What’s In Store » 2007

Archive for April, 2007

Gold Standard

“Yellow colored objects appear to be gold.”
Aristotle, 384 - 322 B.C.

Here’s a fun exercise: Gold is going for $673.40 a troy ounce, which works out to $9,818.17 per pound. Multiply that by your weight and you’ll know exactly how much you’re worth in this spring trend.

Steppin’ Out

Who needs roads paved in gold when you have gold heels? Create your own good luck and wear them with everything from jeans to suits.

Coin Purse

Flaunt your wealth (even if it’s mostly knowledge) with a gold purse. Anything you put in it (breath mints, bobby pins, etc.) will feel a luxury commodity.

Rain Maker

Every storm cloud will have a golden lining with a metallic rain coat. I’ll understand if you do a rain dance or two.

Share This

Thursday

April 12, 2007

by:
Kathryn Lovell

Q&A - Online Safety Tips

What is the best way to make sure an unknown online store is trustworthy if they offer the lowest price?
— From Brad in San Francisco

Trust is an important part of the shopping experience, especially when you are buying from a new merchant. In many cases, you can decide where to safely shop online by following a few simple practices (that I compiled from a variety of expert sources including eBay’s Security Center).

1. Learn as much as possible about the product and retailer.

Shoppers can learn about a retailer through its reputation, from previous purchases, from referrals through friends or from reviews and comments left by other shoppers. Customer reviews are often the best guide for determining which stores to trust. When in doubt, a good resource are the Epinions consumer reviews found on Shopping.com. Shoppers rate stores on a one-to-five “check” scale, often giving a detailed account of what they bought, what they liked and disliked about the store, and whether they would buy there again. In addition, Shopping.com awards its Trusted Store seal to merchants who consistently receive positive customer ratings and reviews, provide accurate information and honor their price listings. There is also a Smart Buy seal that calls out the lowest price from a Trusted Store.

2. Understand the retailers’ refund and return policies.

Look for and ask about the refund and return policy. Questions to ask include: the required timeframe in which a buyer must contact the retailer and return the item; whether a full refund or a merchandise credit will be offered; and, whether an item that has been opened can be returned. If no refund policy exists, consumers may be able to take advantage of buyer protection programs, if offered by the retailer or the consumer’s payment service provider. These protection programs ensure that if there is a problem with a transaction, the consumer’s payment will be covered or refunded as a result.

3. Use a secure checkout and payment process.

Many Web sites use a technology called Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) to encrypt any personal and financial information sent over the Internet. To know if the retailer is encrypting information, look for the display of a locked padlock at the bottom of the Internet browser you are using. You can also pay with a fast, easy and secure payment method such as PayPal. Do not pay with cash or instant money transfer services. Also, never click on a link or reply to emails that ask for personal information such as account or credit card details, username or password.

4. If an offer sounds highly suspicious or too good to be true, it probably is.

As with any purchase, shoppers should read the fine print (or, in some instances, click the links describing the purchase agreement). While Internet retailers frequently offer lower prices than conventional stores, shoppers should be wary of unreasonably low bargain prices or unusually attractive promises.

If you have a question you’d like us to answer, please send us an email.

Share This

Monday

April 9, 2007

by:
Wendy Sept

Shopping.com Staff
About This Author
No Comments

The Getaway Bag

“Congratulations! Today is your day. You’re off to great places. You’re off and away!”
Dr. Seuss, 1904 - 1991

Call it cabin fever. Call it wanderlust. Call it whatever you’d like, but hold our calls because we’ll be out of town for the weekend. Just the weekend. Two, maybe three nights, max. You don’t need your giant reinventing-yourself-for-six-weeks- in-Europe bag. You just need a bag that will fit a couple of outfits and maybe a second pair of shoes. If you keep it stocked with travel basics like toiletries and dainties, you’ll be ready to escape at a moment’s notice.

First Class

There is always a decadent, old Hollywood vibe to leather luggage. But, since customs agents are familiar with classic movies plots involving stolen jewels and laundered money concealed in leather bags, it’s not the best for traveling incognito overseas. It is perfect for a weekend getaway where neither it, nor the goods inside, will be out of your sight.

Fly Girl

I’ve always wanted to show up at the airport, buy a ticket for the next departing flight and figure things out once I arrive at my destination. I can use a handbag inspired weekender as my purse, but still have room for whatever purchases my spontaneous adventure may require.

On the Road

Thinking about a few snowy days in an Alpine cabin? Or you could skip the icy roads, head to wine country and turn the air conditioning down low enough to use your in-room fireplace. Either way you can keep your clothes warm all weekend in a quilted travel tote.

Share This