SolveYourProblem Article Series: Online Shopping
Teach Me To Shop Smarter Online
Shopping
Online: How to Spot a Fake Seller
There is no opportunity to look a business
owner in the eye to see if they are honest, if you trust the
deal, when you are shopping online. Shopping online requires
consumers to take extra precautions in protecting themselves
against scams and fake sellers. An educated online shopper
can have a safe Internet experience by following these tips
for how to spot a fake seller when shopping online.
Tip
#1: If it looks too good to be true, it is. Yes, there
are some great bargains and to be found while shopping online,
but the old adage stands true. You simply can find a new iPod
for $30.00, no matter how good of a shopper you are. This low
ball pricing is a red flag for a fake seller. Use the Internet
to the seller’s prices to numerous other vendors. You can also
compare the shipping prices and terms of sale.
Tip
#2: What does the website look like? Take some time to
just scan over the website. Do you get a feeling that this
company is professional? Are they customer oriented? Does it
seem like they know what they are doing? Using your common
sense it is easy to get a feel for some quick warning signs.
Be sure there is contact information for the company, including
a phone number and physical address, not just email. Check
the phone number to make sure it is legitimate. Do they clearly
display the return policy? What type of payment do they accept?
Tip
# 3: Verify the company is legitimate. In addition to
making sure the contact number on the website is a working
number, also verify the company. Using the Internet, Better
Business Bureau, or resources via eBay, you can research the
company data. You may be able to find out information such
as how long they have been in business, how long they have
been transacting business on the internet, how much business
they do, and if there are any complaints against them. PayPal
is another service that will keep track of the status of their
accounts. If a retailer does not accept PayPal, or has been
banned from using PayPal this is a definite red flag.
Tip
#4: Ask many questions, just like retail stores. If you
are considering an expensive purchase in a retail store, chances
are you will ask many questions to the sales person. Do not
forget to ask all of these same questions when you are shopping
online. If they provide a description of the item, this does
not mean you cannot call and probe for even more answers about
the product. This also provides another opportunity for you
to validate the seller and the transaction.
Tip
#5: Use an Escrow account to assist your high-end transactions. Use a reputable escrow company, they will hold your payment
and not transfer it to the seller until you receive your purchase,
compare it to the photograph of the item you bid for, and confirm
its authenticity. Escrow will charge a commission. Typically
in negotiation, buyers and sellers will split the fee.
Tip
#6: Carefully consider your method of payment and their
terms. Learn what the process and term are for returns. What
about late shipments? What happens if you are not satisfied?
What if the product arrives damaged? How easy or difficult
will it be to get your money back? A legitimate vendor should
have all of this information easily available on their website.
Do not wire money or send money orders. The best way to track
an online transaction is through PayPal. PayPal also gives
you a rating for every vendor you use with him or her. This
rating is reflective of their track record and customer relationship
history. Be sure that you retain all records of your transactions,
even after you have received your shipment.
There are many great items to be found in the cyber-world
of online shopping. A savvy consumer needs to remember it is
easy to be taken in by a great deal online. Keeping a constant
eye out for warning signs and red flags is a must.
Remembering this tips for how to spot a fake seller when shopping
online will make your Internet experience much more enjoyable.
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SolveYourProblem.com : 2007
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