We would like to encourage you do online shopping with these easy tips to guide you along. We hope you enjoy and still get what you want. Here at Joy Feelings Mag, we have an E-STORE that hopes to give it’s customers the best shopping experience with especially digital downloads. Always write to us for any issues, we are always available.
Here we are:
KNOW THE MERCHANT AND THEIR REPUTATION
If you already know the store, shopping their online store is very safe. You can always walk into the local store for help if there’s a problem, and if you know others who have had consistently positive experiences with the online store, you can be reassured of the site’s quality.
AVOID OFFERS THAT SEEM “TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE”
Any e-store that promises too much at too low a price is suspicious. If the price is too low, consider whether the merchant came by the items legally, if you will ever receive the items you paid for, whether the items are actually the brand shown or a cheap substitute, if the item will work, if you will be able to return damaged goods – or if the merchant is earning extra income by selling your financial information.
IF YOU ARE BUYING A GIFT CARD, READ THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS
If the gift card is for someone else, be sure the store is legitimate, that the person uses the store, and that there are no hoops they will have to jump through.
DONT USE AN E-STORE THAT REQUIRES MORE INFORMATION THAN NECESSARY TO MAKE THE SALE.
Expect to provide some method of payment, shipping address, telephone number, and email address, but if the merchant requests other information, walk away. You never want to give them your bank account information, social security information, or driver’s license number.
NEED TO CREATE A PASSWORD FOR THE SITE? – MAKE IT UNIQUE
You will often be asked to create an account with a password when you make a purchase. Usually, you can choose not to do this, and unless you will use the e-store frequently, don’t create an account. If you do want an account, make sure to use a unique and strong password.
IS THE SITE SECURE?
Before entering any personal or credit card info onto a shopping site look to see if the web address on the page begins with “https:”, not “http:” That little ’s’ tells you the website is secure and encrypted to protect your information.
USE A CREDIT CARD OR PAYPAL
Do not use a debit card or check as these do not have the same security protections in place for you should a problem arise.
ALWAYS CHECK THE COMPANY’S SHIPPING TERMS.
Some merchant’s charge exorbitant shipping fees that can turn a shopping bargain into an expensive mistake. Look to see if they provide tracking and insurance. Understand what carriers they use, and be particularly cautious if the item won’t be shipped within 10 days.
USE A RELIABLE INTERNET SECURITY PROGRAM
The best way to stay safe online is still by using an effective internet security product. Shopping is no exception. Rather, with the increasing volume of goods and data being exchanged online, security features like real-time anti-phishing and identity theft protection are more important than ever.