Timothy Ratliff

SLM-521

Elective 8

June 10, 2006

 

Online Shopping

 

Method

Description

Websites

Browsing

Allows a shopper to look at various items and window shop in an online store.

Amazon

 

Target

Auctions

Allows a shopper to place bids on all types of items.  In addition to placing bids within a timeframe, shoppers may be able to outright buy the item for a very low discount rate if others did not bid on it.

UBid

 

Ebay

Surplus &

Clearance

Allows a shopper to purchase many products at discount rates.  The sites include bargain and clearance bins that cover a wide range of products from books to electronics and even furniture.

Overstock

 

Smart Bargains

Comparison

Allows a shopper to compare products and prices online to make the best educated consumer purchase.  The shopper can even read other customer reviews about certain products.

BizRate

 

Price Grabber

Wish List

The consumer can create an online wish list of items from more than one store.  The list can then be viewed by family and friends to give them an idea of what the consumer wants for a birthday, wedding, or whatever.

Find Gift

 

Kaboodle

 

Security tips for online shopping

 

  1. Look for the picture of the unbroken key or the closed lock in the browser window or a URL that begins with an https before entering any personal information.  Either of them indicates that the security on that site is active and your risk a lot lower.  If a broken key or an open lock appears, do not enter any personal information as the site is not secure.

 

  1. Read the privacy statement on the website to understand how your personal information is going to be used.  I would recommend calling the number provided on the site to make sure it is working and will connect you to a legitimate business.  I would also cross check the address of the company/person that you are doing online business with to make sure it is legitimate.

 

  1. Make sure you have a reliable firewall set up on your computer as well as a good virus and spyware protector to protect your computer from internet hackers and predators.