Should I Shop Online?

Shopping online is a convenience that more and more individuals who own computers find easy. It saves time, and in some instances it saves quite a bit of money as well. However, as with any new medium, there are pros and cons associated with it. Let’s discuss a few of them.

Pros

* Shopping online affords you the opportunity to buy items such as clothes, CDs, DVDs, electronics, groceries, household items, furniture – just about anything you need.
* Some online stores offer free shipping, while others charge a small fee. More importantly, you may find more stores where no tax is added either.
* Instead of standing on long lines at department stores, you can shop online from the comfort of your home at anytime of the day.
* Most online stores offer security encryption services that protect your personal information.
* There are coupon sites online that offer great discounts at major stores.
* Returning merchandise is just as easy as shopping for them online. Most stores offer a return label free of charge.
* One well-known online store offers a program in which, for a small yearly fee, you are given free shipping with a two-day delivery.
* You can download movies online for a fee.
* You can download ring tones online for a fee.
* You can comparison shop online in order to find the best bargains.
* You can buy from auction sites online and save money on gifts, antiques, or whatever particular hobby you are engaged in.
* Just about every well-known and lesser-known store has a website to make your shopping experience convenient, easy, and enables you to navigate the website within minutes.

Cons

* Identity theft is a major concern for many individuals who shop online.
* Only shop at those websites that have security encryption services, that is, the lock at the bottom right hand corner of the website.
* Utilize websites wherein they list their phone numbers and addresses.
* Use websites that have 24-hour customer service, that is, you can speak with a customer representative online.
* Avoid websites where the prices are too good to be true! (There are often hidden fees).
* Check the date at the bottom of the site to ensure the site is being updated frequently.
* Ignore email ads that offer specials, unless you are familiar with the company.
* Once you use your credit card for online shopping, check your credit report annually to determine if the card number has been stolen.
* If you are purchasing an item from an auction site or a store where feedback is given about the seller, read the information. Anyone with a 95% or lower rating should be avoided.

Shopping online can be a pleasurable experience. It is important, however, to have the most up-to-date anti-virus and anti-spam security software available for your computer. Use one credit card only when you shop online. In this way you can easily monitor expenses and immediately recognize a charge you did not make.

Finally, if your credit card company or bank has online fraud protection, sign up for it. It’s worth every penny!

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