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Customer Help Area

Shopping Tips

Below are some guidelines on how to shop safely on the Web:

Before You Buy:

1.  Do your homework

Take the time to research before you buy. Buying guides provide a useful introduction to different product categories and help you determine what best suits your needs.

2.  Compare products

Once you have narrowed your choices to a few products, find the right one for you. Consumer reviews can uncover the important pros and cons of similar products.

 3.  Calculate total price

When you compare prices, don't forget to add applicable tax and shipping charges to the base price. Many online stores regularly offer free shipping promotions.

 4.  Look beyond price

Unfortunately, the lowest price stores do not always provide the highest level of customer service. Make sure to check a store's reputation and rating before you buy.

 5.  Order ahead of time

Give yourself a few weeks of lead time especially during the busy holiday season. You can pay extra to expedite the delivery of your order, but it may be costly!

 6.  Check return policies

Before you buy, check the particular store's return policy. Return policies can vary widely, though many online stores offer 30-day money back guarantees.

 7.  Pay by credit card

Online fraud is rarely a problem, but just to be safe, many credit cards offer complete purchase protection. Debit cards may not offer you the same protection.

 8.  Keep your receipt

Save your receipts in case you need to track your shipments or even return the item. You can even create a special email folder to store all of your online orders.