Tips

Shopping on the Internet can be economical and convenient. Shopping on the Internet is no less safe than shopping in a store or by mail. To help ensure that your online shopping experience is a safe one:

• Know who you’re dealing with. Confirm the online seller’s physical address and phone number in case you have questions or problems.
• Know exactly what you’re buying. Read the seller’s description of the product closely, especially the fine print.
• Know what it will cost. Factor shipping and handling — along with your needs and budget — into the total cost of the order.
• Pay by credit or charge card, for maximum consumer protections.
• Check out the terms of the deal, like refund policies and delivery dates.
• Print and save records of your online transactions.

Shopping online offers lots of benefits that you won’t find shopping in a store or by mail. The Internet is always open — seven days a week, 24 hours a day — and bargains can be numerous online. With a click of a mouse, you can buy an airline ticket, book a hotel, send flowers to a friend, or purchase your favorite fashions. But sizing up your finds on the Internet is a little different from checking out items at the mall.

If you’re buying items from an online retailer or auction website, OnGuard Online offers this advice to help you make the most of your shopping experience:

• Know who you’re dealing with. Anyone can set up shop online under almost any name. Confirm the online seller’s physical address and phone number in case you have questions or problems. If you get an email or pop-up message while you’re browsing that asks for financial information, don’t reply or click on the link in the message. Legitimate companies don’t ask for this information via email.
• Know exactly what you’re buying. Read the seller’s description of the product closely, especially the fine print. Words like “refurbished,” “vintage,” or “close-out” may indicate that the product is in less-than-mint condition, while name-brand items with “too good to be true” prices could be counterfeits.
• Know what it will cost. Check out websites that offer price comparisons and then, compare “apples to apples.” Factor shipping and handling — along with your needs and budget — into the total cost of the order. Do not send cash under any circumstances.
• Pay by credit or charge card. If you pay by credit or charge card online, your transaction will be protected by the Fair Credit Billing Act. Under this law, you have the right to dispute charges under certain circumstances and temporarily withhold payment while the creditor is investigating them. In the event of unauthorized use of your credit or charge card, you generally would be held liable only for the first $50 in charges. Some companies offer an online shopping guarantee that ensures you will not be held responsible for any unauthorized charges made online, and some cards may provide additional warranty, return, and/or purchase protection benefits.
• Check out the terms of the deal, like refund policies and delivery dates. Can you return the item for a full refund if you’re not satisfied? If you return it, find out who pays the shipping costs or restocking fees, and when you will receive your order. A Federal Trade Commission (FTC) rule requires sellers to ship items as promised or within 30 days after the order date if no specific date is promised.
• Keep a paper trail. Print and save records of your online transactions, including the product description and price, the online receipt, and copies of every email you send or receive from the seller. Read your credit card statements as you receive them and be on the lookout for unauthorized charges.
• Don’t email your financial information. Email is not a secure method of transmitting financial information like your credit card, checking account, or Social Security number. If you initiate a transaction and want to provide your financial information through an organization’s website, look for indicators that the site is secure, like a lock icon on the browser’s status bar or a URL for a website that begins “https:” (the “s” stands for “secure”). Unfortunately, no indicator is foolproof; some fraudulent sites have forged security icons.
• Check the privacy policy. It should let you know what personal information the website operators are collecting, why, and how they’re going to use the information. If you can’t find a privacy policy — or if you can’t understand it, consider taking your business to another site that’s more consumer-friendly.

Laptop Shopping Guide

What is a Laptop?
A laptop computer (also known as notebook computer) is a small mobile personal computer, usually weighing from 1 to 3 kilograms (2 to 7 pounds). Computers larger than PDAs but smaller than notebooks are also sometimes called "palmtops". Laptops can easily be transported and conveniently used in temporary spaces such as on airplanes, schools, temporary offices, and at meetings. Laptop computers generally cost more than desktop computers with the same capabilities because they are more difficult to design and manufacture. Laptops are generally composed of a motherboard, sound card, graphic card, CD-ROM drive, floppy drive, monitor, mouse and keyword.

Why should I choose a Laptop instead of a Desktop Computer? Key features & Tips!
Depending on your usage, you may find yourself needing a more portable solution for your computing needs. If this is the case then a laptop is a must. If you are going to choose a laptop computer you must do one thing first: determine what exactly your laptop is to do.

This will help avoid unhappiness after the purchase. For instance if you are going to use your computer only for internet access and running small software programs then a notebook is for you, but if you wish to start a MP3 collection and run intensive programs then a desktop is a better match for you. One thing to remember that for laptops are 20%-40% slower than their desktop equivalents (having the same features i.e. CPU, RAM, hard disk capacity etc.) slower CPU's, motherboards, hard drives and video systems all contribute to the overall speed.

Laptops comes in a range of different prices.
You can find many discount laptops from as little as Rs.3,2000.00 to over Rs.3,00,000.00. Price ranges for laptops general depend on the manufacturers and the extras that you decide to add on. Some of the more popular manufacturers of Laptops include Dell, Apple Macintosh, HP (Hewlett Packard), Compaq, IBM, NEC, Sony and many more.

Things to look for in a laptop? Options & suggestions!
They are many available options within a laptop package. Some of the key features you should be comparing when shopping for a computer laptop are as follows: hard drive size, processor speed, screen size and resolution, weight, battery size, amount of ram memory, type of motherboard, type of sound card, type of graphic card, CD-ROM drive, DVD-ROM drive, CD or DVD burner drive, floppy drive, zip disk drive, and warranty.

Computer Desktop Shopping Guide

Computer Desktop
A computer desktop is a personal computer made for use on a desk in an office or home and is distinguished from portable computers such as laptops or PDAs. Computers Desktop are also known as microcomputers. There are four types of computers desktop: home computers, or personal computers; workstations, Internet servers, and special communications computers.

Desktops are currently the most affordable computers and ubiquitous in businesses, schools, and households; they are used for performing office tasks, organizing digital photos, video editing, and Internet access. Nearly all desktop computers are modular, with components that can easily be replaced or upgraded.

A computer desktop is a personal computer that is designed to fit conveniently on top of a typical office desk. The computer desktop can either be in tower or flat form. Computer desktops are generally composed of a motherboard, sound card, graphic card, CD-ROM drive, floppy drive, monitor, mouse, keyword. The computer desktop may also include such extras as DVD-ROM drive, CD or DVD burner drive, a printer and a zip disk drive

Price ranges for Computer Desktops.
Offers many discount computer desktops from as little as INR 9000.00 up to and over INR 135000.00. Price ranges for all computer desktops general depend on total functions, speed and quality.

Looking for Function in a Computer Desktop.
They are many available options within a computer desktop package. Some of the key features you should be comparing when shopping for a computer desktop are as follows: hard drive size, processor speed, amount of ram memory, type of motherboard, type of sound card, type of graphic card, CD-ROM drive, DVD-ROM drive, CD or DVD burner drive, floppy drive, and a zip disk drive.

Different about Apple Macintosh Computer Desktops?
Apple Macintosh computers run on a operating system called Mac OS X. Microsoft software products are not usually compatible with Apple software products.

Even the Macintosh's display was unique for its time. It displayed data using black letters on a white background causing the screen to resemble a sheet of paper. The standard had been white letters on black backgrounds prior to the Macintosh.

Popular manufacturers of Computer Desktops
There are many quality manufacturers of computer desktops, but some of the best selling are Dell, Apple Macintosh, HP (Hewlett Packard), Compaq, IBM, NEC and Sony.

Shopping tips

Shopping online has become more and more popular in America as we are all looking to save a little time and money. E-commerce sales are growing at astronomical numbers ranging from 20-25% per year. And according to Forrester Research, 40% of households are using coupons in their web shopping. The huge increases are obvious: the online savings and discounts are impossible to match by traditional stores constrained by the overhead costs of employees, rent, and insurance. By using some of the tips and tricks mentioned below, youll be able to take further advantage of a new American pastime: saving with online shopping!

Tip 1: Dont buy Ebay. We all know online auctions seem like such a great deal, and its easy to get caught up in the emotion of auction. Thing is, auction sites like Ebay and Ubid have become saturated with buyers AND sellers, so virtually any discount found is quickly sought by re-distributors who then add their own markups to your purchase. The online marketplace has enough people out there that you can end up spending hundreds of extra dollars for the same things found in your local mall! Dont let your emotions get involved these are not the right places for the aware shopper.

Tip 2: Never pay retail. Take this scenario: You find something you want to buy, maybe the latest craze or fad such as the Ipod. Should you really pay the price that Apple is offering? No! You can find many deals and coupons for the same purchase just by typing, for example, ipod coupons int Google. Spend a little time searching through the top ten to twenty results, youre sure to find the same product for a significant discount. Sometimes, by filling out a survey or signing up for an email list, youll get additional savings and many times you can even get your product for free!

Tip 3: Get over your instant gratification desire. Just admit it, buying something always gives you a good feeling and you cant wait to take pleasure in that new purchase. Anything youre buying at the mall for that same good feeling can usually be found for a huge discount online. You just have to be willing to wait for the short 2-5 days that it takes for shipping. Its definitely worth the savings to able to control your emotions and hold off until it arrives via UPS!

Tip 4: Watch out for excessive shipping charges. Many times retailers slash their costs to get the sale but then charge more for shipping. Make sure to check the final cost to ensure you didnt receive any unwarranted charges. You should also find a free shipping deal at any of the online coupon sites. Sometimes the shipping can cost more than your purchase!

Tip 5: Online coupons: Were you aware of online coupon websites that have discount and promotion codes to nearly all internet stores? These types of websites always have up to date discount offers arranged by category or store, so you can always find something on sale. Its not only a way to get a good deal but you can also find some of the free shipping offers listed in tip 4. Just be careful to check for a coupon code before making any internet purchase. Its a simple way to find extra savings.

Check the shipping costs.

Shipping, especially for next day delivery, could make the total purchase price more than what you would pay in a retail store. At one time, many sites offered free shipping as a way to attract customers. While those days are over except during the holidays, some sites still offer free or discounted shipping for select items and purchases over a certain amount.

Review the return and refund policies.

How can you return unwanted merchandise? How long do you have? Will you receive a full refund? Who pays for return shipping? An e-tailer should provide answers. If not, call the merchant before you buy.

Pay with plastic.

In the U.S.,credit cards offer the same consumer protection whether shopping online or offline--you are liable only for US $50 if your card is used fraudulently. You can also challenge charges and withhold payment in the event of a dispute with a merchant.

An alternative payment option, particularly for buying from auction sites, is setting up an account with PayPal. You electronically transfer money from your bank account into your PayPal account, then use it to pay merchants.

Look for coupons and other discounts.

Many online merchants offer rebates that can save you a bundle of money. To receive the discount, typically you enter the coupon code in the order form. It's then deducted from the total purchase price. Start your bargain hunting at Learn the Net Coupons.

For travelers, many airline sites offer weekly specials and e-fares. To keep informed of these discounts, sign up for newsletters at their websites.

Comparison shop.

So-called shopping bots compare prices for products across dozens of websites. You'd be amazed at the range of prices you'll find. Start with this trio:

• PriceRunner

• PriceGrabber.com

• Shopzilla

• Smarter.com

Always use a secure Internet connection when making a purchase.

Reputable sites use technologies such as SSL (Secure Socket Layer) or SET (Secure Electronic Transmission) that encrypt data during transmission.

You can tell if this technology is in use when the lock icon at the bottom of your web browser window is closed. (In no case should you send your credit card number by e-mail.) Another way is to check the address of the site you are accessing; it should begin with "https".

Parents More Ambivalent About Internet Use for Teens

A recent study by the Pew Internet & American Life Project shows that parents are more ambivalent about whether Internet access is a positive thing for their teens. The number of parents who say that using the Internet is good for their children has dropped from 67% in 2004 to 59% in 2006. In the same vein, the number of parents who don't think the Internet impacts their children one way or the other has risen from 25% in 2004 to 30% in 2006.

The study explores parent and teen attitudes towards the Internet and technology devices in general. It suggests that parents are paying close attention to the type of content their children are accessing. They are typically regulating both the time spent online, as well as the content accessed and are more aware of what their children are doing.

The Parent and Teenager Internet Use Report is available for viewing on the Pew Internet & American Life Project website.

Internet Safety: Parent's Guide to Internet Safety

The news is filled with stories of Internet predators, pornography and other things that are likely to give parents nightmares. For years, the experts have suggested Internet filters as the solution to your problems, but obviously that is no longer enough. Before you go out searching for the next high-tech answer to the problem, take a look at the Parent's Guide to Internet Safety. The simplest solution is to use tools that you may already possess: strong parenting skills.

Safe online toys shopping

Unique Baby Gifts
Looking for a unique baby gift is a tough call. A unique baby gift is one that is remembered and appreciated for it's novelty as well as it's usefulness. This collection of baby gifts is certainly unique and different. Take a look at these top picks for unique baby gifts.

Toy Storage, Bedding And More The Organic Way!
Nest Products, a unique kid's furnishing company, has come out with toy storage options with a difference - they are eco-friendly. Nest's products include toy storage products like toy storage bins, toy storage boxes and toy storage cubes, all using organic cotton. Stylish, portable, timeless and above all, environmentally friendly products make Nest's toy storage solutions really stand out from the rest. Take a look at the various organic toy storage solutions from Nest.

LEGO Storage
Finding the perfect LEGO Storage place to store all those hard to find LEGO Blocks can be tough! Read about this handy LEGO storage box which will make your job easier.

FAO Schwartz - A Photo Tour
FAO Schwartz is one of the largest and most famous toy stores of all times. Take a look at the pictures of the FAO Schwartz toy store in this photo tour of FAO Schwartz.

Cheap Kids Toys - Toys Under $10
It is not necessary to spend a lot of money buying toys, as there are lots of cheap kids toys available in the market. These classic kids toys though cheap, are of good quality and will be loved by your kids. Check out these cheap kids toys all under $10.

How to go about getting the maximum leverage from the internet!

The internet is a wonderful way to explore the world today. From the relative comfort of your home, you can get information on every conceivable topic in existence. The internet makes connections possible that one could not even have dreamed of just a few years back.

In addition to information gathering, online shopping is one of the most promising functions of the internet today. Online toy shopping in particular is very popular. It is now possible to compare prices on various toys, do research on new toys to hit the market, obtain toy safety information, get the best deals, and have your purchase delivered right to your doorstep, all with a few clicks of the mouse. In order to exploit the full shopping potential of the internet, it is necessary to take some precautionary measures and follow a few pointers and online shopping tips as listed below for a smooth online shopping experience.

1. The power of search: Search the internet for the best toys. Use the net as a tool to make the right toy choice. For example, if you are shopping for toys for babies, you can use a search engine like Yahoo or Google to search for the phrase “best baby toys”. Look through the results obtained which will point you in the right direction. Vary the search phrase for example, instead of typing “best baby toys” you could try “popular baby toys” for a whole new set of results.

2. Safe and Sound: Do your homework on the toy you have chosen. You can find safety information on the toy you want to get different sites like www.toysafety.net or www.cspc.gov which is the Consumer Safety Site to find out if your toy is included in the hazardous toy lists published there.

3. Visit well known toy sites: Sites like Toys R US or KBToys, EToys, or Amazon.com are very popular choices for online shopping. Don’t forget the friendly neighborhood Walmart and Target online stores where you are more likely to get better deals. These sites also have lots of toy best seller lists to aid you in making the right decision.

4. Compare prices: Search for the same toy on various different sites to find where you can get the lowest price. You’d be amazed as to how the same toy can sell for such a big price difference. Some of the smaller toy sellers also keep a lower profit margin, so their prices are lower. Walmart and Kmart are also great sites to find bargain deals. Keep in mind the shipping costs of different sites may differ, so take into account the shipping charges when you are comparing the prices.

5. Validate site: Once you have found a website with lowest price in the toy you want to purchase, a good idea would be to call the telephone number listed on the site to find out whether they have the item in stock at that time. Sometimes websites do not update their day to day inventory, some pages on their site may be redundant and if by chance the toy is not available at that time, it would lead to a waste of your time and energy.

6. Multiple Shipping Discount: Some sites offer a shipping discount in case you purchase multiple items. Once again, you can call the contact number and find out from the customer service of that website if they offer any such discount.

7. Avoid Taxes: According to the law, you can only be charged sales tax if the seller or the chain of stores is located in the same State as you. It would help if you can find a seller located in a different state to avoid these extra charges.

8. Lowest shipping charges: While shopping online, you do have to pay shipping charges on most sites which are calculated after you checkout. It would be prudent to check the shipping charges before you enter your credit card number on the seller’s website. Some sites have lower shipping charges than others. Another factor which influences shipping charges is distance. Some sellers offer flat shipping fees no matter where you are located. But some of them may offer distance based shipping. For example if you are located on the east coast and the seller is on the west coast, you may incur higher shipping charges.

9. Discount Coupons: Keep an eye open for discount coupons either listed on the seller’s website itself, or elsewhere on the internet. Most coupons are highlighted on the seller’s homepage. In case you are looking for third party coupons for the seller, you can do a search online for coupons. Also, you can call the seller and ask customer service if they offer any discounts.

10. Buy on Ebay: Online auction websites are gaining in popularity. Ebay is one such online marketplace which is a great way to get the lowest prices on almost anything under the sun. There are a lot of toy sellers on Ebay who are well reputed. Check the feedback of the seller you are interested in for an added safety measure to avoid any fraudulent sellers. In many cases, if the toy you are interested in is not available locally, you will find it on Ebay.

Shop at Secure Web Sites

How can you tell if a web site is secure? It uses encryption technology to transfer information from your computer to the online merchant's computer. Encryption scrambles the information you send, such as your credit card number, in order to prevent computer hackers from obtaining it en route. The only people who can unscramble the code are those with legitimate access privileges.

You can tell when you are dealing with a secure web site in several ways.

• First, if you look at the top of your screen where the web site address is displayed, you should see https://. The "s" that is displayed after "http" indicates that web site is secure. Often, you do not see the "s" until you actually move to the order page on the web site.

• Another way to determine if a web site is secure is to look for a closed padlock displayed at the bottom of your screen. If that lock is open, you should assume it is not a secure site.

• The third symbol that indicates you are on a secure site is an unbroken key.

Of course, transmitting your data over secure channels is of little value to you if the merchant stores the data unscrambled. You should try to find out if the merchant stores the data in encrypted form. If a hacker is able to intrude, it cannot obtain your credit data and other personal information. Be sure to read the merchant's privacy and security policies to learn how it safeguards your personal data on its computers. (See tip 3 below.)

How to shop safely online

Shopping has become an inevitable part of today's age due to which better shopping methods provides easier accessibility to things. Online shopping has gained ground in these modern days. But however one has to watch out to ensure safe shopping. Here are a few tips for making online shopping safe and simple.

• Always use a secure browser that complies with the security standards. The security standards in turn helps to ensure the security of the transaction
• Deal with the companies that you know. If you are not familiar with the company ask for a paper brochure.
• Make sure of the companies policies on refund and return
• Always use a password that is a combination of numbers, letters and symbols.
• Never disclose your password.
• Before typing your credit card number look for a closed padlock or an unbroken key at the bottom of the page to ensure safety of the transaction.
• Always shop with the company that has produced its telephone number and address. Do not be satisfied with just a post card number as it could be difficult to track down the company in case of fraudulent activities.
• Print a copy of purchase order and confirmation number for your records
• Make prior arrangements with the company in case the goods are likely to arrive only after thirty days of purchase.
• Never give out your social security number, mother's maiden name, your email id and other personal information with out proper explanations from the company.
• Look for the security procedure and privacy policy of the company and go through them carefully. In case you don't find them, ask the company to mail them promptly.
• Always opt to pay through credit or charge cards and never through cash or a cheque.
• Last but not the least; always look for well-known companies.

So shop smartly and safely.

Tips for Navigating Hartford County’s Premier Shopping Mall

Tips for Navigating Hartford County’s Premier Shopping Mall

The 1.3 million-square-foot Westfarms Mall in Farmington, Connecticut, is more than just Hartford County residents’ largest local shopping center, it’s a shopping destination featuring some of the most upscale retailers to be found anywhere between New York City and Boston.

Westfarms is regularly open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. Holiday, department store and restaurant hours may vary.

Even if, like me, you have a sixth sense for shopping malls, navigating the Westfarms Mall can be a tricky proposition. Here are seven insider tips to help you conquer this retail Mecca and make the most of your shopping time.

1. Parking: Westfarms Mall offers plenty of parking, but some of the available spaces may be such a hike from an entrance that you’ll lose valuable shopping time... and energy! The Macy's (formerly Filene's) end of the mall seems to be the most difficult area in which to find available parking, particularly when Macy's is having a special sale. Even if Macy's is the store you plan to visit, you may find that you'll save time by parking at the other end of the mall and walking rather than wasting precious shopping moments driving up and down hoping for an opening. I've always had the best luck finding a parking spot under the parking deck in the back west corner of the mall near the entrance to Nordstrom's shoe department. This parking area has the added advantage of being protected from the elements, so your car will stay cooler in the summer and free of snow and ice in the winter.

2. The Least Crowded Ladies' Room: Here's a secret for women shoppers... the Ladies' Room in the Macy's Men's store is one of the most spacious and uncrowded facilities in the mall. At Westfarms, Macy's men's and home furnishings departments are located in a separate area from the rest of the anchor store. You'll find this Macy's "annex" on two floors in the center of the mall, and the Ladies' room is to the right inside the upstairs entrance from the mall, back against the wall in the young men's area. I've always found it clean, but some readers have written to report otherwise. To me, heading for the women's room in the men's store still beats waiting in line when the mall is busy.

3. The Family that Goes Together: And while we’re on the all important topic of restroom facilities, parents will be delighted to hear that Nordstrom boasts a "Family Restroom" in addition to its luxurious men’s and ladies’ rooms. All are located on the first floor against the back wall in the men’s department.

4. Dining: Westfarms doesn’t have a food court. It’s part of the mall’s calculated efforts to discourage congregating "mall rats" and to appeal to affluent shoppers. But there are still a few places to catch a quick bite to eat. My favorite is the sandwich shop, Au Bon Pain, located off the rear hallway near the Macy's end of the mall. You'll also find quick eats at Burger King, Master Wok, Sbarro, Subway and Ranch 1.

5. Rainforest Reservations: If you have time to sit down and dine at Westfarms, the Rainforest Café with its waterfalls and "wild" décor is by far the most popular spot. Rainforest Café is located on the lower level near Macy's, and you don't want to wait until you're hungry to head there, as you may find the lines to be ferocious. Call ahead to make a reservation, 860-521-2002, or stop by to make a reservation before you begin your shopping. Other sit-down dining options at Westfarms include California Pizza Kitchen, Nordstrom Café, Pizzeria Uno and Ruby Tuesday.

6. Services: With all of the shopping to be done, you may forget that there are a number of additional services you can take advantage of at the Westfarms mall that may help you to cross several things off your "to do" list with just one trip. For example, you can get your nails done, get a hair cut, have your shoes shined or repaired, get your film developed, get your eyes examined, and even do your banking at Farmington Savings Bank or Sovereign Bank.

7. The Perfect Fit: I don't know anyone in the central Connecticut area that wouldn't be delighted with a Westfarms mall-wide gift card, so if you're struggling for gift ideas or don't have time to shop, head for the customer service desk in the mall's center court. Be forewarned, though: Westfarms charges a $2.50 service fee for each mall gift card. While you're at customer service, you'll also be able to pick up complimentary shopping bags, rent a wheelchair or stroller and buy postage stamps.

More Shopping Tips

How To Get to Westfarms MallHartford Area Shopping Centers and MallsConnecticut's Stress-Free Shopping Sites

Elsewhere on the Web

Westfarms Mall Web SiteRainforest CafeMacy's

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Shopper Tips

Here are some tips from our clients!

Get Ready- Read the survey before beginning your shop! – Go online, read and print out the survey. This will ensure you get all the information you need to fill out the form when you get home. NOTE: We do not have a shopper login process. The login on the homepage is for clients. Please email us if you need somthing!

Check your email - We get new instructions all the time or may have a question about your shop. Make sure you check your email every day especially right after your shop.

Remember Employee Names - If the employee is wearing a nametag, be sure to get their name. If no nametag, include a description in your assessment. The description should include the sex, approximate age and height, race, hair color and length, etc. Do not mention weight as that could hurt someone's feelings.

Be Discreet – The reports are useless if the employees suspect that you are the shopper. Obviously, do not take the form or take notes while you are in the location. Leave the parking lot and go several blocks and then pull in somewhere and write take notes for your online report.

Check Spelling - Spell correctly (use spell check when in doubt).

Get Assessments Done On Time - Submit the day after your visit within the timeframes for your assignment. Timeliness is very important.

Report Delays – If for some reason you are not able to complete the form on time, call or email us immediately.

Be Objective and Report the Facts – Do not editorialize. For example, if the temperature of the facility is too cold – simply state that. Do not say, “It was so cold that I thought that I would freeze to death.”

Be Neat and Thorough – Owners/managers see your reports - be neat and thorough.

Use Lots of Comments – Comments are the meat of the report so the more the better. Be sure to completely fill in the comments sections and fully explain each “no.”

Include Positive Feedback – Positive comments are as important as negative ones. If an employee deserves a pat on the back be sure to mention it. We all like to hear when we do a good job.

Save Receipts - Even if your specific instructions do not say so, always hang on to your receipts for 60 days for save for your taxes.

Online Shopping Tips: E-Commerce and You

Online Shopping Tips: E-Commerce and You

With just a click of the mouse, shoppers can buy nearly any product online - from groceries to cars, from insurance policies to home loans. The world of electronic commerce, also known as e-commerce, enables consumers to shop at thousands of online stores and pay for their purchases without leaving the comfort of home. For many, the Internet has taken the place of Saturday afternoon window shopping at the mall.

These consumers expect merchants to not only make their products available on the Web but to make payments a simple and secure process. However, the same things can go wrong shopping in cyberspace as in the real world. Sometimes it is simply a case of a computer glitch or poor customer service. Other times, shoppers are cheated by clever scam artists.

A survey by AC Nielsen found that the top security concerns of America’s online shoppers were:

• Not receiving the items purchased, or receiving items different from what was described.
• Email addresses being sold to third parties.
• Fears about personal or financial information being stolen.
• Email scans known as "phishing" or "spoofing" in which consumers receive messages from dishonest sources disguised as messages from trusted retailers or financial institutions.

Just as shoppers should take measures to protect themselves in brick-and-mortar stores—such as protecting their PIN numbers when checking out and not leaving purses unattended—online shoppers also need to take sensible precautions. This guide offers advice on how to make your online shopping experiences enjoyable and safe.

Shop at Secure Web Sites

Shop at Secure Web Sites

How can you tell if a web site is secure? It uses encryption technology to transfer information from your computer to the online merchant's computer. Encryption scrambles the information you send, such as your credit card number, in order to prevent computer hackers from obtaining it en route. The only people who can unscramble the code are those with legitimate access privileges.

You can tell when you are dealing with a secure web site in several ways.

• First, if you look at the top of your screen where the web site address is displayed, you should see https://. The "s" that is displayed after "http" indicates that web site is secure. Often, you do not see the "s" until you actually move to the order page on the web site.

• Another way to determine if a web site is secure is to look for a closed padlock displayed at the bottom of your screen. If that lock is open, you should assume it is not a secure site.

• The third symbol that indicates you are on a secure site is an unbroken key.

Of course, transmitting your data over secure channels is of little value to you if the merchant stores the data unscrambled. You should try to find out if the merchant stores the data in encrypted form. If a hacker is able to intrude, it cannot obtain your credit data and other personal information. Be sure to read the merchant's privacy and security policies to learn how it safeguards your personal data on its computers. (See tip 3 below.)