I bought a bunch of stuff over the Holidays only to find out there are
some pretty unscrupulous online retailers who will only be too happy to
charge your credit card and then tell you down the road they dont have
product when they continue to advertise that they do.
I think the words SCUM & Dirtbags come to mind. Maybe collectively we
can start to weed out some of these undesirables off the internet or at
least point them out.
***************** BEFORE YOU BUY TIPS **********************
1. CHECK THE RETAILER OUT FIRST
- Get an Online Reliability Report from the Better Business Bureau in
the City, Town, or County the Business is Listed in.
For Example: Google >> Better Business Bureau Los Angeles
2. CHECK OUT ONLINE REVIEWS OF THE RETAILER
- Pricewatch.com & Resellerratings.com and others have online comments
from buyers.
Just remember that anyone (including retailers themselves) can place
reviews to make their ratings higher. Look at all the negatives.
- Ask questions on Computer Newsgroups.
3. ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS, Use a Credit Card to Make your Purchase.
- Most Credit Card Companies insure your purchases against FRAUD.
Check with your Bank or Credit Card Company about its SECURITY and
PROTECTION policies. Most have 100% coverage. Inquire about minimum and
maximum purchase amounts.
4. KEEP RECORDS OF YOUR PURCHASE
- Print out the Items Ordered Screen with the Final purchase amounts.
You can also save this to your computer by saving the Page several
ways.
* Do File > Save As > Filename.html
* View > Source > {then save file as a .html or .txt file}
* Hit Print Screen Button on top of your computer keyboard
(This saves the file as Picture file)
Note: Some retailers dont want you to print out their pages and use
techniques to block you from doing so. The last 2 ways get around that.
:-]
5. IF YOU SUSPECT THE RETAILER IS FRAUDULENT OR USING UNETHICAL
BUSINESS PRACTICES;
- Tell your Bank or Credit Card Company and ask them for advice about
what plan of action you should take.
- File a Complaint with the Local Better Business Burueau in the Town,
City, or County where the Retailer is Located.
IF ALL ELSE FAILS;
- Contact the ATTORNEY GENERAL OFFICE in the State the Business is
Located and file a complaint. Usually just telling the Retailer you are
angry and going to contact the Attorney Generals Office works wonders.
They have the power to revoke licenses and put people out of business.
I hope this helps. Feel Free to Add suggestions or ideas.
Happy Shopping!
Teknowbabble
