DEPARTMENT Renovate Your Home With Your Computer (NAPSA)—Homerenovation can be less stressful and costly if you use the vast resources of the Internet to save you money, time and frustration. The World Wide Web offers an abundance of resources for making home improvement plans and purchases. Users can log on to get details on prod- ucts and find deals on home fur- nishings. It is important, however, to know howto shopeffectively on the Internet. For example, HomeClick.com (www.home click.com), a leading online provider of home furnishings and products recommends these tips to ensure success while shopping online for home improvement products: Note measurements of the home furnishings product you are considering and measure the space available. This is especially important because you will not have a three-dimensional view of the object. Do research on the product online. The Internet allows customers to quickly browse other online retailers to ensure that they are getting the best price available. * Before choosing an online company for your home improvement purchase, look for a third party endorsement from a nonprofit consumer advocacy organization, such as TRUSTe and the Better Business Bureau. Check to see if the online retailer works with a reputable digital trust service to ensure secure credit card transactions. The standard method to encrypt data is SSL (Secure Sockets Layer). The URL address should contain an “s” after the “http.” Read the refund and return policy on the Website. A reputable Web based company will provide solid commitments for customer satisfaction. Print out and date a copy of your order and confirmation and keepit onfile.
