If you are like me and millions of other Americans, you are doing more of your shopping on-line currently. There are lots of reasons more folks are shopping online today. People want to avoid the crowds at the mall, find lower prices, possess the convenience of 24 hour shopping and locate a wider selection. You will find some pitfalls and drawbacks to shopping on-line but these may be avoided if you are a smart online shopper.

You have an notion of a product reviews (websites) you want to buy. You go to one of the big 3 search engines online, Google, Yahoo and MSN, to do some study. Or simply you use among the many comparison shopping sites to search out a store that carries the product you are trying to find. Now that you have found the shop and also the product at the cost you are satisfied with, what's next?

First of all, take a look at the shop contact information. Do they have a toll-free number you can call and speak to a real person if any problems arise? Perhaps they're an extremely small or new operation, should they do not have a toll free number, do they at least have a regular telephone number to call? The minimum a shop should have is definitely an e-mail address in which you can contact them. If all you find for contact information is a web form to fill out, leave quickly!

Second, take a look at the return policy of the store you are considering. Sometimes the shop owners make this more challenging than it should be. If you don't see a button on the main page saying, Return Policy, look for an info page. A reputable store will give you at least 30 days by which to return your purchase for a full refund of the purchase price. Do not expect the shipping cost to be refunded. The merchant has already paid that amount to the shipping company. Be aware of stores that shorten the return time to 7 or 10 days. Many of these in addition have a restock fee that they charge. If you return an item to them, the restock fee can vary from 10 to 30% or higher. You should never have to pay a restock fee.

Third, take a look at the stores privacy policy. They should never share the information you provide them with when making a purchase with any 3rd party. Should you have any questions or something isn't clear up to this point, call the shop. You should anticipate to talk to a real person during business hours and after hours you should be able to leave a message and they should return your call the next day. If you contact them via e-mail, they should reply within 24 hours. Should you have any trouble contacting the store before a sale, you may be reassured that they will not be conveniently reached after a sale. So it's time to find another merchant.

One of my pet peeves is unsolicited e-mails from online stores where I have made a purchase. If they send newsletters or sale notices they should have an opt in signup. If you did not sign up for almost any promotional material to be e-mailed to you, you should never be contacted by them, unless it regards an issue with your order being completed and shipped. Personally, when I receive unsolicited e-mail from a shop where I've made a purchase, I contact them. I tell them to take me off their contact list and that I will never do business with them again. If enough of us do this, maybe they'll take the hint.

There are plenty of reputable companies, both small or large, online. You may buy great products at low prices and receive wonderful service. Just keep your eyes open for the few bad actors online who try to make use of you.