8 Tips to Maximize Your Online Shopping Experience

With high-tech data encryption and other security technologies, online shopping can be one of the most secure forms of commerce available. It can also be a convenient and stress-free way to meet your shopping needs.

What follows are 8 tips for maximizing your online shopping experience by enhancing your security and ultimately your peace of mind. If you follow these 8 tips you will avoid many problems.

1. Use a Secure Web Browser

Make sure the web browser on your computer is current and you have download the latest patches and updates. Your browser should be capable of secure shopping sessions with 128-bit encryption strength.

2. Shop Secure and Reputable Stores Only

A secure web browser will not protect you if you are shopping on a site that is not secure. Reputable sites have security measures in place to protect your online shopping experience and use at least 128-bit encryption on their servers during checkout. Verify the security of your checkout session within the status bar of your browser by looking for the "locked" padlock. You can click on this padlock for important security details about your current shopping checkout session. The absence of this padlock icon or an "unlocked" padlock means your checkout session is not secure. Note: only the checkout session needs to be secure so don't be alarmed if you don't see it at other times. Never enter your credit card if the session is not secure.

3. Use a Major Credit Card

Credit cards generally provide the highest level of legal protection from fraud and liability. All major credit card issuers also have customer service teams to help with dispute resolution and fraud claims should they arise.

4. Review Store Return Policies

While returns are usually not needed and many online stores make this process very easy, it's still a good idea to review the store's return policy so there are no surprises should you need to make a return. Please note that returns can alter the minimum order size and result in a removal of free shipping or other discount that had a minimum qualifying order size. Most stores require a RMA (Return Merchandise Autorization) before they will accept a return so be sure to follow these procedures correctly.

5. Verify Order Before Final Submit

Most online shopping carts require that you do a final review to verify your order before submitting. At this time be sure to check your shipping and billing addresses for accuracy, your items ordered (quantity, size, color, etc.), and any other order details. If you used a coupon code or discount link, then, unless stated otherwise, the appropriate action or discount should be reflected on this page. Your shipping total should be clearly stated here as well. Generally your state's sales tax, when required, will be itemized as well. If all is correct, be sure to click the submit button or link to authorize the purchase.

6. Print a Receipt

After your final review and order submission, you should receive a confirmation and/or receipt (and often a second one via email). It is a good idea to print this page (or save this email) for your records until your order has arrived and you have checked it for accuracy. This confirmation or receipt often contains store policies, shipping information, tracking numbers, customer service contact information and other helpful details. It can also expedite the return process should you need that.

7. Track Your Shipment

Many online stores will notify you via email when you order has shipped and will provide you with an electronic tracking numbers. This tracking number enables you to track the location of your package as it makes its way to you. We have links to a list of major shippers where you can track your order's status and estimated arrival date.

8. Carefully Check Your Products

When your order arives, be sure to carefully check the invoice to see if any items are backordered, cancelled or being sent by separate package. Many online stores have multiple warehouses and so ship a single order from many destinations thus your order may arrive over a period of a few days and in several different packages. Make sure all items arrived intact and without damage. Does it work? Does it fit? Are all the pieces there? These and other similar questions should be verified quickly so a return request, if needed, can be initiated before it's too late. Often a return process must be started within 30 days of receipt or the item is no longer eligible for return.