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Online shopping is rapidly becoming the norm for today’s shoppers. Now you can shop from the comfort of your home for any product you want. The internet makes it possible to purchase the finest products available and meet your high standards for quality products, reliable shipping and exceptional customer service. However you should always make sure you do your research before making a purchase. Below I have developed a list of 10 tips you should consider before making an online purchase,

1. You know what options are available to you? Websites that offer shopping carts should give you options on how they can use your personal information.

2. The company should offer a shipping and returns policy standing behind the quality of the products they are selling and allow the option for you to contact them should you experience problems or have any questions about your purchase.

3. They company should offer a guaranty for all purchases. A reasonable guarantee is 30 days from the original date of purchase. Of course it’s even better if you get a manufactures guarantee with it.

4. The website should offer a clear understandable system for repairing or replacing defective merchandise.

5. Some companies will apply a restocking fee for non-defective returns. Usually between 10% and 20%.

6. The company should identify the processing time for returns, if processing time longer than 30 days you may want to purchase from another company.

7. The company should have a valid contact phone number. Call it before you make a purchase. Simple call and ask what their regular business hours are.

8. Information collection, Use and Sharing. The company should have a privacy policy that identifies how your personal information is going to be used and who it is being shared with.

9. Security procedures to protect the misuse of your personal information. The company should sate that they take precautions to protect your information. When you submit sensitive information via their website, your information should be protected both online and offline. Wherever they collect sensitive information (such as credit card data), that information should be encrypted and transmitted to them in a secure way. You can verify this by looking for a closed lock icon at the bottom of your web browser, or looking for "https" at the beginning of the address of the web page.

10. How you can correct any inaccuracies in the information The company should offer you access to and control over your information. You should have the option of opting out of any future contacts at any time by contacting them via the email, address or phone number. You should be able to see what data they have about you, if any, Change/correct any data they have about you, have them delete any data they have about you, and the option to express any concern you have about their use of your data.

In order to take advantage of the full shopping potential of the internet, make sure you take some precautionary measures and follow the 10 online shopping tips listed for a smooth online shopping experience.

Happy Shopping!