Tips For Shopping Online
1. Always save copies of your orders and receipts from online purchases. Many stores will redirect you to a page after you've submitted a purchase detailing everything that was bought, customer information, the prices, etc. You should either print a duplicate of this or save a copy to your computer in case any issues arise before the end of the return period. Ensure that you save any emails concerning your items' status or correspondence with the company regarding your orders, too.
2. When you shop online, make sure the site you might be on starts off with "https". The "S" implies that the site is secure, which entails that you could safely enter your personal information without having to be worried about identity theft. When a site lacks the "S" in it, you might want to avoid using it.
3. In case a company includes a newsletter, register. Often, companies will give sneak peeks, special deals and online coupons to people on their own mailing list. However, be careful. You don't want to sign up for every company's newsletter or you'll soon be buried under endless emails. Only sign up for a company's newsletter if you really like their products and services and would use a promotion code.
4. Get engaged in the social media of your own favorite online retailers. Brands with big online presences typically put a lot of money behind their social media, and that includes offering their followers some mega-discounts and exclusive deals. You can be one of the lucky ones scoring these handles just a quick follow or fanning.
5. Never give out your Social Security number for an online merchant. This number is not required for placing orders online. Giving an online store your Social Security number can help them use your personal and private information to steal your identity. To prevent that, if you carry on an online store site and find out that being a requirement, tend not to buy everything from them and shop someplace else.
