Shopping by Mail - Tips
With their busy schedules and impatience for crowded shopping centers, many people will avoid a trip to the local mall at all costs.
However, if someone does not want to go to a shopping center, they may have to think outside of the box when it comes to tracking down the items they want or need.
Shopping by mail is a great option, but consumers should consider a few simple tips to enhance their shopping experience.
Most companies are perfectly reputable and will send an item that looks just as it was described.
However, for whatever reason, many people find that they need to return items that they purchase over the mail.
To make sure that this will be possible and hassle free, it is important to be very clear about the company's return policy before making a purchase.
Once the order is placed, it is very important for the consumer to keep detailed records of the transaction.
Hold on to any receipts or cancelled checks and make notes of the order number and tracking number.
If the customer spoke with a sales representative before making the purchase, it is a good idea to jot down their name in case there is an issue down the road.
Cash may seem like the easiest way to pay for an item by mail, but it is never a good idea to send cash through the mail.
If the envelope is lost in the mail, the customer will have no way to retrieve their lost funds.
In an even worse case scenario, there may be discrepancy with the company about whether or not the item was paid for and the consumer will have no proof of their payment.
In the event that the item does need to be returned, be sure to get a return receipt from the company once it has been sent back.
The funds should be returned to the credit card or checking account within one billing cycle.
If they are not returned and the need arises to contact the company again, a return receipt will become very important.
Shopping by mail is a great option for someone who wants to avoid the crowds at a shopping mall.
However, it is important to keep careful records in the event that something goes wrong with the purchase.
Be sure to understand the return policy before making a purchase and find an alternative payment other than sending cash.
However, if someone does not want to go to a shopping center, they may have to think outside of the box when it comes to tracking down the items they want or need.
Shopping by mail is a great option, but consumers should consider a few simple tips to enhance their shopping experience.
Most companies are perfectly reputable and will send an item that looks just as it was described.
However, for whatever reason, many people find that they need to return items that they purchase over the mail.
To make sure that this will be possible and hassle free, it is important to be very clear about the company's return policy before making a purchase.
Once the order is placed, it is very important for the consumer to keep detailed records of the transaction.
Hold on to any receipts or cancelled checks and make notes of the order number and tracking number.
If the customer spoke with a sales representative before making the purchase, it is a good idea to jot down their name in case there is an issue down the road.
Cash may seem like the easiest way to pay for an item by mail, but it is never a good idea to send cash through the mail.
If the envelope is lost in the mail, the customer will have no way to retrieve their lost funds.
In an even worse case scenario, there may be discrepancy with the company about whether or not the item was paid for and the consumer will have no proof of their payment.
In the event that the item does need to be returned, be sure to get a return receipt from the company once it has been sent back.
The funds should be returned to the credit card or checking account within one billing cycle.
If they are not returned and the need arises to contact the company again, a return receipt will become very important.
Shopping by mail is a great option for someone who wants to avoid the crowds at a shopping mall.
However, it is important to keep careful records in the event that something goes wrong with the purchase.
Be sure to understand the return policy before making a purchase and find an alternative payment other than sending cash.
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