————~ eo om ee” a .BP - @o@ 5 2+Sser2t 7% am . 9706_0 ae HolidayHints} —— ~2 —-H @&@ Internet Shopping Tips (NAPSA)—If projections by the U.S. Department of Commerce are correct, Americans will spend more than $26 billion shopping online this year. A significant por- tion of those shopping dollars will be spent during the upcoming holiday gift-giving season. If you’re among the growing number of consumers who think there’s no place like hometo shop, the folks at www.dearfoams.com have some tips for making your Internet shoppinga little easier: Start Early Start early, since nearly half of online shoppers expect to be buying their holiday gifts by Halloween, according to the 2006 eHoliday Mood Study, conducted by BizRate Research for Shopzilla and Shop.org. Also, keep in mind that many Web sites need at least a week to deliver the goods, or charge a premium for expedited shipping; so be certain to check delivery policies and options. If you’re doing a little last-minute shopping, try to do so at sites that make expedited shipping guarantees. ChooseUser-Friendly Sites Shop on Websites that give you a good look at the product you’re buying and that provide plenty of information. For instance, www.dearfoams.com is an easy-to-navigate site that lets you buy Dearfoams slippers from the comfort of your own home. The site features vibrant, full-color images of the company’s current footwear collection; unique, Inter- net-only products; and complete information on product pricing, features and benefits. Consumers can also use the site to create wish lists, track orders, join in contests and register to receive special promotions. Stay Safe Identity fraud is one of the If you use the Internet to do some s holiday shopping, some good advice is to shop at Websites of companies you know andtrust. fastest-growing crimes in the U.S. Always read a site’s security policy before you make a purchase and only shop at secure Websites. In addition, consider designating one credit card with a lowerlimit as your Internet-shopping credit card. Keep a close eye on your statements and notify your bank of any suspicious activity. Still leery about making the plunge into the world of online shopping? You can put yourself at ease by only shopping at sites operated by companies you know andtrust. For example, the Dearfoams company has been in the slipper business for over 60 years. It is the best-known and trusted name in at-home comfort footwear. Keep A Record Keep track of shipping dates, confirmation numbers and any other records related to your online transactions. They can come in handy should you have to make a return or if your purchases don’t arrive by the agreed-upon date.It’s also a smart idea to familiarize yourself with a Web site’s return policy before making a purchase. Can you return items for a full refund or only for credit? It could be worth your while to find out. For more information about shopping for Dearfoams online, visit www.dearfoams.com.
