Originally Posted By: chaosmagnet
Originally Posted By: Chisel
So, let's suppose I want to buy this DESK REF book. How do I know which seller is best ( most trustworthy ) ? And are there any tips and tricks I should learn from you guys e-shopping experts ??


First and most importantly, use a payment method that you have confidence in. I use my American Express card for almost all my online purchases, because they have a 20+ year track record with me of outstanding customer service. If something goes wrong and I call them, I can get my money back.

Next is to buy from a trusted seller. Amazon has consistently treated me right. I recently bought _Desk Ref_ in hardcover from them.


Amazon has a seller "rating" system if you're buying from the seller through Amazon instead of directly from Amazon. I've found most decent sellers will be able to maintain a 97% or above rating.

Arney recommended a separate email acount for online transactions to avoid spam. Multiple emails are a eccellent idea. I use my primary email acount for online transactions, but maintain a second email account with the minimum information for forums and general public consumption (If I don't know you, you get this account). The junk mail filters on my primary catches most of the spam. The really bad "Canadian Viagra" and P**n emails are down to about once a week. The public account gets innundated on a weekly basis.

EDIT: bws48 brought up a major point. The smaller shops use to order in a specialty item if you requested it, but the vast majority of local B&M stores are large chains. Online is really the only choice for anything not mainstream.


Edited by Mark_R (01/31/12 07:49 PM)
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