Before buying, consider shipping costs, sales tax, returns, contact information, and reputation.
Shipping Costs
If you have a question regarding Shipping Costs. Be sure to email your question prior to making your purchase. And be sure to include your Zip Code so that they may calculate your shipping costs correctly.
With the high price of shipping, it might be to your benefit to inquire about picking up your order. Before placing your order, ask if you picked up your item at the nearest store if shipping charges would be dropped.
Search for Items that have FREE Shipping:
FreeShipping.org
FreeShippingOn.com
Find a filler item so that you can get FREE Shipping:
FillerItem.com
Sales Tax
Additional costs that you need to figure into the total is sales tax. Sales tax applies if the retailer you are purchasing from is located in the same state as you.
Return Policies
If you find the same great deal at more than one store, check out their return policy. And go with the one that has the best policy. Lowest restocking charge (less than 15% is best, 0% even better!), longest return time (14 to 30 days to return item). Check out the return policy carefully. You will have to comply if you need to make a return.
Print Out Receipt
Besides printing out the Receipt with your order and customer number on it. Search out the Retailer's Contact information and print that also, then attach it to your Receipt. If you need to make a return or if there is shipping damage. You will have your Order Number, Receipt with date and Credit Card number on it. And you will have the Retailer's Phone, Fax and Address right at hand.
Returning Merchandise
Occasionally merchandise needs to be returned. Shipping damage, the item does operate properly, etc.
Contact the company and obtain an RMA Number. Some businesses have a special phone number or email address for just this purpose. Do not return ship the damaged merchandise without first contacting the company.
Be sure to follow any instructions they provide for returning the product.
- Ask them how they would like it return shipped. Some businesses will include a Return Shipping Label with your order.
- Make a copy of your Invoice or Order. Attach a note or letter to the copy of the Invoice. In the letter, briefly explain the problem, put the RMA Number on it with your Name, Address and Phone Number. Enclose this in the box.
- Write the RMA on the outside of the box.
- If you ship U.P.S. (United Parcel Service) you will receive the first $100.00 insured and a Tracking Number. If you ship USPS (United States Postal Service), insurance is extra and I recommend purchasing Delivery Confirmation. (Delivery Confirmation is an additional .45 or .55, depending if you ship Priority or Parcel) No signature is needed by the receiving party, but it will provide you with Location and Date of Delivery, all that you need to prove they received it.
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