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Tips for shopping through the mail
Every year, thousands of people successfully order goods from mail order catalogs. However, some more unfortunate individuals find that the goods they ordered look nothing like the pictures, arrive damaged, or don't arrive at all. Here are some tips to help protect yourself when you shop through the mail.
. Before placing your first order, ask around. Have your friends or family used this catalog before? How was their experience? Were they satisfied with the goods and service? Would they use the company again?
. Read all available information, including the return policy. Look for companies that offer a no-questions asked return policy. Check whether you will have to pay postage if you need to return goods.
. Always include shipping costs and sales tax in the final price when comparing costs. In some cases, the shipping costs can really add up. Make sure you know exactly what you are paying for.
. How long will you have to wait for your order. If you need something in a hurry, shopping by mail might not be the best option.
. Keep records of your orders, including the catalog name, address, telephone number, and the date that you placed the order. Of course, you should also keep track of items ordered, operator name, and expected date of delivery.
. If you encounter any problems with a mail-order company, contact a consumer advocacy group. You can easily find telephone numbers for such groups in the telephone directory or on the Internet.
