Do you intend to shop for Black Friday Sell this year? On Black Friday and Cyber Monday, thousands of websites will promise the best prices and largest selections. Make it a habit to take the necessary precautions when shopping online to get the best online deals this holiday shopping season. If you follow these shopping tips, your shopping experiences will be convenient, easy, fruitful, and, most importantly, safe:
- Use a single credit card. Select a single card for all online purchases. Using a single card lets you quickly identify fraudulent or unauthorised charges. Also, use a card that offers travel, gas, and food rewards.
- Keep track of your online purchases. Print a copy of your order confirmation (receipt) and the order page (the page before you click the Submit button).
- Keep all emails. Online retailers will send you an email confirming your order and shipping information. Keep these emails until you are 100% satisfied with your purchase.
- Prevent Identity Theft. Never send credit card or personal information via email. Why? Emails are insecure, and identity thieves frequently impersonate customer service representatives to obtain payment information. To submit your personal information, only use a secure, encrypted website. A lock indicates a secure site in the bottom right corner of the page.
- Report Fraud Right Away. If you suspect fraud or other errors, notify your credit card company immediately. You can also report fraudulent activity to the Federal Trade Commission (877-382-4357).
- Use the Customer Service Number provided on the website. If you have a question that needs to be answered on the website, feel free to call customer service. Before you place your order, ask any questions you have.
- Read the Policies section of the website. Read the return and exchange policies and the shipping, privacy, and security pages before making a purchase. Use the site’s FAQ section (if available) because once you place your order, you have agreed to the site’s terms and conditions.
- Unwanted Solicitations should be avoided. Many shopping sites will ask if you want to receive newsletters, coupons, or other promotional materials from them or third-party affiliates. Because the default answer is “Yes,” make sure you change it to “No” to avoid junk email and spam.
- Report Unethical Business Practices. If you have a negative experience with an online retailer, file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau.
- Make use of shopping comparisons and product review sites. Visit these websites before making a purchase. You may experience more Black Friday bliss and less buyer’s remorse.
Conclusion
Remember that you can have a wonderful holiday with some planning and research. Also, while online shopping can yield excellent results, don’t forget to look for Black Friday deals the old-fashioned way: scan ads in Thanksgiving Day circulars and check local publications.
Do everything you can this year to make the most of your Christmas shopping. Begin by visiting a website that provides information and resources on the best Black Friday deals and specials.