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Whether we like it our not a smart shopper will always try to think
ahead and shop the web for the lowest pricing. By shopping on the
web one can compare product quality, get feedback from others, and
shop the best prices. Just as important as saving on prices one
will also save on fuel cost and wear and tear on the vehicle as well
as decrease the threat of having an accident or being attack. Web
shopping is a habit that some are hesitant about but it can safe you
a lot of money!
We
have carefully chosen our affiliates and have found them honest and
trustworthy, so please use the links on this site to buy your
products. This not only helps this site pay the bills but it also
insure the you greatest possible security.
Safe
Online Buying Tips
Know who you’re dealing with.
Anyone can set up shop online under almost any name. Confirm the
online seller’s physical address and phone number in case you have
questions or problems. If you get an email or pop-up message while
you’re browsing that asks for financial information, don’t reply or
click on the link in the message. Legitimate companies don’t ask for
this information via email.
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Know exactly what you’re buying. Read the
seller’s description of the product closely, especially the fine
print. Words like “refurbished,” “vintage,” or “close-out” may
indicate that the product is in less-than-mint condition, while
name-brand items with “too good to be true” prices could be
counterfeits.
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Know what it will cost. Check out websites that
offer price comparisons and then, compare “apples to apples.”
Factor shipping and handling — along with your needs and
budget — into the total cost of the order. Do not send cash
under any circumstances.
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Pay by credit or charge card. If you pay by
credit or charge card online, your transaction will be protected
by the Fair Credit Billing Act. Under this law, you have the
right to dispute charges under certain circumstances and
temporarily withhold payment while the creditor is investigating
them. In the event of unauthorized use of your credit or charge
card, you generally would be held liable only for the first $50
in charges. Some companies offer an online shopping guarantee
that ensures you will not be held responsible for any
unauthorized charges made online, and some cards may provide
additional warranty, return, and/or purchase protection
benefits.
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Check out the terms of the deal, like refund policies
and delivery dates. Can you return the item for a full
refund if you’re not satisfied? If you return it, find out who
pays the shipping costs or restocking fees, and when you will
receive your order. A Federal Trade Commission (FTC) rule
requires sellers to ship items as promised or within 30 days
after the order date if no specific date is promised.
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Keep a paper trail. Print and save records of
your online transactions, including the product description and
price, the online receipt, and copies of every email you send or
receive from the seller. Read your credit card statements as you
receive them and be on the lookout for unauthorized charges.
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Don’t email your financial information. Email
is not a secure method of transmitting financial information
like your credit card, checking account, or Social Security
number. If you initiate a transaction and want to provide your
financial information through an organization’s website, look
for indicators that the site is secure, like a lock icon on the
browser’s status bar or a URL for a website that begins “https:”
(the “s” stands for “secure”). Unfortunately, no indicator is
foolproof; some fraudulent sites have forged security icons.
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Check the privacy policy. It should let you
know what personal information the website operators are
collecting, why, and how they’re going to use the information.
If you can’t find a privacy policy — or if you can’t understand
it, consider taking your business to another site that’s more
consumer-friendly.
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