8 Tips to Maximize Your Online Shopping Experience

With high-tech data encryption and other security technologies, online shopping is one of the most secure forms of commerce available. It can also be a convenient and stress-free way to address your shopping needs.

What follows are 8 tips for maximizing your online shopping experience by enhancing your security — and ultimately your peace of mind. If you follow these 8 tips you will avoid many problems.

1. Use a Secure Web Browser

Make sure the web browser on your computer is current and you have download the latest patches and updates. All major web browsers are capable of secure shopping sessions with 128-bit encryption strength.

2. Shop Secure and Reputable Stores Only

man shopping onlineA secure web browser will not protect you if you are shopping on a site that is not secure. Reputable sites have security measures in place to protect your online shopping experience and use at least 128-bit encryption on their servers during checkout. Verify the security of your checkout session within the status bar of your browser by looking for the appropriate security icon (often a “locked” padlock). You can click on this icon for important security details about your current shopping checkout session. The absence of this icon (or an “unlocked” padlock) means your checkout session is probably not secure. Note: only the checkout session needs to be secure so don’t be alarmed if you don’t see security enabled at other times. Never enter your credit card if the session is not secure.

3. Use a Major Credit Card

Credit cards generally provide the highest level of legal protection from fraud and liability. All major credit card issuers also have customer service teams to help with dispute resolution and fraud claims should they arise.

4. Review Store Return Policies

While returns are usually not needed and many online stores make this process very easy, it’s still a good idea to review the store’s return policy so there are no surprises should you need to make a return. Please note that returns can alter the minimum order size and result in a removal of free shipping or other discount that had a minimum qualifying order size. Many stores also require a RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) before they will accept a return so be sure to follow their procedures correctly.

5. Verify Order Before Final Submit

Most online shopping carts provide a final review page so you can verify your order before submitting. At this time be sure to check your shipping and billing addresses for accuracy, your items ordered (quantity, size, color, etc.), and any other order details. If you used a coupon code or discount link, then, unless stated otherwise, the appropriate action or discount should be reflected on this page. Your shipping total should be clearly stated here as well. Generally your state’s sales tax, when required, will be itemized as well. If all is correct, be sure to click the submit button (or link in some cases) to authorize the purchase.

6. Print a Receipt

After your final review and order submission, you should receive a confirmation and/or receipt (and often a second one via email). It’s a good idea to print this page (or save the confirmation email) for your records until your order has arrived and you have checked it for accuracy. This confirmation or receipt often contains store policies, shipping information, tracking numbers, customer service contact information and other helpful details. It can also expedite the return process should you need that.

7. Track Your Shipment

Many online stores will notify you via email when you order has shipped and will provide you with an electronic tracking numbers. This tracking number enables you to track the location of your package as it makes its way to you. (We have links to major shipping companies where you can track your order’s status and estimated arrival date.)

8. Carefully Check Your Products

When your order arrives, be sure to carefully check the invoice to see if any items are backordered, canceled or being sent by separate package. Many online stores have multiple warehouses and so ship a single order from many destinations meaning that your order may arrive over a period of a few days and in several different packages. Make sure all items arrived intact and without damage. Does it work? Does it fit? Are all the pieces there? These and other similar questions should be verified quickly so a return request, if needed, can be initiated before it’s too late. Often a return process must be started within 30 days of receipt or the item is no longer eligible for return.

By following these eight tips you can maximize your online shopping experience and avoid most of the problems some people experience. Many who have made these tips part of their standard online shopping procedure feel that online shopping is the most convenient form of shopping.

23 Comments

  1. Silvia on November 11, 2015 at 6:29 pm

    Simple but very accurate information… Many thanks for sharing this. A must read post!

  2. Brandy on January 16, 2016 at 11:53 am

    Excellent website. I stumbledupon it 😉 I will revisit yet again since i have book marked it. Money and freedom is the greatest way to change, may you be rich and continue to help others.

  3. Lakeisha on January 16, 2016 at 1:14 pm

    Thanks for sharing. Nice thought – thats why i read it entirely

  4. Ronda on January 16, 2016 at 11:27 pm

    Do you mind if I quote a few of your articles as long as I provide credit and sources back to your webpage? My website is in the very same niche as yours and my visitors would definitely benefit from a lot of the information you present here. Please let me know if this alright with you. Thanks a lot!

    • Mike Allen on January 18, 2016 at 12:23 pm

      Hi Ronda — Thank you for asking. Glad you like our blog. Please do use it as a reference.

  5. Isaac on January 17, 2016 at 12:17 am

    Great topic and well written. Do you have any more resources about this that you recommend?

  6. ash on January 17, 2016 at 2:46 am

    This is a topic that is close to my heart… Thank you!

  7. Craig on January 17, 2016 at 8:19 am

    This was an incredibly wonderful article. Thanks for providing this information.

  8. Ute on January 17, 2016 at 9:34 am

    You have made some really good points here. I checked on the internet for additional information about the issue and found most individuals go along with your views.

  9. Lucile on January 17, 2016 at 9:31 pm

    Nice post. I learn something new and challenging on blogs I stumbleupon every day. It’s always useful to read content from other authors and practice something from their websites.

  10. Lillian on January 18, 2016 at 6:56 am

    Excellent post.

    • Mike Allen on January 18, 2016 at 12:32 pm

      Thank you, Lillian. Seems this article has really grown in popularity the past few days. People must be sharing it. Thanks for reading and commenting!

  11. Stacia on January 18, 2016 at 5:46 pm

    Saved as a favorite, I love your web site!

  12. Byron on January 19, 2016 at 6:06 am

    Simple but very precise info… Thank you for sharing this one. A must read article!

    • Mike Allen on January 19, 2016 at 7:21 pm

      Thank you, Byron. We aim for clarity in our posts. Glad you liked it!

  13. Louisa Stradbroke on January 19, 2016 at 7:05 am

    I’m undoubtedly enjoying your blog and look forward to new posts.

  14. Ann Marie Cline on January 19, 2016 at 9:32 am

    I couldn’t refrain from commenting. Very well written!

  15. Eugene on January 19, 2016 at 10:12 am

    Great post. I’m impressed! Very helpful information specifically the last part 🙂

    Thank you and best of luck.

    • Mike Allen on January 19, 2016 at 7:23 pm

      I’m glad you liked this, Eugene. It’s easy to forget to check those packages when they arrive, especially for big orders around Christmas!

  16. Green on February 26, 2016 at 2:07 am

    Thanks for fantastic info. I was looking for this information for my mission.

  17. klg on February 26, 2016 at 2:29 am

    Excellent site you have got here.. I seriously appreciate individuals like you! Take care!!

  18. Abigail Sanders on March 4, 2016 at 1:06 am

    At the least this is more enlightening than one of those reality Television stars, kim who? Joey what?

Leave a Comment