Late delivery, shipment of wrong or damaged items, and hidden costs are common home shopping complaints. To avoid problems and resolve them more easily follow the advice in the Online Shopping checklist:

• Decide in advance exactly what you want and what you can afford.
• Don’t buy on impulse or under pressure. Do your research.
• Ask family, friends and others you trust for advice based on their experience. Gather information about both the seller and the item or service you are purchasing.
• Review product test results and other information from consumer experts.
• Get advice and price quotes from several sellers.
• Make sure that the seller has all appropriate licenses.
• Check out a company’s complaint record
• Get a written copy of guarantees and warranties. Compare their features.
• Get the seller’s refund, return and cancellation policies.
• Ask who to contact if you have a question or problem.
• Read and understand any contract or legal document you are asked to sign. Make sure there are no blank spaces. Insist that any extras you are promised be put in writing.
• Consider paying by credit card. If you have a problem, you can dispute a charge made on your credit card.
• Be wary of post office boxes and sellers in other countries. It may be difficult to find the seller to resolve a problem later.
• Know the total price. Make sure it includes all charges, shipping, handling, insurance and taxes. Coupons and other discounts should be properly deducted.
• Make sure you are clear on what you are buying. Watch for words like "refurbished," "reconditioned," "close-out," or "discontinued."
• Use your credit card, debit card, or bank account number for payment, never to prove your identity.
• Keep a record of your purchase. Save any information the seller gives you, such as product description, delivery date, cancellation policy, privacy policy, warranties, and order confirmation numbers.
• Keep track of your order. If it's late, you have the right to cancel your order and demand a refund.