4. 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!
7. 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
8.
9. Follow your instincts!
If the site looks amateurish, has spelling or
grammatical errors, be suspicious.
13. 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.
15. SafeShopping.org
Reasons 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.
16. 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.
18. • 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
23. 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
29. 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
50. 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
54. 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.