Online Buyers Remorse
By: Ray Doughty
Updated: May 25, 2010
Over the next four years, web based retail sales will reach nearly $250 billion dollars. People think online shopping is easier -- and like be able to shop from the comfort of their homes.
Shopping expert Julie Rome says, "I think consumers have turned to online shopping because it's so convenient. And the deals can often be better online than in stores."
But what many people don't realize is that shopping online could cost you more time and money, if you decide to return your purchase.
Shopping expert Julie Rome says there are a few sites to watch out for. She likes Victoria's Secret dot com because they have a lot of choices, but notes you cannot return purchases to their stores.
So you get stuck paying for shipping charges both ways!
Rome says, 'Shopping for electronics can be challenging at stores like Best Buy or Target.com because they will often charge you a restocking fee."
And those fees can be as high as 25-percent of the purchase price.
However, most sites now have policies that favor the consumer.
Kelly Whalen of thecentsiblelife.com recommends Amazon.com. She says "They have a fantastic interface. It's very easy to return things."
Julie Rome really likes Kohls.com. She says 'It's one of my favorites because they have a 'yes we can' attitude which means the consumer comes first.
And even if you don't have your receipt, they can use your bank card or your charge card to look up the item and give you back your money. She also gives her stamp of approval to Nordstrom's.com, citing their customer service.
"They have an unbelieveable return policy. Very, very, very liberal. Their shipping promotions are often fabulous -- anywhere from flat rate shipping to free. And you can easily, very easily return any item to the store," says Rome.
But the bottom line for online shoppers is to make sure you know the store's return policy before you purchase anything.
Shopping expert Julie Rome says, "I think consumers have turned to online shopping because it's so convenient. And the deals can often be better online than in stores."
But what many people don't realize is that shopping online could cost you more time and money, if you decide to return your purchase.
Shopping expert Julie Rome says there are a few sites to watch out for. She likes Victoria's Secret dot com because they have a lot of choices, but notes you cannot return purchases to their stores.
So you get stuck paying for shipping charges both ways!
Rome says, 'Shopping for electronics can be challenging at stores like Best Buy or Target.com because they will often charge you a restocking fee."
And those fees can be as high as 25-percent of the purchase price.
However, most sites now have policies that favor the consumer.
Kelly Whalen of thecentsiblelife.com recommends Amazon.com. She says "They have a fantastic interface. It's very easy to return things."
Julie Rome really likes Kohls.com. She says 'It's one of my favorites because they have a 'yes we can' attitude which means the consumer comes first.
And even if you don't have your receipt, they can use your bank card or your charge card to look up the item and give you back your money. She also gives her stamp of approval to Nordstrom's.com, citing their customer service.
"They have an unbelieveable return policy. Very, very, very liberal. Their shipping promotions are often fabulous -- anywhere from flat rate shipping to free. And you can easily, very easily return any item to the store," says Rome.
But the bottom line for online shoppers is to make sure you know the store's return policy before you purchase anything.
