Decided to join the Internet shopping revolution? Weve put together a set of hints and tips.
* Look for sites that compare prices like http://www.ecompare.com and shop around because prices vary
Decided to join the Internet shopping revolution? Weve put together a set of hints and tips.
* Look for sites that compare prices like http://www.ecompare.com and shop around because prices vary widely.
* Investigate local sites, they may be cheaper (particularly taking into account delivery charges, currency differences and
customs duty).
* Dont compromise on selection. If you cant find exactly what you want at one site, move on to another.
* Surf for sales. Some retailers run regular online clearances. Others use their Web
site to unload excess inventory or out-
of-season goods at substantially
discounted prices.
* Stick with companies you know, or go
to a site that investigates online stores
like http://www.thepubliceye.com. Always look for a site that lists contact details so you can call them if you have questions about your order.
* Watch currency conversion rates (at sites like http://www.xe.net/currency/) - seemingly cheap items may not be bargains when you convert to Australian dollars.
* Pay attention to shipping and handling charges. An online bargain can easily
be undermined if you have to pay too much to have it delivered. Some online merchants pad shopping charges by having the online order default to the more expensive two-day air option.
You have to manually change it to the cheaper one.
* Be on guard against fraud. No one knows how widespread online fraud is. To date, problems have been most common at online auction sites. If you do get involved in a fraud, sites like http://www.webguardian.com might be able to help you out.
* Only buy from secure Web pages (see the padlock icon at the base of the browser), or SHTML pages. If a vendor wont spend the money to have a secure server they are not worth risking your dollars at.
As the Internet itself has matured over the last couple of years, so now will the ecommerce side of the Internet. Legislation from the US has influenced many governments into making the Internet a great place to shop. Technological advances help make online stores more user friendly and dynamic. Also, just like the increase in HTML programs, shop-creation programs
will mean that more and more business will be opening their doors online, which amounts to a greater selection of items for sale, and ultimately, better deals for us.