Black Friday and Cyber Monday point to record Internet sales this Holiday Season -- and why not?! How can anyone resist sitting in a comfy chair, surfing for that perfect gift? But what do we really know about those E-businesses?
Let's test your Internet savvy. Who of the following can operate a commercial website?
Yep, they all can. Britney would be a challenge, needing rehab first plus a support group's help to stop smearing whiteout on the computer screen. Anyone, even ex-felons with a record as long as Santa's shopping list, can have a "web presence." Contrary to popular belief, not all Web folks are honest. Get over it!
Here's a little fairy tale to illustrate my point:
Once upon a time, Hans, a middle-aged guy with missing reading glasses and creaky knees, wanted a new digital camera. He spent wistful hours on the Internet reading reviews and camera guides, working crossword puzzles, and watching YouTube videos. He was ADHD -- it couldn't be helped.
Doing a Google search for his dream camera, Hans was shocked as site after site posted a price well beyond his meager allowance -- except one, a beacon of hope on the Information Superhighway.
www.BogusRatingsUSA.com told of five-star-rated You Fool Cameras with boatloads of happy customers, offering the camera for $399. Alas, a mere pittance and 1/3 the price of those other loser sites. YFC's site was a happy place, run by caring entrepreneurs wishing to "provide the best service possible in order to deserve the trust of our customers." Remarkably, they did this by practically giving away products. "Maybe they have magical hamsters making the cameras," thought Hans. He liked hamsters.
Without hesitation, lest it get away, Hans clicked "add to cart," filled in sacred credit card information, and completed the order (He's why candy bars are in the checkout aisle.). But the voice of reason, gripping his throat, said, "The camera guide stated, if the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is." He gasped, "Oops!" (He was damaged during college when generic beer was really cheap.)
Hans frantically Googled "YouFoolCameras.com," only to discover, "Beware of YouFoolCameras.com, they are a complete scam!!" He screamed, "I'm an idiot!" (which was true) as scads of postings lamented how very "bait and switch" efficient YFC was, pushing accessories inflated like pro football players' salaries. They were also in bed with www.BogusRatingsUSA.com and hanging out in a sleazy New Jersey basement.
Hans had never been to New Jersey, always imagining it a "burb" of the Big Apple - like Harlem and Yonkers. He sank into a deep depression, feeling like a soggy chocolate cupcake heading toward the septic tank of life.
So you see, online shopping can have its perils. Surfing for that perfect gift? Here're two pieces of advice -- my holiday gift to you:
1. Know your seller. Sure, there are reputable E-businesses but always research first, order second.
2. If it sounds too good to be true (PAY ATTENTION HERE!), it probably is. Don't get trapped convincing some Bronx scumbag you mean business. As a trained professional with a foreign accent you won't understand, he'll have an arsenal of convoluted fibs that'll cost you time and frustration (if not big bucks).
What about Hans? Oh, he had his benevolent wife quickly cancel the order. She knew he was a hopeless fool but loved him anyway. They lived happily ever after.
P.S. I'm watching my credit card billing in case goodies like zirconium nose rings from Vinnie's Tattoos and Body Piercing (Hwy 57, NJ) show up.