Patricia Jimenez
SLM 521 – elective #12
$$ Online Shopping $$
The Internet puts vast amounts of information and resources right under your fingertips 24/7. You can avoid waiting in line at the mall, forego the panic of rush hour traffic, forget about keeping an eye on your watch because the store is about to close, and best of all – no one cares if you combed your hair or even took off your pajamas. With a few keystrokes and the click of a button you can send flowers, locate a dream house, buy music, make travel plans, do your bank transactions, and more. Shopping has never been so fast and easy!
As with all new adventures, there are a few ground rules which should be observed.
- Transaction security is a priority!
a) Secure web page addresses begin with https rather than http
b) Look for the picture of an unbroken key or closed lock in your browser window.
c) Stay within the connection of the site when giving personal data. Do not offer personal data within ordinary e-mail.
2. Keep your password private. Be creative in its conception. Use a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols.
3. Know the company with which you are
doing business. Research reveals
reputation. Make sure the site is an
actual representation of the vendor and not a person or company trying to
re-sell a product.
4. Pay safely. Never use your debit card in case there is a
dispute. It is better to use a credit
card. Never use instant cash transfer
services such as
The following
shopping guide will introduce you to some of my favorite sites.
|
Method |
Method Description |
Suggested Sites |
|
Comparison Shopping |
Shopping search engines search the Internet to prices from multiple stores for your desired product. |
Easy to search and compare search by category get advice and ideas read consumer reports |
|
Auctions |
Items can be sold by an individual or a small business to the highest bidder. The actual site provides guidelines to prohibited items. A seller can set buyer requirements. The buyer is offered protection under community fraud guidelines and securities. |
Offers no charge service to sell Uses PayPal Encourages feedback live auctions lists upcoming auctions uses PayPal |
|
Gift Giving |
Shop for gifts from various top stores on the Web. You can shop by category, occasion, top picks, or age. |
Search and browse online mail-order catalogs Features sweets, nuts, and pastries “ Links to other gift sites |
|
Wish List |
Individual creates a wish list and shares it with their friends and family. A sure way to get things that you want instead of things you want to return or swap. |
Home page lets you click your way to a wish list Free universal gift registry Tells you how to add this gift registry to your web
page |
|
Browsing |
Individual looks casually for the perfect gift without any specific or pre-determined ideas. |
Offers gift ideas at various prices Offers Star Rewards credit Features links for main gift idea categories Features sponsored listings and links to gift stores Lists “cool and useful sites” |
** Caveat emptor! **