Holiday online shopping tips
BLACKSBURG, Va., Dec. 16, 2003 - Around the holidays, consumers catch the shopping bug. Recently online shopping has become an easier and more relaxing method than the typical shopping mall and department store sprees. With such a low-stress shopping method, it is easy to buy on impulse and spend money on items that are unnecessary, overpriced, and of low quality. To spend money wisely and safely, follow these recommended tips:
First of all, plan ahead. "Make a realistic budget and stick to it," said Irene Leech, Virginia Tech associate professor in apparel, housing, and resource management. Make a strict list of all the gifts you would like to give to avoid impulse buying.
Compare prices and shop carefully. Make sure the "bargain" is really what it seems before spending the money. Look up the same item on other sites and compare the prices, and decide what is reasonable and realistic. Watch out for items that seem "too good to be true."
Be familiar with the seller. You may want to check its reputation by using something such as the Better Business Bureau. Also ask about the refund and exchange policy before making any purchases.
Next, be cautious and only provide personal information online if you know who's receiving it, why, and how it is going to be used. Protect your passwords as well, and use different passwords when making a purchase than the one you use to log on to your computer.
The recommended payment method online is by credit card. It may seem unsafe to put this kind of information online. "But a credit card offers the most consumer protections," said Leech.
She also said that credit cards make problems disputing a particular bill much easier than any other payment method. Also, in the event something goes wrong, you are protected under the federal Fair Credit Billing Act. You have the right to dispute charges on your credit card, and you can withhold payments during a creditor investigation.
Make sure your card is a credit card and not a debit card. A debit card exposes your bank account information.
Be sure to order items only on a secure server to ensure that the transmission is protected. Leech said to locate the icon of a padlock on the bottom of the browser window to ensure security. Also, be sure that the Web vendor that you are buying from protects your financial information when you order online.
Be aware of shipping fees and information. Under the law, a company must ship your order within the time stated in its ad. If no time frame is stated, the merchant must ship the product in 30 days or give you an "Option Notice." This gives you an opportunity to cancel the order and receive a prompt refund or agree to the delay.
When ordering perishables, have them shipped second day air or overnight to help ensure freshness upon arrival. Also, make sure that someone will be available to receive the delivery and provide alternate instructions in the event that no one is available.
Track your purchases and keep printouts of the web pages with transaction details, including return policies.
Contact: Irene Leech
Virginia Tech
Department of apparel, housing, and resource management
(540) 231-4191
ileech@vt.edu
Contact: Michael Sutphin
Communications and Marketing
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Virginia Tech
(540) 231-6975
msutphin@vt.edu
Writer: Andrea Villarreal, senior from Chesapeake
Agriculture and Extension Communications intern
Virginia Tech
Department of English