It’s going to be one of those days for me! I couldn’t find the Login link and had to root around the site to finally find it, so I apologize for this being late as a post.
With it being Library Week, is there anything special you are doing? I don’t have anything up my sleeve yet, but do have a bunch of books I plan on dropping off at my local library as a donation, including my latest, True Crime Online (http://truecrime-online.com). I make sure I sign it – they usually place signed copies of books either up front as people walk in the door or in a prominent place.
Do you donate your books (if you are published) and sign them?
Next month I will be speaking at the Hollis, New Hampshire library about the safety of online shopping. That was their request. They have mainly seniors who come to their talks and most are online and are wary about shopping on the Internet. I will make sure to allay their fears with some simple tips, which I will share with you:
1. Try to use on credit card or a prepaid card for all your shopping online so that if the transaction does go wrong, you only have one company to deal with.
2. Make sure the shopping web site is someplace you are familiar with or that a friend recommended. If you find the item you want is on a site you are not familiar with, check to make sure they have a secure checkout procedure. This means that when you put your item in a cart (or similar method) that the web URL changes from http:// to https:// – the “s” means it’s secure. If that doesn’t happen, then get out of there and try to find a reputable site that sells the item you want.
3. Check shipping rates – sometimes you find the item you want at a great price, then find the shipping is a bit outrageous. Many sites offer free shipping over a certain dollar amount and around the Christmas holidays, free shipping is rampant for pretty much anything you want to buy.
4. Check shipping delivery times – sometimes you’ll pay for shipping and it’s sent the slowest way possible. If they don’t post shipping rates and delivery times readily, it’s time to pick another web site to shop from.
5. Take advantage of ordering something online, then having it shipped to a store location near you. You save on shipping costs, and if you are in Maine and can get to New Hampshire, taxes (shhhhhh, don’t tell anyone!).
Any advice out there you can add about your online shopping experiences?
Kait Carson
Charlene D’Avanzo 
Thanks for the info, Jayne. I’m pleased to report I already do all these things. One other tactic you might mention is checking for other shoppers’ opinions about the site and/or product. You can usually do this by searching “website name comments” or similar wording. If you find consistent issues, choose another etailer or product. You have to keep in mind that people are more likely to bitch than to praise, but I’ve found this practice to be very helpful.
I took chocolate to my library yesterday…I think they liked it! 🙂
Very helpful. I try to deal with reputable sellers only. I like the advent of Paypal, because it has security and my cards aren’t exposed. I will also be more careful in checking out feedback. Thank you.
Great post, and I’m sure very helpful to the seniors. I’m a fan of PayPal. I only reluctantly order anything online, other than books. I guess, I believe all of this is going to come back and bite us in the rear at some point. Oh, wait, it sort of has with the latest bug with blood in it’s name. LOL You see how I keep up, can’t remember the name. But these are good reminders. I forget to look for the s. Perhaps if I ordered more often, I’d be more aware.