Aimee Kelly

SLM 521

Spring 2004

Online Shopping

Method	Description	Suggested Links
Auction	These sites allow you to make your decision about how much you think something is worth and make a bid. People all over the world put in their bids on everything from clothing to antiques, to plants.	http://pages.ebay.com/ http://www.ubid.com/
Gift Giving	These sites allow you to search in categories that make sense for the recipient of your gift. Most gift sites provide services like wrapping, delivering to the recipient’s address, and wishlists.	http://www.gifts.com/ http://www.redenvelope.com/
Gift Certificates	These sites allow you to purchase gift certificates for just about anything imaginable. Some purchases are gift cards and certificates that are mailed to the purchaser or the recipient. Some purchases are created on the web and sent to the recipient.	http://www.giftcertificates.com/ http://www.webcertificate.com/webcert/
Wish Lists	These sites allow participants to create a wishlist that they can then make available to friends and family by either sending it to them or letting them know the list’s location. Participants can wish for just about anything anywhere and put it on the list. Then those people close to the participant know just what they’d like for their birthday, Christmas, or just because.	http://www.wishbox.com/ http://www.mygiftlist.com/
Surplus & Clearance	These sites are for all the bargain hunters shopping in cyberspace. Shoppers can purchase items that are on clearance or were overbought by a retailer for a reduced price. My favorites of these sites list the original price. Then you can really feel like a bargain hunter.	http://www.overstock.com/ http://www.smartbargains.com/

Shopping Safety Tips:

It is important to be able to recognize a secure connection before you give anyone your credit information online. Most sites will inform you, through some type of dialog box, that you are using a secure connection. If this does not happen, look for another sign. If the URL begins with https instead of http, you are on a secure connection. You may also see an image of a locked padlock, an unbroken key or a similar image on your browser window. Look for this before you give away any credit information.

Shop with companies you are familiar with. If you do not have prior knowledge of them, ask for a paper brochure or catalog before you order. Also be sure to know their return and refund policies before purchasing anything.

Enjoy shopping!