Copyright 2006 Prepaid SolutionsAre 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, shoppers spent $30.1 billion online this season,
up 30 percent from $23.2 billion last year, according to
Goldman Sachs, Nielsen/NetRatings and Harris Interactive.
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. If you use Internet Explorer as your browser you
will generally see a lock in the bottom right of page which
indicates that the site has at least 128 bit encryption
(which is safer than shopping offline). 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!
In many cases, you will spend less for the product as well
as the elimination of gas, time and parking at the local
mall. There is absolutely no need to be paranoid about
shopping online and the bargains and even wholesale
products that are dropshipped to you are waiting to picked!
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.
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Dan Farrell is the owner of
http://www.buyatwholesaleguide.com where you can get links
and resources to wholesale, closeout and liquidation
merchandise that is dropshipped to your door.
