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To make your online shopping experiences more efficient and successful, consider these tips from Kellie brown, fashion influencer and author of the blog “And I Get Dressed”.
Look for good deals
If you have your eye on a particular item, shop multiple sites to find it. Prices can vary from website to website and you could be missing out on big savings by not doing your research. When comparing items, be sure to pay attention to the details. Check model or style numbers, colors, and other details to make sure you’re comparing apples to apples.
In the end, you can find the same item with a slight difference that you are willing to accept for a better price. Make sure to check carefully so that you have all the data you need to make an informed decision.
Doing some research online can also help you find discount codes that can help bring the price down if you buy from a specific online retailer.
Know your measurements
Clothing is a category that shoppers either love or hate to buy online. Brown sees a distinct advantage: skipping the dressing room.
“Shopping for clothes online can seem overwhelming, but one of the biggest perks is being able to avoid the dreaded locker room experience,” Brown said. “I hate the process of standing in line, overhead lighting, wobbly mirrors, and having to assess clothes in a flash.”
Shopping online allows you to ditch the dressing room in favor of the comforts of your own home, where you can take the time to think about your new clothes in private.
Brown cautions that the first rule of shopping for clothes online is to recognize that size isn’t always universal. For example, a size 18 from one store may be completely different from another store. If you know your measurements, you can compare them with the size chart shown. This way you can select the best size for specific brands or products.
Use the right credit card
Joining a store’s loyalty program can be beneficial if you are a frequent buyer at a specific brand or retailer. Also, it’s important to realize that not all credit cards are the same, and some offer rewards for online purchases, including cash back.
“The most versatile option is a card that adapts to your spending, like Bank of America® Cash Rewards credit card that allows you to earn 3% cash back in a category of your choice, “said Brown.” Tip: Online shopping falls under those categories. Rewards do not expire, and if you are a Preferred Rewards member, you can increase your rewards by 25-75%, which means you could earn up to 5.25% cash back on your transactions. These rewards can be redeemed in your savings account as cash for future purchases. “
Check return and exchange policies
Make sure you know the return policy of the retailer you are shopping with to ensure your return or exchange will be accepted, if necessary. Being an avid online shopper, Brown offers some important tips for dealing with items that may require a return.
Many stores do not accept open packages or clothing with tags removed, so make sure you know the instructions before you tear up your packages when they arrive.
You should also check to see if you can return the items to a local store, if there is one available or if you need to ship a return, and find out who is responsible for the return shipping costs.
It is also important to be aware of the timing as most retailers have specific rules on how long an item will return. Some use the order date as a starting point while others use the delivery date. Especially with shipping delays that can occur, clearly state the dates before ordering. Many stores offer extended return windows, but it’s always a good idea to know the expectations in advance.
Shopping online can save you time and money, especially when you are smart about your shopping. For more information, see bankofamerica.com/morerewarding.
Stay Safe Online
Shopping online has many benefits, but being careful with your credit card and banking information can help you avoid some risks. Consider these tips from Better Money Habits, Bank of America’s free financial education platform, to help protect your finances while shopping online.
Use strong passwords: Avoid the temptation to set a password that you will easily remember and instead use something a little more complex that others would be hard-pressed to guess or hack. Use a separate password for each online account so you don’t leave multiple accounts vulnerable if your personal information is stolen. Also change your passwords regularly for added security.
Look for the padlock: If you’re shopping online, make sure the address starts with https. The “S” tells you that the site is secure and don’t forget to look for the little padlock icon in the browser before entering payment information.
Secure your networks: Whether you’re using your home Wi-Fi network, a mobile device while traveling, or a public computer, you need to take steps to keep your information secure. First, password protect your home network. When signing into a financial account when you’re away from home, like in a coffee shop or restaurant, don’t do it over an open network. If you’re using a shared computer, be sure to erase all of your personal information when you sign out.
Set up notifications: An easy way to keep tabs on your credit card information is to sign up for mobile or email alerts with your bank. This way, every time your card is used, you get a notification. In addition, your bank may be able to notify you of any suspicious activity.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images (mom and daughter shopping on tablet)
Kellie brown, paid spokesperson for Bank of America. All opinions are his.
Michael french
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editors.familyfeatures.com
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A leading source of high-quality food, lifestyle, and home & garden content, Family Features provides readers with tips, take-out, news, recipes, videos, infographics and more. Find additional articles and information at Culinary.net and eLivingToday.com.
SOURCE Family Features Editorial Syndicate
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