Below are some at-home shopping suggestions:
* Provide personal information only if you know who is collecting it, why, and how it will be used.
* Don't act on impulse or under high-pressure sales tactics.
* Get a complete description of all items and terms of the transaction (including shipping and handling charges, etc.). What is the return policy?
* Pay with a credit card if possible. The credit card company can help you resolve any later disagreement over billing with the seller.
* If you order over the Internet, be sure the site is secure. This will be indicated by a picture of a padlock on the bottom of your browser screen and/or a URL that starts with "https" instead of "http."
We would like your feedback on this Personal Finance Frequently Asked Question.
