With the end of the year being one of the Internet’s strongest shopping seasons, it goes without saying that one should shop secure.
Holiday Shopping Tips
- Research
It is always a very good idea to research an item so you know exactly what you are getting. An easy way of doing in-depth research is to use Google and enter the item’s model number to see if there are reviews available. From there, you can make up your mind if that item is the best gift for your friends.
- Compare
Now that you know what you want, compare the prices. My favorite price comparison tool is PriceGrabber. Also keep in mind, some merchants have specials for last-minute shoppers and give a discounted shipping rate.
- Check Yo’ Self
When you find a place online to purchase something, it is always a good idea to check your security on your browser. The easiest way is to look at the bottom of your web browser for a gold padlock. That means the site is secure and is checked against security registries like Verisign, Thawte, and others. If you don’t see a lock, it may not be the most secure web site and I recommend looking elsewhere.
- Print and Confirm
After you make your purchase online; you are encouraged to print your order confirmation. Doing this is very important, especially if any questions or concerns come up; you have a copy of exactly what was ordered, how much, and have reference to their tracking systems. This has saved me hours of time and frustration!
- Relax
Understand that last-minute shoppers need to act quickly yet make sensible decisions online. That can sometimes leave you stressed in the process. Embrace the fun of it – you are getting gifts in mere minutes, rather than spending hours finding parking spaces.
