Hi Kayllene

Sorry for your bad experience but you should not let that put you off from shopping online, I get most of what I own from shopping on the internet, e.g. weekly groceries, CDs, DVDs, books, furniture, computer peripherals, household goods and the list goes on.

However, I do take certain precautions before I deal with a company for the first time; for example, I insure that my first order is a small one - no more than £5.00 (that is less than $10.00). If they deliver as promised then I know the company can be trusted but if they do not deliver then I have not lost much.

If I want a bigger item, like a DVD player, I talk to the company and ask questions about the product, i.e. specifications, is stock available, delivery times, etc. Again, if they know what they are talking about, based on my research about the actual product, then they get my business. If, however, they do not seem to know much or are evasive then they get nothing.

Always buy using a credit card, not your bank account, because most cards have an anti-fraud facility and guarantee the item you buy if it is over a certain amount, in the UK it's £100.00.

In addition, in the UK, there is a consumer company called "Which" that looks into and reviews consumer products. "Which" guarantees that any internet company that carries its logo is an ethical company. I would imagine that there must be an equivalent company in the US (as well as Australia and Canada). So look out for internet companies that are sanctioned by your equivalent of "Which".

Most big high street companies/stores have internet sites; they are usually safe to place orders with, along with big internet only companies like Amazon.com.

Finally, do not get tricked into buying something that is labelled as “free” because if it is truly free then they will not want your credit card or payment details.

Kayllene, there is no substitute for common sense, remember to keep your wits about you and if you see something that seems too good to be true then it probably is, leave it alone.




UK Bob