Where can you shop for virtually anything you need, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, or purchase an item from a store halfway around the world without leaving home? The simplicity, selection, and convenience of online shopping have made the internet an attractive option for purchasing. However, the convenience of internet shopping is not without pitfalls. Below are some items that should be taken into consideration when making online purchases.

Use the Internet to comparison shop before buying online. The Internet is a great resource for comparison shopping. Instead of searching store after store, you can navigate between store sites from the comfort of your home. Before buying, use the Web to get price and product information regarding the items you want.

Use your credit card to shop online. The Fair Credit Billing Act provides consumers with the ability to dispute credit card charges for items that were never received, accepted, or returned. Many credit card providers offer purchase protection plans that repair, replace, or reimburse you for items purchased if they are damaged or defective. You should contact your credit card provider to dispute charges or inquire about their purchase protection plan.

Always use a secure Web browser. Use Internet browsers with Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) technology, a proven and easy-to-use system that lets your browser automatically encrypt, or scramble, your personal data before sending it to the merchant via the Internet. SSL shows you that a Web site is secure when an unbroken key or a lock appears in your browser window.

Shop with merchants you know, or research before you buy. If you're not familiar with an online store, take the same precautions you would with traditional mail and telephone merchants. Read their privacy policy and make a note of their physical address and phone number. If you have concerns, ask friends for references or contact your local consumer protection agency to check the company's complaint record.

Verify delivery and return policies. Before completing an online transaction, read the merchant’s delivery and return policies. Make sure you can return any unsatisfactory items and check to see if you can get your money refunded or if you will receive a merchandise credit. Sales policies should cover the delivery methods and cost of delivery, currency accepted, taxes applied, return and refund policy, and a contact number or e-mail address.

Track your Order. Most online merchant's provide you with an email confirmation of your order (for your records) and will supply you with a printable receipt as well. Many merchant's will provide you with a shipping tracking number  after your order has been shipped so you can track your purchases to determine the exact date that the order will be delivered.

Keep a record of your transactions. Just as you would save your receipt in case you need to return or exchange an item purchase at a retail establishment, you'll want to keep a record of all online transactions, including the merchant's URL (Internet address). That way, you'll have all the information at your fingertips in case a question about an order arises. Many online merchants will email you an order confirmation that summarizes the price and quantity of a purchase. Print and save a copy of this information.

Keep your password secret. Some online merchants require you to register a user name and password before buying an item. Just as you keep your Automated Teller Machine (ATM) code secret, keep your password secret.

Make sure you know the difference between buying from a business and buying from a private seller. With the expansion of online classifieds and auctions, it's now more common for individuals to be selling goods themselves via the Internet. Be aware that your legal rights against an individual may not be the same as against a business. While most people are legitimate, your legal recourse may be different if you're not satisfied with the merchandise.