Clever Online Shopping Tips
From Giftypedia
- Tip #1 Watch For Price Changes
- When shopping online many shoppers will leave items in their cart and come back later to purchase, and find the price has changed. Sometimes the price changes may be legitimate, but at time retailers will up the price, because they believe that shoppers are likely to purchase an item saved in a shopping cart. If you find yourself in this situation you may want to try to use another computer, or clear out your cookies and to see if the price will change.
- Tip#2 Make Sure You're Safe
- Having a padlock icon in the browser usually indicates that the retailers site is secure, but if you are not familiar with the store check with the Better Business Bureau. Make sure their address matches what is listed on the Better Business Bureau website, or just investigate them by doing a Goggle search. Always print out a copy of your order so that you have documentation of your purchase, and the retailers information. For more information on shopping secure websites check out Guidelines for Trusted Websites.
- Tip #3 Get The Best Deals
- If you have favorite stores that you frequent sign-up for their newsletter. These newsletters can offer discount coupons and notify you of private sales. If a retailer offers freebies, like gift wrapping, take advantage. Even if the item is for you, then you can recycle the wrapping. Don't get sticker-shock at checkout and find out shipping cost up front. Most retailers provide their shipping policies somewhere on their site, usually you can locate this information within FAQ's, customer service, or under help. Also, check out their return polices, and damage on delivery policies, as you do not want to be stuck with something you hate or that is broken. Use Coupon Codes when ever possible, these codes can provide special discounts or free shipping. If you want to find out if a popular online store has a coupon code then visit RetailMeNot.com or SecretPrices.com where you can search for discounts easily. Some Brick and Mortar stores have online sites, look for printable coupons that offer special discounts to online shoppers when they shop in the store. Many Brick and Mortar stores, with websites offer shoppers the ability to order online, then pick-up in the store. This service is a great savings, since you have the convenience of online shopping with no shipping costs. Shop websites early in the day, shopping traffic is slow in the mornings, and many retailers will offer discounts that will not be available later in the day.
- Tip #4 Check Shipping Time
- Check their site for information on how long it will take for your gift to be delivered. What delivery options do they offer? Make sure that their delivery times and methods meet your needs.
- There are 2 factors that determine when a gift will be received: 1.) When the product will leave the warehouse. 2.) The shipping method used. Just because a product is ordered does not mean it will leave the retailer's warehouse that day. For example, personalized items may take a couple of days for them to customize before it will be shipped. Also, some products may not be kept in stock and may need to be special ordered. Once the product leaves their warehouse, then the shipping method used will determine how quickly it will get there.
- Tip #5 Pay for purchases with a credit card
- Using your credit card gives you the ability to dispute the charge if something goes wrong. Protect yourself by using a pre-paid credit card, or using the same low-limit credit card when making purchases. By using the same card if you fall victim of identity theft then it will be easier to clear up fraudulent purchases. Some sites will allow you to send them a check or money order, however, if you pay with check or money order then you have little or no recourse if something goes wrong.
