(Shopping in hollywood) Shopping from the Comfort of Home
No commentsBy Colby Morrison
Buying by telephone and mail is a convenient way of shopping for most consumers. As more people have access to a computer, and as more companies sell their products and services online, the Internet is also becoming a convenient way of shopping for most people.
Consumers face more choices than ever before, not only when selecting merchandise, but in determining whether to shop through the mail, via the Internet, over the phone, at their local store, or the new mall outside of town. The following tips are what smart shoppers should know about purchasing merchandise through the mail, by telephone, or via the Internet.
Shop carefully before buying
First, do some comparison shopping. If the product you want is available locally, how does the local price compare with the telephone or Internet price? (Remember to add the price of handling and delivery for orders that are shipped.) Also consider the advantage of receiving the product right away from a local merchant, and of having the merchant nearby if problems develop. (But also remember the cost and time involved in getting to and from the mall.)
Watch out for offers that seem unbelievably cheap. The merchandise will most likely be of poor quality, or you may never receive it.
Most retail sellers allow a customer to return purchased merchandise within a reasonable time for a full cash refund, store credit, or an equal exchange. Find out the seller’s return policy. Many sellers have a very limited return policy. Some do not allow returns. Can you return the item if the item is too large, or the color is not exactly right? Who pays for return postage? If the seller does not allow returns for full cash refunds, store credit or equal exchanges for at least seven days, the seller’s refund policy must be conspicuously posted.
Find out if the quality and performance of the merchandise are guaranteed. Is there a warranty? If so, check the terms of the warranty. Are repair parts available? Can the item be repaired locally if it needs repair? Who pays for shipping if it needs to be returned to the seller for repair? How long will it take the seller to repair the product and return it to you?
Ask the seller for a more detailed description of the merchandise, and ask for a copy of the warranty, if one is offered, if you have any doubts about either.
Find out how long it will take the business to ship your order. If the business does not state a delivery time, the maximum time you must wait for shipment is 30 days, according to a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) rule, and a similar rule in effect in California. If the business does not ship the item within the proper time frame, it must notify you of the delay and give you the opportunity and a cost-free method to cancel the order and receive a refund.
It is safest to order from reputable merchants who are known to you, your family, or trusted friends. If you have not done business with the merchant before, and the purchase is especially large or important to you, check the business’ reputation. If you have any doubt, call a local consumer protection agency or the Better Business Bureau to find out if they have received any complaints about the company. However, if the Better Business Bureau has not received complaints about a business, which does not necessarily, mean there have not been any complaints. Unless you already know the company by its reputation, it is best not to start out with a big order. Instead, find out how the business handles one that is smaller or less important to you.
If you decide to order
Your name, address, and product information (e.g., stock number, color, size) must be communicated clearly. If you want the item sent to someone else as a gift, it is especially important to give the correct name and address of the person you are sending it to. Most sellers also ask you to provide a means of quick and inexpensive communication, such as a telephone number or e-mail address. Since doing this will involve giving up some of your privacy, give it some thought before you do so.
Keep a copy of your order form and any letters you send to the business. If you order by telephone, make a note of the date, time, type of payment, and confirmation number. If you order over the Internet, print out a copy of your order. If the transaction does not pan out, this information may be of help.
Never send cash. Pay by check, money order, or credit card so that you have a record of payment. If you do not know the company or its reputation for integrity and competency, it is best to pay only by credit card, since you ordinarily can cancel the payment if the promised merchandise is not delivered.
Examine the merchandise immediately when you receive it. Make sure it is what you wanted and ordered. If it is not, telephone or e-mail the business right away. All reputable mail, telephone, and Internet sellers maintain an easy-to-use method of returning such merchandise and either returning your payment or sending the merchandise you ordered. If things do not seem to be going right, notify the business in writing and keep a copy of your letter. Return any merchandise promptly for a refund or exchange.
Before buying over the Internet
Internet shopping can be as safe and advantageous for consumers as shopping by telephone or mail. You have many more options, including purchase of air transportation, music, books, and almost anything else, but there are also some risks, which you can reduce by acting carefully and cautiously.
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Jewelry Gift Ideas
By Armando Ramirez
High-quality jewelry is always a treasured gift and can even become a family heirloom for generations to come. That’s why jewelry makes such a great gift for almost any occasion. Fine jewelry can be given as a gift for men, women, and teens. Use these ideas to find that perfect jewelry for your friend or loved one.
Jewelry Gifts for Women
Buying jewelry for women can be an exhausting task because women often use different types and colors of jewelry to accessorize their apparel. For instance, a woman might wear a 14kt gold necklace to beautify a silky shirt. She might wear a necklace with a colored stone to match the color of her shirt or outfit. Other jewelry women use to accessorize include 14kt gold earrings with stones or diamonds, 14kt gold hoop earrings, a pearl necklace, a bracelet, or a wristwatch. Women love diamond jewelry as well.
Consider her tastes in clothing and jewelry. What type of jewelry does she like to wear? What are her favorite colors? Would she prefer 14K cubic zirconia jewelry instead of real gold or real diamonds?
Jewelry Gifts for Men
If you’re considering a jewelry gift for a man, be sure that he wears jewelry before shopping. Some men will wear a gold necklace or a ring or two while others will wear only a wristwatch and wedding band. Some men even have gold earrings, but you’ll want to be sure before making a gift purchase. Observe for a few days to see what types of jewelry he wears… then, go for it!
Jewelry Gifts for Teens
Teens are usually very particular when it comes to the types of jewelry they will wear. They often go along with the modern fashions, but also enjoy a bit of individuality with their jewelry. Every teen will be different in the way they dress and accessorize, so get to know their dressing patterns before buying the gift. Do they wear multiple necklaces, multiple earrings, or multiple bracelets? Would buying a real 10kt or 14kt gold jewelry piece be wise if they are going to wear it to school or in public places?
Occasions for Jewelry Gifts
There are many special occasions when a jewelry gift would be appropriate. You might give 10kt or 14kt gold earrings to a woman or teen for their birthday. A 10kt or 14kt gold necklace would be a great additional gift to give with a new outfit to a wife for a wedding anniversary. The Christmas holiday season is a great time to give jewelry gifts. For a wedding proposal, a diamond ring on a 14kt gold ring band will do the trick. Jewelry is great for all members of the family, and it’s something they can wear for years to come.
Buying Jewelry Gifts Online
You’ll find a wide variety of jewelry at an online jewelry retailer, and often at highly discounted prices. Jewelers online can usually offer their jewelry for less because they don’t have the store overhead expenses that a brick-and-mortar jewelry store would have. Also, you can browse through hundreds of jewelry pieces right from the comfort of your own home.
Some of the jewelry gift items you might find online include diamond rings for an engagement ring, a pearl necklace, a necklace with colorful stones, gold earrings, gold bracelets, cubic zirconia, and more. Shop online today at a fine jewelry website to find that perfect timeless treasure for your loved one!
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Thursday, March 25th, 2010 at 4:06 pm and is filed under shopping. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
