Post on 19-May-2015
Shopping OnlineTerry RatoffSkokie Public LibraryNovember 10, 2011
Overview
•Advantages of shopping online•Shop smart, shop safe•Sites for safe shopping information•Product reviews and price comparisons•Great shopping sites• Save money – find coupons and
discounts
A Few Reasons to Shop Online
Reasons to shop online
• It’s fun!• It’s convenient – save time!• Save money!• It’s green – save gas!• Can buy new, used or hard to find items.• Can get professional reviews and other
shoppers’ opinions before you buy!• It’s easy to comparison shop!
A Few Reasons Not to Shop Online
Shopping online is fun!But take a few precautions!
Shop on Secure Websites
• To make sure a site is secure when you checkout, look for https:// in the web address.• Read the site’s security policy.• Look for a symbol of security on the website such:
• A picture of a closed lock:
• VeriSign
• Better Business Bureau
• Cybertrust
• TRUSTe
Follow your instincts!If the site looks amateurish, has spelling or grammatical errors, be suspicious.
Safe Shopping Tips
•FTC Consumer Advice •SafeShopping.org •Better Business Bureau•Payment Precautions and Options
Expert Safe Shopping Tips
FTC Consumer Advice
FTC Consumer Advice
• Know who you’re dealing with & what you’re buying.• Be stingy with personal information.• Check the privacy policy. Really.• Shop around. • Pay by credit or charge card. They offer best
consumer protection. Wiring money or using cash equivalents can be risky.• Monitor your financial accounts.
SafeShopping.org
SafeShopping.orgReasons to pay with a credit card
•It is safer than paying with cash equivalents.•It helps in a dispute. •You may save money by using a credit card if you pay it off in full when the bill arrives. •Credit card issuers may grant extended warranties or other advantages for purchases made with the card.
BBB.org: Additional safe shopping tips
• Check out unfamiliar merchants using their physical address & phone number if you can find one.
• Before you order:• Determine the company’s refund & return policy. • Understand all charges; price, shipping & handling.• Find out how long it will take to receive your order.
• Choose your password wisely. • Use different passwords for different sites.• Don’t use established numbers like birthdays, addresses,
telephone or social security.
• Keep a paper trail.• Note the URL (web address.)• Keep a copy of the order & confirmation number.
Payment Precautions & Options
• Never send your credit card number in an Email. Email is not secure. • Use a credit card or a prepaid credit card.
Don’t use a debit card.• Print a copy of your receipt for your
records.•Monitor your financial accounts.• Sign up for an account that processes
online payments, such as Paypal, Google Checkout, or Bill Me Later.
Payment Precautions & Options
PayPal
Google Checkout: Payment Option
Protect Your Privacy Online
Protect Your Privacy Online
• PrivacyChoice.org explains how web sites share information and how recipients of your information safeguard it. • Beware any add-ons following a legitimate
purchase, even on a reputable web site. • Read a website’s privacy policy to see how it
shares information with other sites. A seller's privacy policy should indicate:• What information the seller is gathering about you• How the seller will use this information• If and how you can "opt out" of these practices
PrivacyChoice.org
Where to Shop?Brick & Mortar Stores, Online Retailers, Local Retailers
Brick & Mortar Stores Online
Online Retailers
• Amazon.com• BarnesandNoble.com• Zappos.com• Beauty.com• Etsy• Red Envelope• Overstock
• Bluefly• Bluenile• eBay• Threadless• Cooking.com• Peapod• Wine.com
Don’t forget local retailers!
What are other people saying about this site or this product?
• Epinions• Consumer Reports• Better Business Bureau• Amazon. Com• Cnet.com• Consumer Search• Findthebest.com
Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports Shopping
Consumer Reports Shopping Refrigerators
CNET
CNET Digital Cameras
CNET Digital Camera Reviews
CNET Canon Digital Camera Detail
ConsumerSearch.com
ConsumerSearch.org TVs
ConsumerSearch.com Top 5 Best Reviewed
Findthebest.com
Findthebest.com
Price & Product Comparisons
•Consumer Reports•Google•Shopzilla•Pricegrabber.com •Yahoo shopping•Bizrate.com•MySimon
Pricegrabber
Pricegrabber.com: Canon Powershot A2200 Price Comparison
Google Product Search
Google Product Search: Canon Powershot
BING Shopping
Ways to stretch your dollar• Find coupons and
discount codes online: • Retail Me Not• MyCoupons• Redplum.com• CouponMountain• Bradsdeals.com
• Save on Shipping • FreeShipping.org
Retail Me Not
FreeShipping.org
FreeShipping.org
Have we got a deal for you! Daily Deal Websites
• Groupon• Daily deals from local
businesses sent to your email box.
• LivingSocial.com• Daily deal for discounts at
local restaurants, bars, spas, theaters.
• Buy.com• Computer and tech items.
Offers daily and weekly deals.
Happy Shopping!