 CliffsNotes,
the condensed version of a particular topic (generally about 60-120 pages
in a 5 x 7 inch paperback), has best been associated with the "schools"
crowd for over 40 years. In the last few years they have branched out to
other areas, to try and cover the "school of life" crowd. The areas currently
addressed, with 4-13 topics covered, include: Computers, Software, the
Internet, personal Finance, and Careers.
Shopping Online Safely, IDG
Books Worldwide, was included as part of a software package I recently
reviewed. Since it was an added benefit, it was not part of that review.
After looking at the book, I felt readers deserved to be made aware of
its existence, and the help CliffsNotes is attempting to provide in computer
related areas. Even if you choose NOT to buy online at present, you probably
will at some point. Don't wait to gather information. Doing it now will
help you be conversant about E'commerce, and ready when you decide to "join
the online shopping crowd." It may also help you with your offline shopping.
The book is about 120 pages - brief intro, 9 chapters averaging 11 pages
each (I'll cover these individually below), and a helpful review section
(questions with multiple choice answers, a few scenarios to engage your
brain, some points to consider and a practice project). Also included is
information on the CliffsNotes Resource Center, designed to show you the
best of the best ? links to the best information in print and online.
Flipping through the pages gave me the impression that about 10 percent
of the book's length is devoted to "screen shots" and about 20 percent
contains "tables" of very useful information - Web site name and corresponding
Uniform Resource Locator (URL; commonly known as the Web page address).
That only leaves about 70 pages of what I would call "easy reading." Lets
see if I can condense it a little further, by highlighting each chapter.
Finding Cool Products To Buy
Online
Finding major name stores online isn't that difficult. Most have used
their name, taken out the spaces and special characters, and added .COM
at the end (macys).
If this doesn't work, enter the store's name in a search engine. Web rings
(groups of sites on the same topic which generally link to other sites
in the ring; webring.org)
can also help. Look for E-Malls also ? sites that provide a variety of
different types of shops that are all in one place (vr-mallimall).
However you find an online store, remember this, "When you shop online,
you have to be discerning ... because you can't touch the merchandise before
you buy it."
Getting The Skinny On What You're
Buying
Almost everyone has done a comparison. Use the information you have
gained or can gain, and the personal rules you have established offline
to do your online searching and shopping. The rule of "caveat emptor" (buyer
beware) still applies. Don't forget the company press releases and product
reviews. Also remember that impartial reviews are also on line Consumer
Reports. Mailing lists, Newsgroups, and Chat rooms may also provide
information, but be cautious. These may just provide other people's "personal"
likes and dislikes.
Investigating The Merchant. .
.
Unless you stick to the Big-Name companies, you are likely to start
off pretty much in the dark. InterNIC is the agency that registers Internet
domain names and is run by a company called Network Solutions. Free information
about any online company is available by adding the downline path: /cgi-bin/whois/whois.
Also, consider Business Directories.
Remember, if a deal looks unbelievable, it probably is, and the company
may be unethical or fraudulent. There is also help in Consumer Protection
and Better Business Organizations
Handling Online Shopping
Issues
The company's return policy should be clearly posted on the Web site,
even if in fine print at the bottom of a page. If you can't find it, send
an E-mail to the store asking for the policy, and get an answer before
you buy. Also review return shipping fees, restocking fees and company/manufacturer
warranties. Some personal information is to be expected (Name, Address,
& payment method with associated info). Other personal information
should be optional. If you do not want the information you provide to be
"passed along," make sure that the seller knows you are not granting permission
if you give any. Follow this with an E-mail or, better yet, a certified
letter, stating this fact. Peruse Net Privacy sites
Spam repetitive unsolicited E-mails from the same source ? is a
"side effect" of being online. The easiest way to handle spam is with the
Delete Key. Senders will usually cease sending after a while. If, however,
some senders continue to send and it causes problems, make a report to
sites dealing with spam problems
Getting The Best Possible
Deal
Use price comparison sites
Don't forget to haggle with any merchant. Any initial price is only a start
point. Most believe that a sale, even at a reduced price, is better
than NO SALE! So, making offers (an initial offer and subsequent
counter offers) will get you to the final price. For you, it will be either
the "buy it or leave it price." Don't forget that your final price
should also include shipping, handling, insurance, any sales tax and other
"fees" the merchant is required to include, or has been cleaver enough
to put on the buyers "bill of sale." These can sometimes be offset with
"mall store," manufacturer, and/or online rebates/coupons
Ask if the online merchant will accept them or match them. If not, haggle.
Closing The Deal Safely And Securely
Every Web site uses a program called a server to exchange information
with your browser when you visit the site. A secure server uses
specially encoded messages to communicate with your browser. These messages
are encrypted (put into code) so that they cannot be read by anyone
but the intended recipient. Not all Web sites use secure servers, and some
sites that claim to be secure may not really be safe. So, know the security
measures your browser uses, as well as how to find out if a site uses security
measures to protect "sensitive" consumer information during transmission.
Using the latest version of a browser may help notify you when you are
about to compromise your safety. Sending "sensitive" information via ordinary
E-mail should NEVER be done,
because it isn't encrypted and may be intercepted. If this is the way you
chose to do it, for whatever reason, split the information (2-4 messages
with some of the info in each, and at varied intervals between messages;
include a numerical number somewhere in the subject line that corresponds
to the message number sent). Chances are that one person could not intercept
all of the messages. Make sure the party receiving the information has
been told in advance what you are going to do, but not the total number
of messages you will send. The last message you send should indicate how
many messages were sent, and contain no sensitive information. If a message
was not received, only resend that message. Finally, select a method of
payment (suggested order)
-
debit (almost immediate) or
-
credit card (may take time to clear), with info (company, type, #, date);
-
Check (regular or online - online works similar to a debit card);
-
Cash (not recommended) or
-
Digital Cash (complex at present)
- and close the deal.
Bidding And Bartering
Online auction sites
have become one of the hottest selling venues on the Internet. Every type
of product is up for bid. Some things to know BEFORE you consider this
approach: What are rules the site has established regarding bids and the
closing of bids? (so you won't be banned, or expose yourself to civil or
criminal prosecution); What information do you have to provide to participate?;
What can you find out about the lister (satisfaction or dis-satisfaction)?;
Is the item listed New or Used?; What is the lowest purchase price if obtained
elsewhere?; What is my maximum price (including shipping, etc.); Do I really
want to be tied up for a few days/weeks only to find I have been out bid?;
etc.
Bartering (exchanging something for something else; no money involved),
although somewhat simple, should be spelled out in writing when the final
deal is struck. That way, all parties are somewhat "protected" and it won't
come to "someone's word against someone else's word." Check it out
Taking Delivery
With rare exception (electronic books, some Newsletters and Reports,
Software, etc.), everything ordered online has to be put on some means
of transportation (ultimately surface). Everyone along the line is thrilled
about all the new business, and many have become Web-friendly
This allows for comparing companies, methods, rates, tracking, and a delivery
that meets your schedule. Once again, your computer will be of great help!
Handling Transaction Problems
Just as in the real world, problems will occasionally arise in cyberspace.
That is why it is a good idea to keep documentation Web pages involved,
messages to and from a company/shipper, invoices, shipping info, payment
related info, phone calls (date & general conversations; summarize
agreements reached in writing, perhaps by E-mail, and/or seek to receive
same from party called), etc. ? until you feel they will be of no more
use to you (maybe 6-12 months). Make a folder and keep all the info in
one place, even if you have to make copies.
Some things to know before a problem arises: Credit card purchases offer
legal protection through your credit card company. The FCBA (Fair
Credit
Billing
Act;
Title 15, Section 1666 of the U.S. Code) gives you certain right;
For other methods of payment, the EFTA (Electronic
Fund
Transfer
Act),
while not as useful as the FCBA, will still give you some coverage; If
you have really been ripped off ? a criminal situation ? contact your local
or state government (state Websites use two letter state identifier in
place of XX <state.XX.us>)
If you choose to file, do it in writing. Provide all pertinent information
available (too much is better that too little) in a logical sequence, with
supporting referenced copies (never originals) of any information
that is necessary. Send it by USPS certified mail with "return receipt
requested," to know the company received it, by whom, and date.
Keep in mind, if you need to complain to a seller/shipper it must be
legitimate.
Being unreasonable doesn't count toward resolving any problem. Stay calm,
assemble your documents, and formulate a plan BEFORE you contact
anyone. Get your emotions in check and choose your words carefully when
you do contact someone. Raising your voice, bad language, going ballistic,
threats, etc., don't score any points either. Firm, but fair, should help
resolve most difficulties. Don't be afraid to "think for the other guy"
? offer suggestions toward a resolution that can favor you. Nothing ventured,
nothing gained!
My Comments
Since only selected Web site references were provided, due to space,
remember webring.org
to identify other sites which address the same topic. The book should be
available, or can be ordered, at most major bookstores. Sticker price is
$8.99, but check for discounts. I believe you will benefit from numerous
other pieces of information in the book, that space precluded. It has provided
insights for me in the offline market place and is worth the price, even
if I never choose to buy online (or otherwise engage in online services).
For more information about Shopping Online Safely (ISBN 0-7645-8524-6),
free newsletters, references, tools, samples, etc., including the CliffsNotes
catalog visit the Web
site.
Company Info:
IDG Books Worldwide, Inc.
An International Data Group Company
919 E. Hillsdale Blvd., Suite 400
Foster City, CA 94404
Consumer Customer Service 800-762-2974
Web Site: idg.com/
Bill
Klutz does consulting work, primarily in the areas of Management and Computer
Applications/Hardware/Software. |
