| Careful What You Click For: An Online Shopper’s Guide Posted: 07 Dec 2011 09:41 AM PST By Anna of Loras College As if there weren't enough reasons to love the internet (Facebook! Tumblr! YouTube!) online shopping is just another addicting part of why we just can’t get enough of surfing the web. What could be better than perusing the Forever21 website on your couch with a mug of coffee, still wearing your jammies? Nothing. But as with many other good things in life, you still need to be smart and careful in your online shopping. From shady sites to sizing disasters, these tips can help you be a happy and savvy online shopper who gets the most out of her internet shopping experience. - Don't buy clothes from unfamiliar sites or from retailers you aren't sure you can trust. If a site looks shady or doesn't have a customer service page and return policy, you probably shouldn't be handing out your credit card number.
- Check and double check sizing! You're not actually trying this on, so be careful! Consult the sizing chart for the actual company you're buying from and don't just assume you're a size five because you're 'always' a size five. Reading the manufacturer descriptions is also a good idea, as they'll sometimes put comments such as "runs large," saving you from dreadful mistakes and the hassle of returns.
Photo - Just in case such horrors do occur and you do need to return something, read up on the company's return policy. Sale items are often no return, so try to be positively certain on those, but if you want to buy two sizes and return the one that doesn't fit as well, make sure that the site allows for it.
- Look for coupons! Online coupons are everywhere if you just know where to look. One site is www.ebates.com, which has online coupons for everything from clothes to movies! Also just Googling the store and the word “coupon” often produces savings.
- Sometimes our credit cards can "disconnect" us from the shopping experience, which can have a disastrous affect on our better judgment. Remember that this is your hard-earned cash, not monopoly money — make a budget and stick to it! Figuring out what it is you actually are shopping for and only buying those items can prevent over-spending and ultimately, regret.
Photo - Let's say you find something you love in a store, but it's the wrong color or size. This is a great time to use online shopping to your full advantage, because you not only know exactly what you want (that purple scoop neck tee in medium), you know where to get it! Sometimes you can even get a better deal online than you would in the store, especially if you take advantage of sales of coupons.
- Some things just shouldn’t be bought online. Cars, furniture and very large or expensive purchases are definitely things you should use extreme caution when buying online. Little details are often easy to hide on such purchases and are best dealt with in person so you know exactly what you’re getting.
Thoughts? Are you an online shopper? What are your favorite sites to shop from? Let us know what you think by leaving us a comment below. We always love to hear from you! |
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