<p>get dressed and brave the cold/heat and get irritated by fellow shoppers in shopping malls.</p>
<p>This was quite a tough, nasty period and thanks to God that now in 2013, you no longer have to experience this.</p>
<p><img class="alignright" alt="" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5020/5585507277_a6c4c5cd65_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" />In the recent past, before the introduction of the internet, shoppers had to take a shower,</p>
<p>Currently, all because of the internet, shopping will never be the same again.</p>
<p>People no longer have to physically visit brick and mortar stores anymore.</p>
<p>There are virtual online stores where consumers can make purchases at the comfort of their home 24/7.</p>
<p>Online Shopping offers convenience and saving to both retailers and consumers.</p>
<p>However, it&#8217;s important for shoppers understand their rights before taking part in online shopping transactions. Here are tips on the best ways to shop online in 2013.</p>
<h2>Tip 1: Security</h2>
<p>Plastic money is the most preferred method of payment in online shopping. Your credit card can be compromised if the card information falls into the wrong hands.</p>
<p>Online shoppers can take some measures to minimize this risk. First, shoppers should carry out their shopping on secure sites.</p>
<p>Secondly, shoppers should provide their credit card, bank account numbers and other personal details only to reputable traders.</p>
<h2>Tip 2: Should I use a Credit Card or Debit Card?</h2>
<p>Just as mentioned earlier, plastic money is the most preferred method of online payment, but some plastic are more suitable than others.</p>
<p>In online transactions, shoppers are advised only to use credit cards, instead of debit cards.</p>
<p>Credit cards are just an extension of credit, while debit cards have a direct link to the bank account.</p>
<p>Thus, hackers can do more damage once they are in possession of your debit card information than with your credit card information.</p>
<h2>Tip 3: Beware of the Restocking Fee</h2>
<p>If a customer returns an item, back to the store, it has to be replaced and repackaged which adds extra expense to the company.</p>
<p>As a result, online retailers in the have started to charge replacement fees for returned items. Some stores charge reasonable replacement fees while others charge exorbitant fees.</p>
<p>A reasonable replacement fee for thoroughly packaged products,</p>
<p>such as electronics should be about 15% of the item&#8217;s purchase price and there should be no return fee for goods that require simple packaging such as books and DVDs.</p>
<p>Thus, before purchasing a product, you should get to know the retailer&#8217;s return policies. You are likely to find this information explicitly stated on the company&#8217;s Web site.</p>
<h2>Tip 4: Hunt for the Best Bargain</h2>
<p>Online shoppers have the advantage of ease of bargain hunting.</p>
<p>A simple Google search of the desired item will yield a variety of deals. Compare deals from various sites and establish the one that suits you.</p>
<h2>Tip 5: Plan Your Purchase</h2>
<p>A big drawback of online shopping is that, customers have to wait for their orders to be shipped. Make your purchases early enough, so that they&#8217;ll arrive on time.</p>
<p>You should also order numerous items from the same retailer to reduce the shipping cost.</p>
<p>Ensure that all your purchases are put together in a single large package with a the total shipping fee attached so as to enjoy the offer of free shipping on purchases beyond a certain dollar amount.</p>
<h5>Featured images:</h5>
<p><span class="license">License: Creative Commons</span></p>
<p><span class="source">image source</span></p>
<p>Annie K. Cain currently has a job that makes her in charge of budgeting and delivering ROI through SEO and social media campaigns.</p>
<p>She recently became a part the Empower Network, which a friend told her.</p>
<p>Now, she’s feeling more confident about her going full time on her own business.</p>

The Best Ways To Shop Online In 2013
