|
Internet Shopping
Are you ready to join?
The Internet shopping bandwagon, that is. Shopping online
has become increasingly popular over the last few years,
with new and improved safety measures, specialty shops
and giant retailers like Overstock.com; all designed
to entice shoppers.
In fact, VeriSign (the leading provider
of security for web sites on the Internet) suggests
e-commerce data from the holiday season in 2004 totaled
8.8 billion dollars in online purchases (based on an
analysis of online sales volume processed through VeriSign
payment services, which comprises more than 35% of North
America's e-commerce and represents in excess of 120,000
online retailers).
Additionally, e-commerce transactions
are estimated to be close to 168 billion dollars for
the year 2005. In fact, in the year 2010 it is projected
online sales could top the 315 billion dollar mark (Forrester
Research 2005). One may ask, why such an increase?
Many factors can explain such increases.
Improved security measures, ease of use and convenience
are just a few of these factors. Let's explore these
factors.
Security Measures- Despite all the fears
of identity theft, online transactions account for less
than 4% of identity theft. There are numerous software
programs available (some for free) that the user can
download to protect themselves from viruses and spyware.
Worried about spyware? Download a free spyware program
at www.safer-networking.com (called SpyBot Search &
Destroy). Additionally, look for the locked padlock
in the toolbar and make sure the http changes to https
in your browser. The "s" indicates that the
web site is a secure site and adheres to the industry
standard for security values Secure Sockets Layer (SSL).
Therefore, your personal information is encrypted and
stays private during transmission over the Internet.
Always delete sensitive information when exiting any
website and do not give your credit card number to anyone
requesting it in an email (phishing scams). Follow these
simple steps a safe online shopping experience.
Ease of use- We have all seen the banner
advertisements, just click on them and they take you
to the web site advertised. Email advertising is growing
in popularity as well and includes a link to click on
to take the user to the site after they read the text
ad. There are some unique and catchy names of web sites
that are easy to remember. Have a favorite web site
or shopping site? Just bookmark it and add it to your
collection of favorites!
Convenience- Ever wait in long lines
during the holiday season? What a time saver online
shopping has become! No lines to wait in, no parking
hassles, no traffic, no gas expense, no crowds and your
merchandise can be shipped right to your door! Or, if
you prefer, you can have your purchases gift wrapped
and delivered to another address. All you do is sit
at your computer with your shopping list and get done
in a few hours what may taken you several days and trips
to the mall to accomplish!
There are many more advantages to shopping
online (we have just covered a few) as well as some
disadvantages, but carefully weighed out; the smart
shopper will discover a happy medium between the two
and e-commerce will continue to grow and be a force
in the economy for years to come.
1howto.com
Please
Share Your Tips with Us
|
