| As the owner of an online store and a veteran online | | | | US based site, just know that you may be responsible |
| shopper, I've come to learn (sometimes the hard way) | | | | for any duty/brokerage charges when the order |
| what you should consider when shopping at any online | | | | crosses the border. There are also many sites these |
| store. | | | | days that are drop-shipping direct from the |
| * Website Security | | | | manufacturer. So even if the website is based in |
| How secure is the website? Is their site being scanned | | | | Canada, if they are drop shipping chances are the item |
| daily by a third party service like McAfee Secure | | | | itself may ship from the US (and charges may apply). |
| (formerly Hackersafe) to ensure the site is valid and | | | | * Free Gift Wrapping/Personalization |
| secure? These services will keep you safe from | | | | If you are purchasing your item a gift for someone |
| identity theft, credit card fraud and other online scams. | | | | else, it is great to be able to send it already gift |
| So you want to make sure that they have a McAfee | | | | wrapped and with a personalized hand written card. |
| Secure or other valid third party security seal on their | | | | This will provide the feeling that the gift was sent from |
| site. Very important! | | | | you directly and is a very nice touch that is sure to be |
| * Shipping | | | | appreciated. Free gift wrapping is one of the most |
| What shipping options does the company provide? | | | | popular options in our online baby gifts store. |
| Are you able to choose your shipping options based | | | | * Customer Service |
| on desired date of delivery and cost? I'm a big fan of | | | | Even though the business is online, you still want to be |
| websites that allow me to pick a shipping option based | | | | able to get good service. You may want to give the |
| on delivery date (express vs. regular post). Many sites | | | | store a call (do they have a toll free number or is it a |
| will also offer free shipping when you purchase a | | | | long distance call)? You may also want to them an |
| certain amount - for example, offers free shipping for | | | | email to see how your question(s) are answered and |
| any order over $39. | | | | how long it takes for them to reply. How quickly and |
| I also want to know how quickly they process orders. | | | | thoroughly they respond to your email is a good |
| It is such a pet peeve of mine to order something on a | | | | indication of how quickly they will take care of your |
| Monday, and then realize that they still haven't even | | | | orders. |
| shipped the product by Friday... which means I still have | | | | * Return Policy |
| to wait up to a week (or more) for delivery. In our | | | | Another important item to consider looking at is what is |
| online store we have a policy of shipping all orders | | | | the store's return policy. If you are not happy with the |
| within 48 hours, and are able to ship much quicker in | | | | item, what is the store's return policy? |
| most cases. | | | | By keeping these tips in mind you should have an |
| * Where will the item ship from? | | | | enjoyable experience while shopping online. |
| If you are Canadian and making a purchase from a | | | | |