Internet Shopping Tips
Where else can you shop for virtually anything you need, 7 days
a week, 24 hours a day? Or purchase an item from a store halfway
around the world -- without leaving home? The simplicity, virtually
limitless selection, and convenience of online shopping have given
consumers an exciting new way to make purchases. And just like shopping
at your local store, Visa is the best way to pay when shopping online.
You can use your SELCO Visa Credit Card or Debit Card card to pay
for purchases at a wide variety of online merchants, and you'll
be protected just as
you
would
be in
the
physical world. Read on for some useful information from Visa to
enhance your Internet shopping experience.
Use the Internet to comparison shop before
buying online.
The Internet is a great resource for comparison shopping. Instead
of searching store after store, you can navigate between store sites
from the comfort of your home. Before buying, use the Web to get
price and product information and to find the items you want.
Use your Visa card to shop online.
Just as Visa is the best way to pay in the physical world, using
your Visa card to pay for goods and services on the Internet provides
you with the benefits of cardholder protection. Remember, many online
merchants will only ship goods purchased with a VISA card to the
address where your bill is sent, unless they have authorization
from you which permits the use of an alternate shipping address.
Check the store's shipping policy and options before you finalize
your order. You can use
Online Banking to change or update the address on your account if
necessary. You can also call (800) 445-4483 for address verification
and/or to add alternate addresses to your record.
Use your SELCO Visa Debit card to shop online.
Use your SELCO Visa Debit Card
to make purchases online and have the funds deducted directly from
your checking account intead of your credit account. Check your
account history in online banking to verify the details of any transaction.
Always use a secure Web browser.
Using Netscape Navigator version 2.0 (or later), or any version
of Microsoft Internet Explorer as your browser provides you with
an added level of security when shopping on the Web. These browsers
use Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) technology, a proven and easy-to-use
system that lets your browser automatically encrypt, or scramble,
your personal data before sending it to the merchant via the Internet.
SSL shows you that a Web site is secure when an unbroken key or
a lock appears in your browser window.
Shop with merchants you know, or research
before you buy.
If you're not familiar with an online store, take the same precautions
you would with traditional mail and telephone merchants. Read their
privacy policy and make a note of their physical address and phone
number. If you have concerns, ask friends for references, contact
your local consumer protection agency, or check the company's complaint
record with a business monitoring organization such as the Better
Business Bureau in countries where these organizations are available.
Check delivery and return policies.
Before completing an online transaction, read the delivery and return
policies on the merchant's home page. Make sure you can return any
unsatisfactory items and check to see if you can get your money
refunded or if you will receive a merchandise credit. Sales policies
should cover the delivery methods and cost of delivery, currency
accepted, taxes applied, return and refund policy, and a contact
number or e-mail address.
Track your Order
Most online merchant's provide you with an email confirmation of
your order (for your records) and will supply you with a printable
receipt as well. Many merchant's will provide you with a shipping
tracking number (if they ship with a commom carrier) after your
order has been shipped so you can track your purchases to determine
the exact date they'll be delivered.
Keep a record of your transactions.
Just as you would save your receipt in case you need to return or
exchange an item, you'll want to keep a record of all online transactions,
including the merchant's URL (Internet address). That way, you'll
have all the information at your fingertips in case a question about
an order arises. Several computer software and browser providers
now offer electronic wallets that can automatically log your Internet
purchases. Many online merchants will email you an order confirmation
that summarizes the price and quantity of a purchase. Print and
save a copy of this information.
Keep your password secret.
Some online merchants require you to register a user name and password
before buying an item. Just as you keep your Automated Teller Machine
(ATM) code secret, keep your password secret from outside parties.
Make sure you know the difference between
buying from a business and buying from a private seller.
With the expansion of online classifieds and auctions, it's now
more common for individuals to be selling goods themselves via the
Internet. Be aware that your legal rights against an individual
may not be the same as against a business. While most people are
legitimate, your legal recourse may be different if you're not satisfied
with the merchandise.
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1-800-445-4483