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This article was written for those who buy high heels shoes on the Internet, but it also applies to almost any other type of merchandise like clothes, cosmetics, jewelry, videos, etc.
Internet Shopping is GOOD for buyers, as well as for sellers. It makes a
greater variety of high heels available to more people than ever before.
Most Internet retailers are good, honest and reputable businesses.
However, there are a few eCrooks or Internet con-artists among them.
They are like a few rotten apples in a crate or basket full of good apples.
Some of my friends inform me that there are a few high heel shoe retailers
(all located in the United States), who do not deliver high heels that they sell.
Furthermore, they are still in business, selling the same shoes they are unable to deliver
to others. Also, some close up and then, open up similar Internet stores in other states
(in the United States) using different names and make a few cosmetic changes to their websites.
We do not want to discourage anyone from shopping via the Internet and especially,
from smaller legitimate Internet retailers who sorely need buyers in order
to stay in business. However, if nothing is done, these few eCrooks may be
cheating hundreds or even, thousands of unsuspecting buyers.
Many con-artists get a thrill out of ripping off or swindling others.
They laugh at the people they make suckers out of.
Here are some suggestions to avoid eCrook fraud and scams on the Internet:
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1) Good Internet retailers list their full addresses and/or telephone numbers.
2) Good Internet retailers operate by United States of America - federal mail order rules.
From BBBOnLine, " Under law, a company should ship your order within the time it advertises.
If a deadline for shipment is not given, federal law says the company should ship the product
within 30 days, unless you also are applying for credit.
Companies must alert you to delays and get your approval or let you cancel and receive a refund."
3) Ask your relatives and trusted friends for the names of Internet high heel retailers
who they have already purchased from and received their merchandise in timely fashion.
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Until an Internet retailer proves that they can deliver merchandise to you, it is wise to be cautious
in placing your first order with them.
1) Purchase only one item to limit your potential losses.
2) Before placing your order, call or email the Internet retailer to see if they have your item
in stock or exactly how long it will take to get. If possible, try to order something
that they have in stock and ready for immediate delivery.
3) Inquire about shipping options that are available. Overnight delivery is usually
very expensive and unnecessary. However, you want the next best option, if you can afford it.
You want to receive your merchandise quickly, within about 15 days in order to properly handle
credit card charges. UPS Ground and US Post Office Priority Mail with Confirmation
usually cost less than \\$10.00US and provide parcel tracking, as well as delivery within a week.
4) The only protection you get from most credit card plans (except those with special Internet
buying protection) is error handling. You must report the purchase as an error, usually
within 30 days.
Beware of any billing charge using a different business name and address in a different city
and state, within the United States.
Report this type of charge as an error, until you get written confirmation from
the retailer that their different billing business name and address are correct.
5) Try not to pay in cash, check, or money order. If you must, then try to use a United States
Postal Money Order and mail your order using Certified Mail with Return Receipt or Registered
Mail. Then, if anything goes wrong, file a complaint with the U.S. Post Office.
The U.S. Post Office is probably the best organization for cracking down on fraud.
They have special investigators and always prosecute criminals to the fullest extent
with severe penalties including fines and prison sentences.
If any retailer is afraid of dealing with you via the U.S. Post Office,
then you should be wary of buying from them.
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