Five Things to Remember When You Shop Online

If you’re like the many hard-working consumers who hate waiting in long checkout lines and burning up your gas tank in search of the best deals on the products you want, then online shopping may be in your best interest! Shopping online can save you the headache of pushing through crowds of people in your favorite store, and save you and your wallet the frustration of buying an overpriced product. Ladies and gentlemen, instead of spending too much on that fabulous skirt or getting disappointed because you can’t find that right pair of shoes to fit your size or style, check out the world of online shopping. When you are shopping online, just remember the top five things to keep in mind before confirming your checkout.

1. Review shipping fees and estimations of delivery

Majority of online retailers provide an option of standard flat-rate shipping of products, which is among the most popular inexpensive option for consumers. Expedited shipping is typically available but this can often be an expensive option.

The average estimation of standard delivery is five to fifteen business days. Expedited shipping averages at 3-5 business days, but often for twice the cost of standard shipping. Free shipping is available for certain products depending on the retailer. Always check the shipping fees and delivery estimations in order to receive the best deal.

2. Review each item’s return policy

Each online retailer has different return policies for their products. Before ordering online, consult the online customer service department to review the item’s return policy regarding time frame for returns and for defective products.

3. Look for the website’s quality rating of the product

Quality ratings are provided to help give mental imagery on the condition of the item. The most common terms online retailers use are “new”, “used”, “like-new, “refurbished”, and “fair”. Remember that each website will use these terms differently, so save yourself the shock of receiving a “like-new” or “refurbished” product when you were expecting a brand new one by checking the quality rating of the item before checkout.

4. Acknowledge customer reviews

Customer reviews, just like recommendations from friends or family, can influence your decision on purchasing an item online. Customer reviews are first hand experiences from other online shoppers who have bought the item you are considering. These reviews will tell you whether the item arrives how it is described, how long it has lasted, how well it works and more. If available, checkout the customer reviews to get an idea of the product to ensure your complete satisfaction with a purchase.

5. Be confident the product is what you want.

Product descriptions should be thoroughly read in order to get a clear understanding of the item. Depending on what you decide to purchase, always re-check the model, sizes, and colors before you click to make that final purchase. So, instead of anxiously waiting for that beautiful couch to be delivered, only to find that it won’t fit through your front door, double check yourself and read each description carefully.

Five steps to do it now:

Step 1: Search It. The first thing to do is “Google” it. Search for the specific item that you are looking for and consider adding the terms “best price” or “best value”.

Step 2: Compare. For products, start with Amazon.com, check aggregators like Ebates.com and Fat Wallet, and look on daily deal sites for the products you want.

Step 3: Look for Additional Savings. Many websites have frequent coupon codes that you can get from aggregators like Retail Me Not or Chippmunk if they are not on Ebates.

Step 4: Look for Your Item on Curated Sale Sites. There are many great curated sale websites depending on which type of product that could have the same or similar products.

Step 5: Wait! If a product need is not urgent, wait a few days before buying anything.

Step 6: Go! Now you are ready to buy.

Whenever the day comes you decide to make a purchase online, remember these five things to get the most out of your purchase because shopping online can be a great way to shop stress-free, save you time, and leave your pocket book delighted.