Online Shopping Safety

The internet has changed our lives in so many profound ways. One of the ways it has, has been with shopping. Whether you are looking for clothes, electronics, cars, household goods, or whatever it is that tickles your fancy, you can find an online retailer that sells it. And don't think for a second that online shopping is just a fad. According to statistics released by StatsCan in November 2008, online shopping propensity has actually increased to $12.8 B in 2007, up 62% from two years earlier.

More and more people are opting to shop from home. The benefits are pretty clear: more convenient, less time consuming, less stressful as there are no line-ups or parking issues, no travel costs are involved, etc. But even with those benefits, some still prefer to go out to their favorite mall or shop. And there are several reasons for that. Some like going out because it can be considered an activity, some like it because of the touch and feel aspect involved in traditional shopping.

But for some, a simple distrust for online shopping is still holding them back. Many people still feel unsafe about using their credit cards online. Some people think they won't be getting what they paid for or for anything at all. Yes, as the number of credible and reliable online stores increases, so too are the scammers looking to make a quick buck. But how can you prevent internet thievery? Perhaps one of the best ways to do this would be to familiarize yourself with some of the qualities of a good online store.

Most credible online stores can usually be identified and separated from the shady ones usually from pure aesthetics. However, you can't simply rely on what looks good, because many more internet thieves nowadays are getting better at web and graphic designs. So what else can you look for?

One of the first things you should look for is for contact information. Make sure there is a dedicated customer service line you can contact so as to ensure you aren't working with a faceless company. Another thing to look out for is a standard return policy. Most credible online retailers will give you the opportunity to return your item for a full refund as long as certain requirements are made (depending on the retailer, of course). If a store you are planning on buying from doesn’t have a standard return policy, then it's best to stay away.

Other important information to look out for includes the terms and conditions. This information describes what you are agreeing to, and what the retailer is offering you. The terms and conditions may also include other types of information such as privacy policies, shipping info, and security assurances.

On the note of security, not all retailers will have the exact services, but it definitely makes things clearer of who's legit versus those who aren't, if they are partnered with McAfee Secure or Thawte. Both these companies ensure the security of online retailers across the World Wide Web. Also search for credibility from third party sources as well such as the BBB (Better Business Bureau) or Internet Retailer (if they are included in Internet Retailer's Top 500 List, you can almost guarantee the site is perfectly safe and legit).

Finally, look for other payment options other than using your credit cards. Companies like Google (Google Checkout), Paypal, and BillMeLater only agree to work with retailers who are 100% trustworthy and meet all statutory requirements. For added assurance that you are working with a safe online store, try searching the site for customer testimonials as well (past customers who have left positive feedback about their experiences with the retailer).

A good example of an online retailer who meets all of the above is Cymax Stores. Cymax was founded in 2004, selling TV stands and other home theater furniture. They have since increased their product breadth to include bedroom, living room, dining room, and office furniture, as well as other small household products. Since its inception over 4 years ago, Cymax has seen growth in the online retail business of over 100% year after year. The navigation of their 100+ niche market sites is very user-friendly, and as noted, they cover all of the grounds covered above.

So next time you want to go shopping, but it's too cold to go outside, or you don’t want to spend money of gasoline, try your hand at shopping online. Online shopping is growing in popularity at break-neck speed and can be quite convenient most of the times. And with this information on hand, you'll be able to know how to differentiate the contenders from the pretenders, and make a successful, safe and secure online purchase.