More Consumers Shopping Online This Holiday, Says BBB

With Black Friday behind us, many are waiting until today to go online to find their holiday shopping deals.

Today is Cyber Monday and according to a survey by the Better Business Bureau, more than half of consumers surveyed (63 percent) indicated that they will use a laptop or home computer to make purchases or assist in their holiday shopping this season.

That’s up 16% from last year. Also, 24% plan to use a smartphone to shop online this year.  In addition, 13% of respondents said they intend to use social networking sites to assist them in their holiday shopping.

But the BBB advises never make purchases while on Wi-Fi, such as at a coffee bar or other public venue. And 0nly use secure, encrypted, “https,” sites when buying online.

Also, don’t use the same password for shopping or for creation of “user accounts” that is used for your bank account.  

Another new trend this year, according to the Better Business Bureau, 71% of consumers plan to participate in “webrooming” – browsing online and then going into a store to make their purchase.

While researching online offers consumers many conveniences, checking online to determine if a product is in stock was selected by respondents as their top reason for webrooming, followed by being able to touch and feel a product before purchase and the desire to avoid shipping costs.

Shipping shortfalls during last year’s Christmas holiday season have raised concerns among consumers this year.

In fact, nearly half of survey respondents are concerned about receiving deliveries from online purchases on time, and of those, nearly one out of five are “very” concerned.

The Better Business Bureau recommends placing online orders early.

Finally, always pay with a credit card when shopping online because under federal law, the shopper can dispute the charges if he or she doesn’t receive the item.

Shoppers also have dispute rights if there are unauthorized charges on their credit card, and many card issuers have “zero liability” policies under which the card holder pays nothing if someone steals the credit card number and uses it. Never wire money and only shop locally on sites like Craigslist.

For more advice on staying safe online this holiday season, and to see reports on thousands of online retailers, go to www.bbb.org/us/consumer-tips-holiday/.