Ordering Online - Continued
In Pursuit of Happiness 

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SECURITY

There is only one security fact you need to know when submitting your personal information online. Fact: When transmitting this type of information, you do not expose yourself to anymore risk than you would with any other type of purchase. The electronic transmission of this data is highly encrypted and would be extremely difficult to decode, let alone capture while in transmission. Experts say, you have better chance of someone intercepting your credit card information over a cordless or cellular telephone than over the Internet.

The security technology built into web browsers today and in the past has always been centered around e-commerce. In addition, virtually all online ordering systems incorporate security measures outside that of the browser. Personal information entered on the order form is routed through secure servers which do not allow the stored information to go anywhere else. Only encrypted email is allowed to pass out of the server. Any information that is stored on the server for processing is password protected to such a level, it would be nearly impossible to access from outside the server. Don't let security myths keep you from experiencing the advantages of online ordering.

THINGS TO KNOW

When you place an order online you should be ready to record or save your order information. Just about all shopping cart programs allow you to view the order before you finish. Review your order closely to make sure you haven't double clicked an entry or mis-entered a quantity. If it's possible, print out a hard copy of your order for your records. If not, don't worry, most shopping cart systems will e-mail you a receipt of the order. On this receipt there is usually an order number. You will want to save this message for reference in the event you have to contact the vendor about your order. If you do not receive an e-mail confirmation of your order within 24 hours, contact the vendor. The absence of a confirmation should be a signal to you that the vendor did not get the order. This is not a common occurrence, but it does happen from time to time. Don't forget to bookmark the site where you placed the order from: it's a big world in there.

Online catalog programming is, for the most part, very complicated and time consuming to put together. Sometimes you may run across an error or omission. If you find an error, drop the Webmaster a quick note and let them know. If you run into problems while placing an order, it is always a good idea to telephone the vendor and make sure they have your correct information. It's better to resolve any problems you run into at this point. All said, ordering online is faster and more reliable than any other ordering service available to the consumer today, so take full advantage of it. CTS

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