Secure Server Site - Make sure the online shopping site is using 128-bit encryption technology. How do do you know? There are 2 ways. When browsing to pages that require entering personal or login information, check the website address if it begins with "https" not "http". Also, there should be a closed lock icon at the bottom right-hand corner of your browser (IE). Why is this important? When your information is transferred to the merchant's server, it goes through many different routers. If your data is not encrypted, network sniffer can easily read and collect your data. What is a network sniffer? Sniffer is a tool, which utilizes network interfaces of computer to capture data packets which destination is other computers. Network sniffers can be used both for legitimate network management functions and for stealing information off a network.Ok.This is getting too technical. If you are interested in knowing more about network sniffer, google "network sniffer" and you will find a lot of information.

Phone Number - Although email is the most common means of communication nowadays, I still prefer deal with companies that do provide a contact phone number just in case. For me, that is basic customer service. If shopping site does not provide that, be extra cautious!

Refund Policy - Make sure the merchant has one and read it through and make sure you understand the terms and am comfortable with it. There is no 1 rule for refund policy. Say, for books & CDs, it is understandable that there is no refund after a few days. This is a judgment call from your part to decide whether the refund policy is reasonable or not.

Pr
Want to Brand? Well, Tell a Story!
The Art of Storytelling (eg. 'Branding')A few years ago at a conference for a large, multi-national corporation, I sat and waited for the keynote speaker. She was described in the program as a woman with all the appropriate credentials. At the podium, she said she forgot the notes for her speech and she would tell a story instead.<
hnology. How do do you know? There are 2 ways. When browsing to pages that require entering personal or login information, check the website address if it begins with "https" not "http". Also, there should be a closed lock icon at the bottom right-hand corner of your browser (IE). Why is this important? When your information is transferred to the merchant's server, it goes through many different routers. If your data is not encrypted, network sniffer can easily read and collect your data. What is a network sniffer? Sniffer is a tool, which utilizes network interfaces of computer to capture data packets which destination is other computers. Network sniffers can be used both for legitimate network management functions and for stealing information off a network.Ok.This is getting too technical. If you are interested in knowing more about network sniffer, google "network sniffer" and you will find a lot of information.

Phone Number - Although email is the most common means of communication nowadays, I still prefer deal with companies that do provide a contact phone number just in case. For me, that is basic customer service. If shopping site does not provide that, be extra cautious!

Refund Policy - Make sure the merchant has one and read it through and make sure you understand the terms and am comfortable with it. There is no 1 rule for refund policy. Say, for books & CDs, it is understandable that there is no refund after a few days. This is a judgment call from your part to decide whether the refund policy is reasonable or not.

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Starting Low and Ending High in eBay Online Auctions
It is the often said that ?0.99 no reserve auction are the best way to encourage bids and lead to higher prices. In fact Auctioning4u eBay Drop Off Shop lists most of its items using this pricing strategy. However up to now this theory was more anecdotal than based on actual data.A recent paper by Gillian Ku of London Business School, Starting Low but Ending High: A Reversal of the
rs. If your data is not encrypted, network sniffer can easily read and collect your data. What is a network sniffer? Sniffer is a tool, which utilizes network interfaces of computer to capture data packets which destination is other computers. Network sniffers can be used both for legitimate network management functions and for stealing information off a network.Ok.This is getting too technical. If you are interested in knowing more about network sniffer, google "network sniffer" and you will find a lot of information.

Phone Number - Although email is the most common means of communication nowadays, I still prefer deal with companies that do provide a contact phone number just in case. For me, that is basic customer service. If shopping site does not provide that, be extra cautious!

Refund Policy - Make sure the merchant has one and read it through and make sure you understand the terms and am comfortable with it. There is no 1 rule for refund policy. Say, for books & CDs, it is understandable that there is no refund after a few days. This is a judgment call from your part to decide whether the refund policy is reasonable or not.

Pr
Email Etiquette 101 - Or What You Shouldn't Do To Annoy the Pants Off Your Recipients!
Email has not been around for long. And that’s why I am not surprised to see that many people still make mistakes while emailing. I am sure they don’t do it intentionally but it still annoys others when they don’t ‘get’ it.I believe a little email etiquette goes a long way. Here are some email basics which should be considered when you are using email:<
u are interested in knowing more about network sniffer, google "network sniffer" and you will find a lot of information.

Phone Number - Although email is the most common means of communication nowadays, I still prefer deal with companies that do provide a contact phone number just in case. For me, that is basic customer service. If shopping site does not provide that, be extra cautious!

Refund Policy - Make sure the merchant has one and read it through and make sure you understand the terms and am comfortable with it. There is no 1 rule for refund policy. Say, for books & CDs, it is understandable that there is no refund after a few days. This is a judgment call from your part to decide whether the refund policy is reasonable or not.

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Stop Whining and Ask For What You Want!
When you want something, the best way to get it is to make your request in a straightforward and positive way. You should not expect your boss or co-workers to read your mind and know what your expectations and desires are. Nor should you brood about the fact that someone else has not recognized what you think is obvious to everyone.If it is important to you and you really want it
utious!

Refund Policy - Make sure the merchant has one and read it through and make sure you understand the terms and am comfortable with it. There is no 1 rule for refund policy. Say, for books & CDs, it is understandable that there is no refund after a few days. This is a judgment call from your part to decide whether the refund policy is reasonable or not.

Privacy Policy - Make sure the shopping site has one and that they DO NOT sell or rent your information to third parties. Make sure your data is private to the merchant. Highly recommend companies that do not store your credit card information.

A few things that I check after placing the order.

Reference Numbers - Write down the payment reference number and order number. These will be the essential information you need if anything goes wrong. Usually, you should receive an order confirmation email with this information. Just in case, if you do not, you still have this information on hand.

Credit Card Statement - If you do your banking online (yeah, I do), the order will usually show up after a few days (after the merchant shipped out your order). Check it and make sure the charge is correct.

Product - Check the product right after you received it. If there is any problems, report to the online shopping site asap as there is usually a time restriction for refund. Don't wait!

That's all! Happy and safe online shopping!