1. Introduction to: Online Shopping

2. With just a click of the mouse, you can buy nearly any product online from the comfort of home. However, the same things can go wrong shopping in cyberspace as in the real world. Scam artists, poor customer service, or a simple computer glitch can turn online shopping into a negative experience. This guide offers advice on how to make your online shopping experiences enjoyable and safe.

3. Advantages Consumers have more access to information about a company and its products Browse online from home anytime of the day or night Wider variety of products available online then in stores or catalogues Lower prices are offered because there is a reduction in over head costs Buyers can make more informed choices by having access to product reviews and rating systems Reduce fuel consumption and air pollution because there is less traveling Shopping online allows you to easily compare products and prices

4. Disadvantages Buyers lose the enjoyment of retail shopping and the social interactions Customers need to have access to a computer and the Internet Not getting what you expected (Example: you can’t “smell” a perfume online)‏ The wide variety of choices can be overwhelming Customers may not know if a site is secure to shop from

5. Solutions Invite a friend to come online shopping with you, then you can still enjoy the social interactions of shopping Use your local CAP site or a friends computer if not having a computer is an issue Order what you are use to and if you are skeptical of a new product read the customers reviews about the product Use a comparison site to compare products Review the websites privacy policy and check the security features of the website If the security features can not be found then do not order from that site

6. Is My Information Secure? Secure websites have a closed lock or unbroken key shown in the web browser Look for an “s” added onto “http” at the beginning of the website's URL address. Often, you do not see the "s" until you actually move to the order page on the Web site. Be aware of using shared computers  Find out who has access to the computers  Will your browsing history and stored information be deleted from the computer when you log off?

7. Research the Website Do business with companies you already know If the company is unfamiliar look for these before you buy:  Physical business address and phone #  Privacy and security policies Look for seal of approval programs like:  TRUSTe  Better Business Bureau  VeriSign Ask friends and family

8. Credit Card, Debit Card, Cash, or Check? Shopping by check or debit card leaves you vulnerable to bank fraud Shop with a credit card  You have the right to dispute a purchase  The law limits you liability to $50 if your card has been fraudulently used Use a separate credit card for online purchases, and check statements often Set up an account with PayPal

9. What Information do I Provide? NEVER provide your social insurance number  Legitimate companies will not ask for this Name, address, and payment information should be sufficient  Websites may mark which questions need to be answered with an asterisk (*)‏ If the company requires information you're uncomfortable sharing, leave the site

10. Don't Fall for Phishing Messages Phishing Messages: emails sent by identity thieves asking you to update your account information for banks, credit cards, or shopping sites The message might look official but legitimate businesses don't ask for sensitive information through email Don't click on a link within a suspicious email, call the business to verify the request Never send your SIN # or financial information via email, this is not a safe method

11. Keeping Records You should receive a confirmation page/email which includes:  Cost of the order  Customer information  Product information  Confirmation # Print copies of all orders made online and keep for your records Print or save company information such as:  Legal terms including return policy  Business name, address, and phone #

12. Shipping Policy Questions to ask:  Is there geographic or other restrictions for delivery?  Are there choices for shipping?  Who pays the shipping cost?  Is there shipping insurance?  What are the shipping and handling fees, and are they reasonable?  Who pays customs and duties at the border?

13. Return and Cancellation Policy Inspect your shipment when it arrives Notify the seller immediately if there is something wrong so you can get a refund or exchange Do you get store credit, or a full refund to your credit card?  Is there a time restriction for using the store credit? Who pays for shipping? Is there a time limit or other restrictions to the return or cancellation? Is there a restocking charge for the returned order?

14. Be Wary of Identity Theft Do your research, be aware of who you are buying from Use shopper's intuition  If it looks too good to be true, it probably is Order credit reports once a year to check for accounts that have been opened without your permission

15. Additional Resources onguardonline.org bbb.org (Better Business Bureau)‏ paypal.com recol.ca (Report Economic Crime Online)‏ the-cma.org (Canadian Marketing Association)‏ econsumer.gov (Cross Border E-Commerce Complaints)‏ safecanada.ca

16. Let's Shop! Books/DVD's/Music  chapters.indigo.ca  hmv.com  amazon.ca  hhbooks.com Electronics  dell.com  futureshop.ca  thesource.ca  bestbuy.com  tigerdirect.ca Department Stores  canadiantire.ca  sears.ca  zellers.ca Other  addedtouch.com  leevalley.com  museumsofcanada.com  onlineshoppers.ca  imagesofcanada.com

17. Comparison Shopping Websites that compare product prices for you www.buysafeshopping.com www.shopzilla.com www.pricegrabber.com www.roboshopper.com www.mysimon.com www.bizrate.com www.amazon.ca