HOW TO shop on line .....

  Ohhh who would ever need to know how to do that?  It's so easy, you look, you like, you click, you buy!    While I was packing orders this morning I was thinking about ordering on line... I do it a lot myself. But I have guidelines ... do you?   I'll share mine and hope you will share yours.    First I know what I want...ummm generally. Then I Google. You know my motto "Google is your friend" !   Also, don't just look on the first three pages, some of the best bargains I have found have been on page five or even further down the page line.  Read the retailers policies so you know what is what from the start. Some charge a "packing" fee, a "small order" or a handling fee on top of shipping costs.
I make sure I have a pad, pen and a measuring tape.
A good retailer will give you measurements of their items and I use the tape to make sure I have a good sense of a products size.  I have been disappointed once or twice when I receive a liliputian item I thought would be a nice size.   If a retailer doesn't list a size and I haven't found it elsewhere I will contact them to find out the dimensions.   I write down the web address and the price of the item plus shipping .. if the retailer does not list shipping you can go to USPS.gov and figure it out yourself if the weight of the item is given. If the weight of the item isn't listed AND they do not have a way for you to calculate shipping charges or tell you they will let you know the shipping costs (AND that they will refund overages ) before they charge you I would advise not doing business with that retailer.  Remember too though that you are usually saving gas and tax by ordering online so factor that in when figuring if the shipping is worth it.
I once ordered some jewelry components from  a retailer who said they couldn't figure shipping costs until the order was completed, I figured it's a few components they won't weigh over 8 oz. Well,  my shipping charges were $11.90 for some jewelry components that could have fit into an envelope and been mailed for under $2.00 OR at the very least put in a small flat rate box for $4.90. I did get my postage refunded but it took me a lot of time.  Needless to say I will never do business with that company again.   
Use Paypal to pay if you can...I will choose a retailer who accepts Paypal over one that will not.  It is easier to get resolution for a buyer with Paypal.   If you do pay by credit card remember you only have a limited time to file a dispute if your goods or transaction doesn't go smoothly.   Be sure to know what your recourse is before purchasing.   

If I have a problem I try to be as polite as I can when emailing or calling.   I explain the problem or concern. If you are nice most times the retailer will do everything they can to make you happy.  If you aren't polite it might be a bit more difficult.   I know I will go out of my way for a friendly customer.

  If you love shabby, cottage, Victorian or even Primitive there are online shopping malls that list shops with those styles and you can look through a variety of small shops from one central place.  I've found that these shop owners are easier to deal with and more willing to work with you.

Those are my tips, please share yours !   You know I appreciate you stopping by and leaving a comment.
Don't forget to enter to win a tea cup candle too...drawing will be on Friday.   Until then, ya'll bee sweet and come back to visit.

Author

Francie...The Scented Cottage Studio Francie...The Scented Cottage Studio Fiksioner is a free template that suitable for personal blogging because the layout is like a journal.

6 comments

Francie, all good advise, the shipping can be a huge problem. That is where many online shops make all of there money. That is the cutest kitty, I would love to have him LOL!

Carol
HI! I'm Tabitha said…
man lady are u a nutty shopper....I thought i was bad
Anonymous said…
Hi Francie!
Wow - you have helped me out so much - got to thinking about that google search and tried to search a couple of items I have for sale, which I could not find - yikes!! If you could please advise on how to make things you are selling searchable I would be ever so grateful.
PS Love that sweet kitty/model :)
Hugs,
Sabre'
Bonjour Francie
I don't think your a nutty shopper? I think your a great shopper, and smart. Nothing wrong with any of this info as far as I'm concerned.
I don't shop on line very much, being in Canada. Just not worth it most of the time. We have a hefty duty tax. Otherwise I'd be ordering left and right.
I like that you like a friendly customer : )
Ok gotta get back to my spaghetti. Can you smell it?
Love Claudie
xoxoxo
Mya said…
Those are things that you just might not think about - thank you for the advice.
I think I need to practice more - there shoud be a badge for The Savvy Online Shopper.
Anonymous said…
I went to order some napkins on line the other day. I needed brown paper napkins and they are hard to find. I found what I was looking for and it should have weighed no more than a pound. They wanted $14.00 to ship. I said no way! I surely don't mind paying a small handling fee but don't try to rip me off. Nuff said. xoxo