NFIB

Online Shopping Guidelines
03/ 28/ 2002


Whether you're shopping online for personal or business needs, there are a few common sense issues to consider before punching in your credit card number and completing the sale. In today's Workshop, Jeffrey Moses discusses online shopping.

You must examine a Web site's security and privacy statements before making a purchase. If you feel uncomfortable in anyway, consider calling the company's toll-free number to place your order.

Make sure that the company offers the lowest prices available, and that shipping is quick and inexpensive. These are important features when buying many brand name items, because no matter where you buy, you will be receiving the same merchandise. Many e-commerce Web sites offer a "lowest price" guarantee, which states that they will match or beat any other site's price. Take advantage of this by shopping around. You will need to take the cost of shipping into account when determining the total actual cost to you of making the purchase. A Web site may offer the lowest prices on the merchandise, but then add a hefty shipping charge.

Speaking of shipping, always be sure that your order will arrive when you need it. Many sites that offer free or low-cost shipping send their deliveries the slowest (and for them the cheapest) way possible. Ask if shipping is two-day air, three-day ground or regular UPS ground. If you absolutely need something within a specific time frame, you will need to get a guarantee, not only for how it will be shipped, but for when the delivery will leave the warehouse. Two-day shipping doesn't do any good when the delivery is initiated three days after the sale.

One of the most common reasons for slow delivery from the warehouse is that the item is not in stock. When you're in a hurry, don't purchase something online if it will be on backorder. Call the toll-free number and order from an individual, who should be able to tell you whether the item is on-hand for immediate delivery.

Always ask about exchange or return policies, and if the company pays for shipping back and forth should you need to return a damaged or incorrect item. Also, ask how a return is credited: Do you receive your money back (credited in full to your credit card), or do you receive only store credit?

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