Trader Lou is all about safe, online shopping. Our 9 years of experience and over 1 million items sold have taught us many lessons. No matter where you shop online, keep these tips in mind:
1. Shop at an online store that you know. Be sure that you recognize the web address (the address bar at the top of your browser).
2. We encourage our customers NOT to shop on eBay. There appears to be growing wide-spread fraud issues. There’s also a growing list of new sellers from overseas where you have limited protection.
3. Use a credit card or PayPal. Electronic transactions offer you buyer protection.
4. Purchase from store that uses a reliable shopping platform. Look for symbols of approval like Yahoo or Amazon.
5. If it’s too good to be true, it’s too good to be true. Stay away from 90% off sales
6. Know the shipping, handling and insurance charges in advance. These rates should be clearly stated along with the item. Beware of special handling fees.
7. Demand tracking for packages. For domestic customers, the seller should easily be able to provide you a tracking or confirmation number of your package.
8. Know the return policy. 7 days is minimum. Beware if there is a re-stocking fee and if your return merchandise shipping cost will be reimbursed.
9. Access to customer service. If you have questions, customer service should be easy to contact. A phone number or online chat is preferred. Email is fine but you should receive a reply within 48 hours. Ask questions and get answers before you make the purchase.
10. Product knowledge and stock location. Many online sellers today don’t even stock the items they sell. They simply advertise products and have a distant warehouse “pick and ship” the item to you. Avoid these online stores because they typically are very poor quality.
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July 5th, 2009 at 12:48 am
In March of this year I bid and won on a site that adveristed a certificate of a Baron…in this case Baroness. I did this for the fun of it, but was serious in my bidding. I won of course, paid my money, and as it turned out I had bid on two..but still paid. I have never rec’d my certificate or any acknowledgement, except for them to say they had mailed it. Now I am out of the 200+$ and not anything for my money…I agree when you post for people to be careful, thank you for that.