Wise Owl Opportunities - Cyber Shopping

It's just a few days from Christmas and, if you're like me, there's still plenty of shopping to be done. Have you considered Internet shopping? Cyber shopping has emerged as a new twist to the holiday season and offers a host of advantages. With a simple click of a mouse we receive limitless selection. We can also gather incredible information by searching through websites. Just about every major manufacturer is present on the web, which makes comparison-shopping a breeze - all from the convenience of home.

Internet shopping can be fun. The Web has expanded our marketplace in a way never before possible, giving us an unlimited selection of unusual and exotic goods. Omaha steaks, sweet English shortbreads, grandma's favorite teas or even that maple syrup we had on vacation up in Quebec; all can be found on the Web. Nevertheless, we should still keep some common safeguards in mind. Many of these are common sense approaches to any transaction yet bare repeating.

1. Understand what you are buying and the terms of your sale. Know up front what you're getting for your money and what you're not. Look for information about the conditions of purchase such as the warranty, refund policy and after-sale service. And, be aware of how long it will take for delivery.

2. Know whom you're dealing with. Verify unknown companies. Check the vendor's security and encryption policies. What safeguards will the vendor take to protect your payment information when it is transmitted? Does the site use encryption?

Research a company you've never heard of and always make sure you know where you information is going before you send over your credit card number. Personally, I still prefer a phone call to the vendor and don't disclose my credit card information over the Internet. (Perhaps it's just the human touch!)

3. Protect you privacy. Know what your vendor will do with your personal information. Read their privacy statements to find out. Will your name and information be sold? Are you signing up for direct mail without knowing it?

4. Know what recourse you have if anything goes wrong. Can you return an item for a full refund if you're not satisfied with it? What is the vendor's return policy? Will you be paying for all shipping and handling?

If you've never shopped online, don't worry. It is still estimated that 80% of shopping will take place in the real world rather than cyberspace. As a general rule, we still prefer to use our senses in making a purchase. We like to feel fabrics, smell perfumes, and hear the tones of ringing bells. Many of us also enjoy the social interaction that goes along with a day of shopping.

As a small business owner, I love the Internet and it's convenience, but I still prefer to support our local businesses and our local economy. Whichever way you choose, shop wisely, have fun and don't forget those coupons and rebates.