A typical online shopping session

Let’s walk through the steps that a shopper takes when they want to purchase a product online. Of course, online shopping is exactly what the term implies, but for anyone who is not familiar with exactly what to do, the following information should be helpful.

• Decide what you are looking for. Yes, they sell almost anything you can imagine online, so the chances are good that you will be able to find exactly what you need.
• Using a good search engine like Google, find several web sites that sell the item you want. Don’t just stop at the first site you come across. You want to find both the best quality and also the best price you can.
• If you are unsure as to the brand name or style you are seeking, you can also Google product reviews for the item you are seeking to get recommendations from others.
• You may also want to take the time to browse one of several product comparison sites that are available on the web to help shoppers in their quest to find just what they are looking for.
• Once you have settled upon a web site that sells the product you are looking for, browse the site until you decide which size, color or variety you want.
• Look for an icon button that says “Add to Cart” or a similar phrase.
• Choose how many you want of the item. If there are any other choices such as size or color, this is the point where you select them.
• Your items will be added to your virtual online cart. There should also be an icon button that you can use to edit your shopping cart if you have made a mistake.
• If you want to continue shopping, there will be an icon button to click that says “Continue Shopping” or something similar, and it will take you back to the section of the web site where you can select another item.
• If you are done shopping, look for an icon button that says “Checkout” or something similar. This will take you to another page where you will fill out a form with your name and the address where you want the item sent. You’ll also need to input your email address and telephone number.
• Are you are sending this item to someone as a gift? You will need to look for a box to check that specifies this. Look for “Is This Item a Gift?” or something similar. Check it off, and if you like, select a gift wrap option either for free or for a small fee.
• There will be a space for your credit card information. Many people get very nervous about entering their credit card info on a web site. This is a needless worry, for all reputable merchant web sites are designed to be secure.
• Look down at the bottom of your browser. Do you see a small icon that looks like a padlock? If it is in the locked position, your info is quite safe. If the icon shows an open lock, you might want to think twice about placing your card number on this site. You should call this to the attention of the webmaster for the web site.
• Not only will you enter your card number and expiration date, but also the 3 or 4 digit code from the back of your credit card. This is an attempt by online merchants to control credit card fraud. By requiring this code, no one can get your card number off of your restaurant check or credit card receipt and fraudulently use it online to purchase goods and services.
• Usually, there is a space on the form for a coupon or gift card code. This will be explained in more detail later in this report.
• Once you have filled in all of this information, your web browser will go to the next page. This will be your order confirmation page. Look over this page carefully, perhaps double checking your credit card number for accuracy. Then, confirm your order by clicking the button icon that says “Place Your Order” or something similar.
• You’ll now see a page thanking you for your order. There will be an order confirmation number among the information given here, so it’s a good idea to print this entire page for your records. You should also get an email copy of this page.
• Sit back, relax, and wait for your order to arrive! You should receive an email when your package ships that contains a tracking number. You can track the whereabouts of your package and also find out when it is scheduled for delivery by going to the UPS or FedEx web site.