Internet Safe Shopping by Julie Reuter Do you ever wonder how you can tell if a company on-line is going to be nice to work with? Are you afraid to give them your credit card number because you're just not sure if you'll hear from them again? While there is never a guarantee that a business is going to be honest and reliable, there are precautions you can take before making a business transaction. Here are some simple tips to help you feel comfortable in conducting business with companies on the internet. Ask yourself these questions: 1. What kind of guarantee does the company offer? Look for full refund/money back guarantees in case you need to return an item. This way you can shop elsewhere if you don't see anything else you like at that particular store. Some businesses offer credit-only which forces you to buy from them exclusively. 2. Look for testimonies from past customers. Read what other people are saying about the company. Were they satisfied? Were their needs handled in a professional manner? Sometimes you can contact past customers and ask for their opinions personally. 3. Is customer service a priority for the company? There's no better way to turn a customer off than with terrible customer service. Customer service is the backbone of all businesses. Is the customer service personalized? Do they respond to each buyer's individual needs? Are customers' questions answered in a timely manner? Ask the customer service department a question and note how long it takes for them to answer you. This will give you an indication of how long it will take for them to get back to you if you had a problem with a product. Do they use autoresponders? Autoresponders in my book are not personalized service although some businesses can use them very effectively. Is the company easy to contact? Are there various payment methods to satisfy each buyer? 4. Is the merchandise quality? There's no way of telling the quality of the merchandise by looking at a picture on the internet, but sometimes you can tell by the way it is priced. Although a sale or discount is great, sometimes products are reduced so low it is ridiculous. Watch out for these kinds of reductions. Although the low price is inviting, there is usually a reason the items are priced so low. You get what you pay for. Also, pay attention to what the product is made of. It may raise a red flag. 5. How are purchases handled? Do you receive a purchase confirmation or a thank you note? Do they follow-up with you to see if you are satisfied with your purchase or do they just assume you have received your product and never speak to you again. A good business should make you feel as though they appreciate your purchase. These are just a few tips for you to think about the next time you go on-line to make a purchase. Most businesses are legitimate and nice to work with but once in a while you may run into a company that just doesn't meet these standards. My advice to you is if you have any hesitation what-so-ever, move on to the next company. You'll be glad you did. HAPPY SAFE SHOPPING!!
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Copyright 2000 Julie Reuter. Contact her through her website at http://www.giftsbyjulie.com. FREE monthly drawing and FREE "Gifts-Plus Newsletter" just for registering with us! All gifts are 15%-40% off retail prices. Julie Reuter is the owner and webmaster of Gift Expressions. This article provided by the Marketing-Seek Archives at: http://www.Marketing-Seek.com |