Are coupons your thing? Do you look through flyers each week? Do you enjoy searching for great deals? You can use all of these skills when shopping online, too! All you need is a little time, determination and the right knowledge. To get the sort of helpful advice you need, check out the suggestions below.
Never try to shop directly from a link someone sent you in an email, unless it’s a widely known and respected site, like Amazon.com. Too many consumers get tricked into scams via hyperlinks in questionable emails. Visit the URL of the site mentioned in the mail, instead of clicking the link itself.
If you shop online, avoid giving out a Social Security number. You never need to give that information to purchase an item online. A site that asks for a social security number is more than likely a scam. Click out of that site, and go to a site with good reputations.
To protect yourself use a credit card when shopping online. The federal government has passed laws to protect consumers in the event of fraud. The amount the consumer is responsible for is a mere $50.00 as compared to debit cards where the entire balance can be withdrawn by internet hackers.
When ordering a product from an online store, make sure the URL of the page starts with HTTPS instead of HTTP. This is a sign that the page is secure and that you can submit your payment information without having to worry. If you do not notice this HTTPS, go through a different store.
Look into online shopping clubs. Sites like ebates.com have some tremendous offers. You not only find out about sales going on at different sites, but they pay you a percentage of your purchase when you buy from those sites. It is a great way to get a bonus check every four months and get the things you need.
Check sizing charts when buying clothes. Being certain that the clothing item you’re looking at will actually fit you is one of the great uncertainties of online shopping. However, many online sites do have sizing charts for reference. These can be extremely beneficial.
If you notice an item that you like and want to purchase while you’re out running errands, see if you can find a better deal for it online! Many things like shoes or video games are cheaper online, so doing a quick internet search could save you some money.
Shop with a friend to save money. Many times an online store will offer free shipping or another discount if you spend a certain amount of money. If you find that you will not be spending the amount needed, ask a friend if they need anything from the store so you can both save money.
When you find a clothing item that you like but are not sure what to pair it with, shop around. Different sites might offer the same products, but they may present them differently. You could find the same shirt paired with different pants or skirt. It will help you get a good idea of how it would look when paired with different bottoms.
Make sure that you only provide the bare necessities when shopping online. Usually all that is required is your name, address and credit card number. Occasionally there will be additional areas for you to add personal information and phone numbers. If these areas are not required, do not fill them out. They can sell this information to marketing companies and you will be inundated with spam mail and marketing phone calls.
You might be tempted to use the same password on all the sites you shop. This is a huge mistake which can affect your security. If you need help tracking which passwords belong with which retailer, create a secure document to store them in.
Be careful with online stores asking for too much information. You only need to provide a store with your name, address and payment information. You should never give your social security number or driver’s licence number to an online store. Choose another store if you are prompted for personal information when ordering a product.
Never use your business or personal email address when making a purchase online. Your accounts will end up with so much spam over a period of time. Create a dedicated shopping email account and have the emails from your shopping account forwarded to your personal account when appropriate. You’ll receive emails regarding your purchases without clogging up your inbox.
When you buy from an online merchant, try to combine your purchases together into one shipment. Shipping costs can be high if you are just buying one or two items, sometimes as high as the price of the item. If you buy many things during the same shopping session, the shipping cost is more cost effective.
Be honest with yourself if you have an online shopping addiction. It can almost be easier to be addicted to shopping online, since it is as easy as pressing a button. If you find that you are spending too much time on shopping sites and coupon forums, think about whether you need to take a step back.
Make sure that any business you make a purchase from can be trusted. This is especially important because you will be entering personal information into their website. If the site is not trusted, they could use your information to steal your identity. This will cause you a lot of trouble down the road.
If you enjoy shopping online, but want to keep your email inbox spam free, have a separate email account for online shopping. Depending on privacy policies, your email address could be sold to other companies, who will send you information. You can get a free email account to use specifically just for online shopping.
The information included here will put you on the right path when it comes to online shopping. Use the advice from this article to find more great deals online. In no time, you will be saving a ton!
