Do you know the seller's reputation?
You might feel safer dealing with companies you already know and trust. If you're not familiar with the name and reputation of a company-and especially if a seller has sent you an unsolicited e-mail message ("spam")-find out more before you buy
You might feel safer dealing with companies you already know and trust. If you're not familiar with the name and reputation of a company-and especially if a seller has sent you an unsolicited e-mail message ("spam")-find out more before you buy
How can you avoid "spam"?
Although many e-mails say to click on a link if you would like your name removed from the seller's mailing list, some experts advise against doing that unless the email is clearly from a merchant that you have dealt with on a regular basis. You can probably rely on the "unsubscribe" or "delete" link in email from a merchant you know. However, if you have never dealt with person or merchant who sent the email, do not click on the "delete" link or respond directly. Your response tells the spammer that your address is a "live one" and may then sell it to others who wish to send unsolicited commercial messages. A better way to deal with spam is to contact your Internet service provider to complain about these messages and to ask whether they can be blocked.
Check the privacy policy of merchants you are thinking of buying from. That policy usually says whether they will transfer your information to anyone else and may provide a way for you to say you do not want to it go to anyone else. The privacy policy may also allow you to limit promotional emails sent out by that merchant.
Although many e-mails say to click on a link if you would like your name removed from the seller's mailing list, some experts advise against doing that unless the email is clearly from a merchant that you have dealt with on a regular basis. You can probably rely on the "unsubscribe" or "delete" link in email from a merchant you know. However, if you have never dealt with person or merchant who sent the email, do not click on the "delete" link or respond directly. Your response tells the spammer that your address is a "live one" and may then sell it to others who wish to send unsolicited commercial messages. A better way to deal with spam is to contact your Internet service provider to complain about these messages and to ask whether they can be blocked.
Check the privacy policy of merchants you are thinking of buying from. That policy usually says whether they will transfer your information to anyone else and may provide a way for you to say you do not want to it go to anyone else. The privacy policy may also allow you to limit promotional emails sent out by that merchant.
Do you know the individual's reputation?
Some online auction sites offer "feedback" areas where customers discuss their experiences with a particular person auctioning off goods. Before submitting a bid on an item, check the remarks made about the seller. Remember, however, that positive responses may have been placed by friends and family.
Some online auction sites offer "feedback" areas where customers discuss their experiences with a particular person auctioning off goods. Before submitting a bid on an item, check the remarks made about the seller. Remember, however, that positive responses may have been placed by friends and family.
Will the seller be at the same web address tomorrow?
With a physical store or a catalog, you know where to turn if you run into problems. But in cyberspace, all you may have is a web address. Look on the site for a street address and phone number or do a web search on the seller. Be wary if the seller's only contact information is a post office box.
With a physical store or a catalog, you know where to turn if you run into problems. But in cyberspace, all you may have is a web address. Look on the site for a street address and phone number or do a web search on the seller. Be wary if the seller's only contact information is a post office box.
Does it matter if the seller has experience selling the product?
The law generally gives you more protection when you buy an item from a seller who regularly sells those items.
The law generally gives you more protection when you buy an item from a seller who regularly sells those items.
Is the company an authorized seller?
You may get better warranty service if you buy from an authorized seller. How do you know who's authorized? You can call the manufacturer of the product you're interested in, or visit the manufacturer's web site to check if the operator of the site has been authorized to sell the manufacturer's product.
You may get better warranty service if you buy from an authorized seller. How do you know who's authorized? You can call the manufacturer of the product you're interested in, or visit the manufacturer's web site to check if the operator of the site has been authorized to sell the manufacturer's product.
Is the seller still in business?
You may wish to telephone or send an e-mail to be sure the seller is still in operation, particularly if the web site's material appears to be old or out of date
You may wish to telephone or send an e-mail to be sure the seller is still in operation, particularly if the web site's material appears to be old or out of date
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