The Internet- The Biggest, Most Convenient Mall on Earth!

The internet is full of conveniences for all of us. Many people in the news media (those with special interest to brick and mortar establishments) will have the average user believe shopping on the internet is a guaranteed way to get your credit card information stolen. Well, I'm here to tell you, millions of people spend billions of dollars on the internet. Just ask E-bay.com. Many of us use our credit cards everyday at gas stations, restaurants, etc. It is much more likely that a waiter or gas attendant will write down your credit card information than it is for a cracker(a hacker who uses his abilities for personal gain) to get the same information. Did you know most credit card companies and banks allow you to check your balance online? Believe it or not, but your information is most likely stored on a corporate computer already. With all of that said, I want to tell you a few things that you should look out for and a few alternatives to using a credit card online.

There are issues and guidelines to follow when making a purchase on the internet. You should always refer to this list before making a purchase:

• Always Trust Your Instincts- If a deal looks to good to be true, it probably is.
• Double Check the pricing at the online checkout
• Check the Privace Policy of the website- Sometimes vendors sell the information they acquire from you to third parties. You would be suprised how many people do this at regular businesses as well. Ever wonder why you get junk mail from someone you have never done business with before?
• Review the refund policy
• Print the terms and print your receipt
• Make sure that the internet connection is secure
• Find out how your package will be delivered- Now you can check most of your packages online if ordered through Fed-Ex or UPS. Make sure you get a tracking number as soon as possible.
• As soon as you get your purchase, inspect it for any defects
• Pay with a credit card- This will give you the opportunity to dispute the charges if you never receive the product. You can also use services like paypal that allow you to deposit funds in an account with a check so that you can use it online at a later date.

The web is the best place to look for your merchandise without pushy salesman or saleswomen forcing their opinion on you. The ability to window shop is astounding. All the car companies, for example, have Web sites, and you can do all your research online. Most people who have shopped online will be able to tell you about the great savings you can't find at any store. Have fun, and remember to follow these tips.