchant who may be located thousands of miles away. So
how can you minimize the risks and potential pitfalls of an on-line
shopping trip?
- Check
out the stability of the retailer. With the recent demise
of a number of online retailers you may find that they disappear
faster than you can say, “I look like a geek in this outfit!”
For many on-line retailers, Christmas is their “make or
break” period and with the weak economy that may be accentuated
this year. If they don’t do well then, they may soon be
exiting the cyberspace galaxy early in the New Year.
- Look
at the shipping charges. The days of free shipping to entice
buyers have been slowly disappearing. However the cost of shipping
can vary considerably among retailers, ultimately affecting
how good of a deal you may get. At the same time if there is
a good chance that you may have to return or exchange your purchase
(i.e. clothing), then factor in what the added expenses may
be. If it’s an online retailer that has a good network
of physical stores and which allows you to return or exchange
items there, the savings on shipping could be significant. Zellers/Hudson
Bay for example will ship for free if you pick up the item at
one of their stores. Most stores will only pay the return shipping
on items if it was an error on their part.
If
you are shopping at a U.S. web site, factor in the extra cost
of shipping that most foreign sites charge. U.S. sites often
charge anywhere from-20 -50% extra to ship to Canada, while
some sites won’t ship (or only ship some of their products)
abroad.
Of
course, if you are making your purchase out of country you
may also have additional taxes and duty to pay. This along
with the extra shipping costs, not to mention currency exchange,
can quickly negate any savings.
- Many
Happy Returns. Find out the return policy of the retailer.
Generally the return time should be at least 30 days, but preferably
45 or more. Keep in mind some stores measure the return period
from the date of shipment whereas others from the date it is
in your hands.
And
some things are not returnable at all. Intimate apparel is often
times not returnable, so if granny decides that Victoria’s
Secret body suit you bought her is too tantalizing around grandpa,
you may be out of luck.
- Check
the warranty service agreement.
Where can you return the item for service? Whereas with physical
stores you may be able to return an item at the local store
where you bought it, the procedure for a strictly on-line store
may be more time consuming and perhaps even more expensive.
Factor the time and cost of shipping for repairs before buying
on-line.
- Find
out if your order is covered should items be lost or damaged
in the mail. Some retailers will guarantee shipment while
others will only cover lost items if they are sent on their
credit card. With many credit cards you have recourse for items
not received through a charge back.
- Time
to ship. An important factor that could determine your cost.
A company that can process your order and ship it out quickly
could save you money whereas the not so efficient may mean that
you have to upgrade the shipping method usually at an additional
cost. Check their shipping time policy and whether they guarantee
delivery by a certain time. If the item is not shipped within
30 days of receipt of your order you have legal grounds to nullify
your order.
- A
“bit” of security: Check the security payment
technology. You should check the site to see if they have a
security icon (usually signified on the bottom of the page or
in their “security” or “privacy” page).
You should also be using a browser that uses 128 bit encryption
technology (insert link for download).Look at the bottom of
the screen to see what payment verification system the site
uses.
- Your
records: With any purchase you should receive a confirmation
and receipt. Save and print this out for your records should
there be any discrepancy in charges or promised service.
If
you have a bad (or good) on-line experience, let others know at
http://www.debtfreegrad.com/bbs
If
you have a complaint, here are a couple of options:
|
