When shopping online, start by checking the seller's payment site for encryption before entering details. The FTC (FTC) emphasizes that dishonest companies use paid search ads to trick buyers into paying the wrong entity. Always keep purchase records like receipts and emails to hold sellers accountable for their promises.
Quick Answer
Verify the payment site uses encryption, check for seller promises about shipping timelines, and save purchase records like receipts. The FTC warns that dishonest companies trick buyers with paid search ads, so confirm the seller's legitimacy first.
Checking Shipping Promises
If a seller doesn't specify a shipping timeline, they must ship your order within 30 days after receiving your payment details or permission to charge your account.
For example, if a seller initially promises shipping within 30 days but later requests a revised date, they must provide a clear new timeline or offer a refund if the delay is indefinite.
Comparison Shopping To comparison shop for a product, make notes of the item's manufacturer or model number, plus details like size, color, or shipping fees.
- If a revised shipping date is needed, the seller must provide a new definite timeline or a refund option.
- Online Shopping Records: Before you start searching for a company's payment site, know that dishonest companies sometimes use paid search ads to trick you into paying them instead of the company or agency you're looking.
- If a seller doesn't promise a time, it has to ship your order within 30 days after it gets your name, address, and payment, or permission to charge your account.
- Make sure the websites where you enter payment information use encryption to protect your information during your transaction.
Documenting Purchase Records
Keep detailed records of your purchase, including receipts, emails, and warranty documents.
When shopping online, download or print a copy of the warranty for your product.
How to comparison shop Learn the total cost of the product, including shipping, handling, delivery, taxes, or other fees.
- Save electronic or printed receipts and emails for all transactions.
- Also, keep records of purchases, like receipts and emails, to make sure you're able to hold a seller to its promises.
- Mail, Internet, or Telephone Order Merchandise: For purposes of this part: ( a ) Mail, Internet, or telephone order sales shall mean sales in which the buyer has ordered merchandise from the seller by mail.
- ( 2 ) To provide any buyer with any revised shipping date, as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, unless, at the time any such revised shipping date is provided, the seller has a.
Comparing Shopping Options
To compare products effectively, note the manufacturer or model number, size, color, and shipping fees. For example, two products with the same name might differ in quality or features, so detailed notes help you make informed choices.
Calculate the total cost of a product, including shipping, handling, taxes, and delivery fees.
Delivery, Return, and Refund Policies Read the seller's information about shipping and delivery An FTC rule requires sellers to ship items as they promised in their ads .
- Record the product's manufacturer or model number to identify the exact item.
- Note shipping fees, taxes, and delivery timelines to compare total costs.
- ( b ) ( 1 ) Where a seller is unable to ship merchandise within the applicable time set forth in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, to fail to offer to the buyer, clearly and.
FAQ
How do I know if a seller is using encryption?
These indicators confirm the site uses encryption, which is required by federal rules to protect your payment information.
What should I do if a seller delays shipping?
If a seller delays shipping, they must provide a new definite timeline or offer a refund. Federal rules require sellers to ship items as promised, so if they can't meet the deadline, they should give you a clear revised date or cancel your order for a prompt refund.
Do I need to save receipts for online purchases?
Yes, the FTC recommends saving receipts and emails for all transactions. These records help you hold sellers accountable for their promises and provide proof if issues arise later.
