ABA Family Legal Guide

Computer Law

Online Purchases

What else can I do to protect myself in shopping online?

Investigate thoroughly and decide what you want before buying. If the vendor tries to talk you into a different model than you planned on getting and the recommended model sounds really good to you, don't buy anything just yet. Check out the new model and decide if it serves your needs better than your first choice (sometimes you will find that it does). If so, check comparative pricing and then, depending on pricing, go back to the vendor that recommended it, or choose another. Impulse buying can get you burned badly.

Before buying any consumer electronics goods online, you should find a local brick-and-mortar store that sells the item and go look at it. Check it out thoroughly to ensure that it has the features that you want and works as you expect. Be sure that you want that particular model before buying it online to reduce the risks and problems you might encounter if you make the purchase online and it proves unsatisfactory.

If you buy online, check your order carefully and thoroughly when it arrives. Verify that the item and the model you received matches the one that you ordered in every respect. Check to verify that you received the manufacturer's U.S. warranty registration card, if you required one as a part of your order.

You should also trust your instincts. If you do not feel comfortable buying an item over the Internet, or if you feel pressured to place your order immediately, maybe you should not complete the purchase.