BE A SAVVY INTERNET SHOPPER
by Dan Birnhak for the Consumers' Council
May 1, 2000
The Internet is a tool that allows consumers from around the world to enter into typical consumer transactions quicker and often cheaper and from an increasing number of vendors. In this day and age, it seems as if almost every bricks and mortar business has created a web site that offers the same products, many times at discounted prices. In addition, many more Web-only businesses have opened shop, solely serving customers who visit them on the Internet. Because the Internet is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, people can shop at times that are convenient for them; they are not bound by the business hours of a traditional storefront.
Furthermore, many e-commerce sites have initiated business models centered on providing a service for the consumer. For instance, an individual can now have food, drinks and movies delivered to his door in under an hour. Other sites allows web surfers to bargain for the best prices on day-to-day items, such as groceries, as well as many other items, such as vacations, cars and home financing. These new businesses bring many new and exciting options to consumers. The beauty of it all is that these opportunities are accessible from the comfort of your home and at any time of day or night.
The Internet is a relatively new marketplace, with constantly evolving technology and an ever-increasing number of businesses. Due to the rapid growth of the Internet and e-commerce, people can be vulnerable to abuses by different parties. At this point, there are virtually no laws specifically directed at the regulation of e-commerce, which might cause headaches for consumers. Many lawmakers fear that new laws would inhibit the expansion of the Internet, and ultimately destroy what could have been a very useful instrument for consumers of all types. However, the counter-argument by consumer advocates is that, if left unregulated to some degree, the Web will become similar to the "Wild West" of consumerism. This is the crux of the debate that has continued since the inception of the Internet and e-commerce.
Currently, education serves as the best defense available to individuals who wish to participate in e-commerce. There are several practices they can keep in mind while transacting over the Internet. These suggestions do not provide 100% protection, but they will safeguard the consumer to the best extent possible today.
NEWSFLASH!
(5/8/00) The FTC just posted a new informational pamphlet that offers great detail as to how Internet businesses must follow the existing advertising regulations that apply to other advertising medium such as newspapers or television. The FTC delares that it will enforce "unfair and deceptive" practices and failure to "clearly and conspicuously" disclose relevant information in Internet advertising. Here is the FTC statement.Please consider the following suggestions to assist you to be a savvy Internet shopper: