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Shopping on the Internet                          previous page

Introduction

For the most part shopping on the internet is safe.  However, it is a good idea to do the following for your protection:

o       If you have several credit cards, use only one card for shopping.  That way if there is any cyber crime committed, you’ll be safer. 

o       Review your credit card statements carefully.

o       Most e-commerce sites require an email address.  What the author does is to have a separate account set up through either Hotmail or Yahoo (free accounts) so that he doesn’t receive a lot of spam or unsolicited messages. 

o       Be careful what you disclose.  You cannot lie about your address or credit card number, but don’t ever provide your social security number of anything like your mother’s maiden name. 

o       Work only on “secure” websites.  When you look at the address bar in the window, it should begin with HTTPS (not HTTP).  The “S” means it is a secure site. 

o       Some sites require passwords to go back in to check on your order or if your CC# is stored on their server.  Make sure you use a distinctive password (put a number in it) and not something obvious such as your pet’s or significant other’s name!  You may also wish to change it from time to time.

o       If you are using a public computer, others may have access to what you are doing.  For example, if you work, your employer may know that you’ve been buying t-shirts instead of doing your job.  Also, they monitor computers and they can capture keystrokes so they even know what your password is.  It is strongly suggested that you do your shopping as well as banking on a computer in your own home.  It is also a good idea to clear out the history and temporary files occasionally.  To do this, click on Tools, Options. 

o       It is recommended that you print out the order once placed with all the charges etc added.  This way, no surprises when the receipt comes in the mail. 

o       Find out what the return policy is…some have limited times to return (like regular stores).  Also, you may be liable for the return expense if you don’t like the item for any reason or if the clothing article doesn’t fit right.  This can add expense and aggravation. 

Making the purchase

o       Sales Tax:  some sites charge tax, if they have a retailer in your area, which is required by law.  Some do not charge sales tax (i.e. bn.com which is a division of Barnes & Noble). 

o       Shipping charges:  some sites show up front what you will have to pay to get the item.  Some of them wait until the shopping cart is full and you’re ready to check out.  Many sites waive the shipping charges if you spend a minimum amount.  Some are as low as $25 (Amazon) or may be $100 (Red Envelope). 

o       FAQ (frequently asked questions) – this page will often discuss terms, etc. so that you know what the purchase entails in waiting period, methods of shipments, additional costs, etc. 

The Myth of the Internet Discount

Often, people think they are getting a great bargain on the internet.  This can be quite wrong.  Bargains can be found in retail outlets, department stores, tag sales and even in the local store downtown.  There are a lot of choices we can make in how to purchase, in person, mail order, on the phone, or on the internet.  There are advantages and disadvantages.  What’s nice about making the purchase in person is that you can inspect it, see if it fits (important if you are a hard to fit person!).  Mail order and internet can be great time savers. However, it fits (important if you are a hard to fit person!).  Mail order and internet can be great time savers.  However, you often have to plan ahead and be willing to wait up to a couple of weeks for delivery if you are not willing to pay for the expensive overnight delivery.  Then you have to worry that you get the right item, it is not broken, and that it is something that you like. 

Sometimes, it is better to pay a bit more in the retailer and get the service that you need.  For example, the author enjoys riding his bicycle.  He won’t get service from the local dealer if he buys all his supplies off the internet.  Paying a few dollars more for a replacement seat or a water bottle is an investment not only in customer service, but in keeping the local economy going.  The small hardware store will provide you with the knowledge and customer service that cannot be provided by a big-box retailer or a website.  Sure they may charge a bit more for that tool or lock, but you’ll get more than your money’s worth when you don’t make an incorrect purchase. 

The local bookstore may not be able to give you the 30% discount that you get from the mass merchandisers, but they can special order a book, gift wrap, and help you pick out the right book for yourself or as a gift. 

If you’re buying a computer and are not the most skilled user, you may save a few bucks purchasing it online.  However, should you need support for a hardware problem; it may cost more when you are on hold for over an hour calling their 800 help line.  Or, worse yet, many computer companies no longer have toll free numbers.  The good part is that the wait on the phone may be less but you could run up a phone bill. 

As the user, you need to decide whether you wish to have price or convenience.  Both have an intrinsic worth and this is something you need to decide. 

When making a large ticket purchase, it is a good idea to shop around, be it through catalogues, retail outlets, and the internet.

Search engines/Directories

These can be very useful in finding goods or services.  Of course, they are great to do research.  However, they can be useful in finding goods or services.  Sometimes they can be linked to advertising or companies pay to get higher listings in them. 

Some of the more popular ones include the following (all end with .com extension)

• Google

• Yahoo – directory which can bring you to many interesting sites for consumer goods.

• Excite

• Altavista

• HotBot

• Lycos

• AskJeeves  (this one allows you to ask questions as you normally say them)

When searching try to use specific descriptions, for example, say "Rome Italy" to avoid getting "Rome, NY"  If there are multiple words in the search, put quotes around them to optimize your search results.  That means the words must appear in that order on the website and not randomly. 

If you have a search results page, right click on the link to open the site in a NEW window.  This way you still have the original results of your search. 

Finding websites to shop from

Often, just typing in the retailer’s name such as walmart.com or macys.com will bring you to the website.  If you are unsure of the website, go to a search engine and type the name in and chances are you’ll find the site almost immediately. 

In addition, there is a link (named Shopping) on the web page for the senior center which will bring you to many websites that you’ll find useful. 

Products that are available online:
Practically anything! 

Listed below are some of the larger retailers that you may wish to go to for gifts.  What is also nice about these websites is that they often have a gift registry for someone who is either having a baby or getting married. 

Miscellaneous Comments

Note, if you are using Internet Explorer 5.5 or higher, you do not need to type the “www.” before the web address! 

Disclaimer:  some of these retailers have been used by the author, others have not.  None of these sites are being endorsed by him.  Some of the comments listed below are from various users of the websites and their experiences. 

Discount Coupons
Often, when making a purchase, they ask for a discount code.  If you don’t have an email with a special offering a few dollars off or free shipping, go into Google and type in “JCrew coupons” or whatever the retailer is and you may be pleasantly surprised! 

You may have to register on these websites (they are free) but you'll get email notifications about some good deals. 

Once you’ve made a decision, see if there’s a deal to give you free shipping or a price cut.  Other coupon sites:  

www.coolsavings.com   
www.bargainboardwalk.com
www.24hourdeals.com 
www.fatwallet.com 
www.dealcatcher.com  
www.1800flowers.com  

www.dealcatcher.com

www.jumpondeals.com

Copy the code and use it on the shopping website.  If they have a great deal, you can purchase through them also.  To further find coupons, go into google and type in the company name with “coupon” in the search string.  You’ll find even more.

additional miscellaneous sites 

Finding other websites: 

Practically every retailer has a website.  You can find them in magazine and newspaper advertisements.  There are even books available in your bookstore.  If you get a book, make sure it is a recent publication as the companies do come and go with some frequency.  There are even periodicals that detail shopping more exhaustively than this handout will. 

Classified Ads Online
They work like the ones you see in the local paper but are easier to search and possibly more current.  Many local newspapers have their classifieds on the net. 

www.half.com     www.lootusa.com      www.craigslist.com   (Craig's is free to sell on)
 

Comments about major websites

Ebay – this site is immensely popular for sellers and buyers.  People claim to have gotten terrific bargains on obscure items and to receive top dollar on junk in their garage.  There are several books written specifically on this website for the sellers and buyers.  Caveats:  sometimes you don’t get the item that you order or it is not in the condition stated.  The seller ratings on the website can be inflated.  It is suggested you pay by credit card as it gives you protection.  If you are purchasing a high-ticket item, my recommendation is to physically inspect before the purchase.  Author has not made any purchases from them.  However, he has found better buys through other sources rather than through the auction.  (Auction fever can be dangerous in that the user may overbid on an item.)  Overall, the feedback on this site is very high.  In addition they sell brand-new merchandise, often closeouts.  Visit www.stores.ebay.com.  

Half.com – They are partnered with ebay.  Author has used them many times to purchase books and CDs.  Everything was received in a timely fashion and in the condition as good as (if not better) than stated on the website.  Items can be used or new.  The advantage is that you’re not bidding on the item and you can make the purchase directly.  When purchasing used, books are perfectly fine.  CDs may be scratched.  Electronics are something that I’d personally avoid as user doesn’t know condition of item and the guarantee is gone. 

DeepDiscountCd & DeepDiscountDVD – Their inventory is limited to larger selling and more popular items.  You won’t be able to get a rare piece of music.  However, their prices are very good…plus shipping/handling charges are included in the purchase price, as well as no sales tax.  Delivery can be slow if you get the “free” shipping…up to two weeks.  Website can be a bit slow and the search capabilities are limited. 

Amazon – this is the granddaddy of shopping websites.  It is very well designed, huge, sells everything now from furniture to clothes to books.  Customer service is good, deliveries are prompt. 

Comparison Shopping Websites

These sites can be huge time savers and are good for big ticket purchases.  However, the author has used these sites for such mundane purchases as a book or a music CD.  Around a few years, they work like search engines.  However, they seek out the item you wish to buy and will display the choices to you.  They scour inventories of major retailers such as Amazon and Target and some upstarts such as petshed.com and givinggallery.com.  

Pricegrabber sells gift cards that can be used toward purchase from any of the 3,000 merchants tracked by its site. 

Some of them do get advertising dollars from websites listed, so buyer may wish to be careful and actually check additional sites for further comparison shopping.  However, the site operators insist their top priority is to satisfy the shoppers, which makes the retailers happy also.  Below is a list of some sites you may find of interest. 

Some sites appear to have the lowest prices by burying extra charges in shipping costs.  The best sites invite you to type in your zip code to compare prices that include shipping and taxes.  Also, remember that cheapest isn’t always best.  Check the ratings from other shoppers (yes they can be stacked in the company’s favor).  If you’ve dealt with a company before and was happy despite being slightly more expensive, stick with the reputable firm. 

If you prefer catalogs, try these sites:

www.buyersindex.com               www.catalogsite.com             Google Catalogs

Closeout Sites

As it sounds, there is limited selection but you may be able to find what you are looking for.  Make sure that you know whether they are new or refurbished items (they may have the same guarantee as brand new). 

www.ecost.com       www.overstock.com (often refurbished)      www.woot.com       Amazon Outlet     
For computers, try these

Apple store          Dell                          HP Factory Outlet      

Rebates

They can add more to your pocketbook…make sure you read the fine print.  If it is a high rebate (over $50), you may wish to send it certified mail so they can’t deny your rebate.  You can also find rebates online by going to these websites:

www.FatWallet.com                                             www.Rebateshare.com

www.Ebates.com                                                 www.lButterflymall.com

They all offer different rebates, so it is definitely worthwhile checking all these websites out for rebates when making a large ticket purchase. 

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