The Clever Consumer’s Guide to Shopping Online

Published on: 23 November 2018 Last Updated on: 05 November 2024

Over the past decade, the way in which we shop has completely changed. More of us now shop online, buying everything from our groceries, clothes, home appliances and smartphones from online stores. Statista estimates that 2.14 billion people will shop online by 2021, a huge increase from the 1.79 billion online shoppers in 2018 and the 1.32 billion who purchased goods online in 2014.

Shopping online offers greater convenience as we can buy goods from the comfort of our couches instead of braving the cold weather to head to the shops. In some cases, there are also goods that can only be purchased online because of stock issues at physical stores, or because they just don’t sell that particular item.

However, just because shopping online is easier than buying things in-person, that doesn’t mean that you should stop doing your due diligence when it comes to selecting products to buy and where you buy from them. You still want to get the best deals and offers and the best quality products. So, to help you achieve that, read our guide to being a clever consumer when you shop online.

The Clever Consumer’s Guide to Shopping Online:

Shop Around:

When you shop online, it can be very easy to be tempted by the first offer that you see. If you see a price that suits your budget, or an offer of “free shipping,” you may feel inclined to order right away. But don’t just order immediately, instead, a file that product listing away in the back of your mind (or add it to your bookmarks) and begin to shop around.

The beauty of online shopping is that it’s incredibly easy to compare everything say you want to purchase luxury soft towel online, you can look for tips before buying. Unlike shopping in-person where you would have to call different stores on the phone or visit them in person, a quick Google search will allow you to pull up a list of retailers that sell what you’re looking for. From then, you can quickly compare the prices, the cost of shipping the product, and bonuses (e.g loyalty offers and extra rewards) in order to find the offer that suits you best.

Do Your Research:

It’s always important to do your research when shopping, but especially online. You don’t want to be stuck with a product that wasn’t as you expected, leaving you feeling disappointed. You just want to be sure that what you’re ordering will be of high quality.

The first step in doing your research is to read reviews of that retailer. If the retailer sells brand new products, what do people say about those brands online? Some retailers list customer reviews directly under the products listings, or you could search for the brand name on social media to see what people are saying in real-time (try searching for the URL if there’s nothing recent for the brand name). Doing your research when buying used or refurbished goods, such as refurbished phones and laptops will look a little bit different. You’ll need to learn what seller refurbished means and how that differs from manufacturer refurbished (and vice versa) in order to understand who has refurbished a product and how it has been tested. These terms are commonly found in product listings on online retailers (including Amazon) and so finding out more about refurbished testing processes and how technicians have been trained can be key to getting quality refurbished goods.

Double-Check the Returns Policy:

Sometimes, even when you’ve done your due diligence and have researched the retailer and have confirmed that it is trustworthy, things still go wrong. This may be due to mistakes during shipping or the manufacturing process. These things happen and they’re unfortunate and disappointing, but if a store has a good returns policy, then you don’t have to worry.

Always double-check the returns policy before buying because you’ll want to know that you’re covered in the event that anything goes wrong. Some of the stores with the best return policies include IKEA which is famous for its 365 returns policy which lets you return something for a full refund within a year if you are unsatisfied. Bath & Body Works is also a standout as it has a 100% satisfaction guarantee, offering no limit on when you can return a product. In fact, it even has a price adjustment policy, letting you get some money back if the price of the product is lowered within 14 days of your purchase.

Review the Security:

Safety is paramount when shopping online. You’re placing a significant amount of trust in an online retailer because you’re showing them personal details such as your name, your address and your credit card info. Any time you spend money, you just want to know that your personal and confidential data is protected and will not fall into the wrong hands or be used for anything other than what you’ve consented too.

Reading reviews of retailers and doing your research as mentioned above can be a useful tool in this, but you may want to get even more technical given that this is the Internet. Something you can do in that case is to check the retailer’s SSL certificate. An SSL certificate is something that confirms that a website encrypts its data and that it cannot be intercepted by any malicious actors. You’ll know if a site has SSL because you’ll see a padlocked sign next to the URL (website) in the address bar at the top of your browser. The website will also start with the phrase “https” to let you know that it’s secure.

Armed with these top online shopping tips, you will be able to find the best prices and deals from the most trusted retailers. So enjoy your shopping and all of your new products.

Read Also:

How To Save Money When Shopping Online

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The Whos Whats And Hows Of Espadrilles

Last month I got a pair of sandals as a gift for my birthday. Everyone keeps asking me where they can find a pair, but I don’t even know what they’re called. You may be here because someone told you they were wearing espadrilles and you got curious or just want to keep up with this hot summer trend. Either way, let’s talk about espadrilles. Most likely you’ve seen them somewhere or even own a pair. These shoes come in a variety of style with that characteristic woven rustic exterior. It’s a bit confusing, but please bear with me as I explain. Espadrilles can be in any design ranging from sandals, flatforms, mules, closed shoes or even wedges. Generally, you get them in a beige color, but if you are lucky, you may get them in a partially or all black set. They are a great way to diversify your casual look. Fun facts about espadrilles Typically, espadrilles have a fabric top and a bottom covered with a braided rope. Some may have lambskin tops, giving you all sorts of options for a trendy look. Everyone’s included They’re made for men and women but in different designs. Men espadrilles are great for going to the beach or for picnics. Basically, they are ideal relaxation shoes. They go well with everything You can wear them with a variety of outfits. With all their shapes and forms, your outfit choices with espadrilles are almost endless. You might want to pair espadrille wedges with that bohemian maxi dress, go for it! Try out the sandals with that leather mini skirt. The options are endless. Built for comfort Espadrilles have a rustic charm about them. The fact that they are made from natural products like rope and in some cases cotton fabric add to that natural look you’re going for. Don’t be scared to try out the wedge. They are not only trendy but also super comfortable. Espadrille tip: if you can’t manage the high wedges, why not try the midi wedge? Or better yet the flatforms that still give you that laid back stylish finish. How to choose the right the pair for you Whether you want wedges, flatform or flat espadrilles, choosing the right pair to suit you can be tricky. First thing you should think about is location. Where do you plan to go with these shoes? The top can be plain black or patterned. This makes them a different piece to add to your closet. Grab yourself this trendy summer shoe option. Going shopping If you don’t own a pair, it may be time to go shoe shopping. Finding the right pair to suit your style might be a little tricky. When the options available at your shoe store don’t impress you or are too single toned, try shopping online. Lily lulu Fashion is a great place to start. You can check out different varieties that are sure to catch your eye. Boys and espadrilles You heard me! This item is not exclusive to women. You can grab yourself a pair if you’re looking to give off that chilled out cool dude vibe. Maybe you want something different to wear with your shorts, why not get a nice flashy pair of espadrille flats? They are a great way for guys to diversify their look. Espadrilles have a combined loafer-sneaker effect for guys. You get that semi-formality with maximum comfort. Don't be scared to add a little espadrille spice to your style; they could be the item that gives you the ultimate wow factor you've been looking for. The weird thing about closed espadrilles WHY DO THEY FEEL SO SNUG? Don't be so alarmed. That's how they feel the first time you put them on. Its not that they aren't your size; they need to be broken in. There's a right way and a wrong way to wear closed espadrilles. Here’s a little trick to help you out: stretch them out with a shoe stretcher or paper. Wear them with thin low cut socks for an easy slip on. If this tight fit is a no, try getting yourself the open toe flat or flatform kind. Making the day to night transition with espadrilles Don’t know how you can make that change and still stay stylish? How about trying the semi-casual look for the daytime; then slap on those high wedges for that bonfire beach party. Flats and flatforms are quite comfortable and flexible. You can wear them with your semi-casual outfits and run your errands in comfort and style. Wear these with pants, skirts, dresses, literally everything. Stylish wedge Whether you choose the closed or open toe espadrille wedge, they are a great feminine addition to your look. It is only logical to match them with similar feminine pieces. Try wearing natural fabrics that give you that chic bohemian look. These wedges combine with all those cute pieces in your wardrobe to give you a simple yet elegant look. Number one vacay item If you’re planning to go on a vibrant summer vacation, don’t forget to carry your espadrilles! They are a great vacation accessory. You can travel to new places in stylish comfort. Choose espadrilles as a good option for an effortless vacation look. Espadrille No-no’s Like with most fashion, a little print goes a long way. When wearing the print espadrilles, be careful not to choose items with clashy patterns. Instead of boosting your look, you might end up taking away from it. Try them on with those unusual items in your closet and see how well these two complement each other. Final thought These are like the holy grail of summer shoes. They are a fabulous mash-up of comfort and style. While ideal for relaxing, espadrilles can be a great way to spice up your office look. The fact that they pair well with many pieces makes them an ideal item forever wardrobe. Espadrilles are a shoe staple for every wardrobe. Read Also: How To Plan Your Holiday Shopping To Actually Enjoy It The Clever Consumer’s Guide To Shopping Online How To Save Money When Shopping Online

How To Buy Glasses With Vision Direct

So you are looking for new eyeglasses but don’t want to get out during this coronavirus pandemic. Well, then you don’t need to wait for the pandemic to get over because you now can have your prescription glasses delivered at your doorsteps. Whenever shopping online for glasses, you must make sure that you are getting the right lenses that can really match your requirements. When you have the best retailers available, then you don’t need to worry about anything because they will help you out in finding the best pair of glasses possible. You don’t have to be an optics expert to find the right prescription glasses. You simply need to follow a few simple steps to make it possible. Follow the guide below for ordering your prescription glasses online. First Off, Get The Prescription: The first and foremost thing you have to do is visit your eye specialist, who will help you identify your vision requirements. Your doctor will provide a proper prescription and also help you out if you have any questions about your eye care. If you want to get custom-made glasses, then the opticians can help with that as well. They can easily measure your pupillary distance and also provide you with the details which will help you find the best frames and lenses for the prescription. Prescription sunglasses are also available with credible businesses and platforms. This can allow you to always enjoy the feeling of wearing sunglasses on the beach or while driving without having to worry about the power in your eyes. Many people first have to undertake the tricky procedure of wearing contact lenses and then using zero-power sunglasses. However, with prescription sunglasses, you do not have to worry about putting the contacts at all. The Virtual Try-On Technology Provided By Vision Direct: Simply go to the online store and select your sunglasses or eyeglasses that you like after getting a proper prescription from the optician. Finding the best and suitable pair is very important, and that is where VTO (the virtual try-on tool) comes to help. With the help of such technology, you can easily try on different pairs of glasses virtually using your webcam. Get The Correct Glasses Frame: There is a huge collection of different glass frames available on the website from which you can choose the one you have in mind. You can easily order sunglasses or eyeglasses directly online. You can find many styles and affordable options here as well. The Shape Of The Frame: For bringing out your amazing features, the right shape of your eyeglasses is very important. The shape of your face is the first thing to consider for this. So before going shopping, first stand in front of a mirror and determine the shape of your face to get the best pair. The Size Of The Frame: When it really comes to selecting the correct frame of eyeglasses, you should definitely know which one will fit your face perfectly. If you get the glasses with too small or too big a frame, it could really be disproportionate to the face of yours. If you get glasses that are too narrow, it could restrict the proper blood circulation, and the too loose glasses would not be secure to your head. So make sure to get the proper measurements before ordering online. Evade Add-Ons For Keeping The Price Of The Eyeglasses Down: The anti-reflective coating, polycarbonate lens, and anti-scratch, etc., are all the add-ons that can significantly increase the cost of your prescription glasses. So decide carefully what exactly you want and at what budget. Enter The Prescription: After selecting the right frame for your new glasses, the only thing that is left for you to do is fitting them with the prescription lenses. On the site, you can easily upload such details in the system or enter them manually. No matter what eye care requirements or styles you have, you can easily find the best pair from the huge collection of brands and styles from this trusted website. They provide a warranty for twenty-four months on glasses with free shipping and the best price guarantee as well. How to Choose Glasses Based on Your Skin Tone and Hair Color When they shop for glasses, many people focus on face shape, but your skin tone and hair color are important, too. In fact, the right frames can make your glasses from a necessity to a stunning accessory to your overall look. Here’s how to make sure you’re shopping for your perfect pair. Skin Tone Step one is determining if you have a warm or cool skin tone. It really can make all the difference when it comes to picking the perfect frames. Warm Skin Tones If your skin has more of a golden/peach/yellow undertone to it, then you have a warm complexion. Earthy tones such as browns, warm tortoiseshell, gold, and olive-green work well with your skin tone and hair coloring. They will generally enhance the warmth in your skin and work well together, creating a good harmony/balance. Try to avoid anything too ‘cool’ in tone, e.g., silver or icy blue, as it can really clash with your natural complexion. Cool Skin Tones Cool skin tones have pink, red, or blue undertones. For this skin type, stick to frames in cool shades, such as black, silver, blue, purple, and gray. These colors create a sleek contrast, bringing out vibrancy in your skin. Warmer colors like gold or orange might make your skin appear washed out, so they’re best avoided. Choosing Frames Based on Hair Color Your hair color will also impact how certain frame colors will look on you. Here’s a cheat sheet by color: Blonde Hair If you have lighter hair, especially if it’s platinum or ash blonde, cooler tones like soft pastels, silver, or transparent frames will create an elegant and modern look. If your hair is golden blonde, go with warmer frames like tortoiseshell or amber that mimic the richness of your hair. Brunette Hair If you have brown hair, then you can pull off richer frame colors like brown, burgundy and other rich jewel tones that will go well with the warmth of your hair. Cool brunettes that have ash brown hair can even try black or blue frames for a great contrast. Red Hair Redheads generally have warm tones, so earthy colors like tortoiseshell, warm greens, and coppers suit their hair color really well. Cooler-tone redheads might want to stay away from overly bright or neon colors as they may be too vibrant of contrast against your cool-toned hair. Read Also: Sunglasses Suitable for Weddings

There’s More to Finding the Right Socks Than You Think

Are your holiday memories filled with the dreaded image of lumpy, poorly-sized socks that you would inevitably get every year? Until you have a pair of socks that are simply wonderful and cozy, you probably didn’t give much thought to how important it is to get the right type and style of socks. After all, no one wants to spend their days pulling up socks that keep sliding down ankles or even worse, that slip under the heel and leave your Achilles tendon to rub against the back of your shoe. Socks that are too big have extra fabric, which might sound like a good thing but it’s really just a recipe for blisters and poor insulation. Nobody said it would be easy to find comfortable socks that keep you warm during all seasons of the year, but it also doesn’t have to be a search to the end of the earth to find the right thermal socks. For instance, if you spend time working outdoors, then you need to know about the best place to get reliable worker socks to wear in those heavy-duty work boots. Thermal Overall Grade: When shopping for thermal socks, you can compare products by focusing on the Thermal Overall Grade (TOG) of the socks. For instance, one manufacturer of thermal socks have a model that is scientifically tested to be over seven times warmer than a basic cotton sock. That’s something that you can definitely take into consideration when shopping for extra warm thermal socks that will keep your feet warm in cold weather but will still be breathable enough that you won’t overheat. If that type of sock sounds too hot but the thinner model that is as warm as three pairs of cotton socks sounds too small, then you don’t have to worry. There is a pair of thermal socks out there that are not too hot and not too cold, they’re just right. Medium warmth thermal socks are thick enough that they can fill a roomy shoe, but not so much that you can’t wear your everyday shoes if you’ve got on your thermal socks. Finding a Fun Pattern: If you’ve ever seen a very corporate-looking business professional with an extra snazzy pair of socks peeking out from their leather shoes, then you surely know how much fun it can be to have socks that reflect the fun side of your personality. If you find something that you really love, then you’ll be inclined to gift them to people you love and share the wealth (or in this case, warmth). When looking for the right socks, you need to consider if you want to have a pattern or if you want to go for a neutral color. Consider where you plan on wearing your socks and if you’re getting multiple pairs, opt for a variety that will give you the most options when it comes down to picking a pair. Kids Need Durability: Getting the right pair of socks for young children can be particularly tricky. There’s always a chance that the sizing will be wrong or that the socks will be too uncomfortable and the kids won’t want to wear them. One way to get the right type of socks for kids is to get them pairs that feel good on their feet and in their hands. That way, they can learn how to fold and put away clothing and they’ll get excited at the idea of putting on their fun, soft socks. Read Also: Style Your Child: How To Find Comfy And Cute Clothing For Kids

The Clever Consumer’s Guide to Shopping Online

The Clever Consumer’s Guide to Shopping Online:

Shop Around:

Do Your Research:

Double-Check the Returns Policy:

Review the Security:

Gold: Choose your Jewellery Carefully

How to Choose the Best Period Pants

Content Rally

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

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The Whos Whats And Hows Of Espadrilles

How To Buy Glasses With Vision Direct

There’s More to Finding the Right Socks Than You Think

The Clever Consumer’s Guide to Shopping Online

The Clever Consumer’s Guide to Shopping Online:

Shop Around:

Do Your Research:

Double-Check the Returns Policy:

Review the Security:

Share this Article

Gold: Choose your Jewellery Carefully

How to Choose the Best Period Pants

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

Leave a Reply

Popular

Follow Us

Recent

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