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Always get at least 3 price quotes before purchasing a product online. Shop around, a better deal is only a click away. |
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If you get a price quote from one company that is lower than another company, contact the second company with the quote and get both of them bidding for your business. |
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Buying online means that you get to choose from the newest selection of available products. Even though you can’t pick the product up, at least you know it hasn’t been sitting in the store for the last 5 years. |
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Buying online generally means that you are using a credit card to make your purchase. Read the fine print on your credit card policy. Some credit cards will double the manufacturer’s warranty when used for making online purchases. A few even have theft coverage and will replace your gear if stolen within a certain grace period. |
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Always make sure you are using a secure connection when purchasing online. Internet Explorer will inform you when you’re on a secure connection with a pop-up window. If you are using Netscape Navigator, look in the bottom left corner for a gold key. If the key is there, then you are using a secure connection. If the key is broken then the site is not a secure site and you should reconsider making your purchase. |
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Read the fine print. Be aware of the company’s return policy, shipping and handling charges, and any other hidden costs. |
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Make sure that your order is in stock! Back orders can be a painful experience. |
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Finally, make sure to write down the shop's address, phone number, fax number, and customer service number before completing your purchase. These should be clearly displayed by any reputable business. |