|
Tips: Buying Exercise Equipment After you have evaluated the advertised claims — but before you make a final purchasing decision — consider these questions: To help you choose the best equipment for your needs, check out consumer and fitness magazines that rate exercise equipment. Then test various pieces of equipment at a local gym, recreation center or retailer to find the machine or device that feels comfortable to you. Shop around: Exercise equipment advertised on TV or in newspapers or magazines may be available at local sporting goods, department, discount stores or websites. That can make it easier to shop for the best price. Do price comparisons. The advertised price may not include shipping and handling fees, sales tax, and delivery and set-up fees. Ask about the costs before you close the deal. Get details on warranties, guarantees and return policies: A "30-day money-back guarantee" may not sound as good if you're responsible for paying a hefty fee to return a bulky piece of equipment you bought. Check out the company's customer and support services. Call the advertised to get an idea of how easy it is to reach a company representative and how helpful he or she is. You may get a great deal on a piece of fitness equipment from a second-hand store, consignment shop, yard sale, or the classified ads. Buy wisely: Items bought second-hand usually are not in mint condition, are not returnable and do not carry the warranties that new equipment does. Whether used or new, home exercise equipment can be a great way to shape up — but only if you use it regularly. Do not be taken in by claims of quick, easy and effortless results: There is no such thing as a no-work, no-sweat way to a toned body. If you finally decide to buy online, always remember to read 13 Top security for online shopping. 13 TOP TIPS FOR SAFE ONLINE SHOPPING by SafeShoppingPlus.com
1. Secure Website. Look
for the "s" following "http" in the web address. "S" stands for
security, indicating the site is secure. However sometimes you do not see the "https" until you move onto the site's order. 2. Research the Web Site before You Order. Do business with reliable companies. If the company is unfamiliar, do some research before buying their products.
3. Know exactly what you are buying. Read the seller's description of the product closely, especially the fine print. 4. Know what it will cost. Do price comparisons. 5. Review the return, refund, shipping and handling policies as well as the other legal terms. If
you can not find them, ask the seller through an e-mail or telephone
call to indicate where they are on the site or to provide them to you in
writing. 6. Read the Web Site's Privacy Policy and Security Policies. Every
reputable e-commerce web site offers information about how it processes
your order. It is usually listed in the section entitled "Privacy
Policy.” You can find out if the merchant intends to share your
information with a third party or affiliate company. Beware
of unsolicited e-mail and even mail or phone solicitations from these
companies.
7. Never Give Out Your Personal Information. Do not provide personal information such as address, telephone number, Social Security number, bank account number, or e-mail address unless you know who you are providing the information to, why it is being requested, and how it will be used. Giving out your personal information could lead to having your identity stolen.
8. Beware of Spam. When placing an order, there is certain information that you must provide to the web merchant such as your name and address. Often, a merchant will try to obtain more information about you. They may ask questions about your leisure lifestyle or annual income. This information is used to target you for marketing purposes. It can lead to "spam" or even direct mail and telephone solicitations. 9. Keep Your Password Private. Most reputable e-commerce web sites require the shopper to log-in before placing or viewing an order. The shopper is usually required to provide a username and a password. Never reveal your password to anyone. When selecting a password, do not use commonly known information, such as your birthdate, mother's maiden name, or numbers from your driver's license or Social Security number. Do not reuse the same password for other sites. The best password has at least eight characters and includes numbers and letters. 10. Check the Web Site Address. Above the web site at the top of your screen is a rectangular window that contains the web site address (also called the URL, or Uniform Resource Locator). By checking that address, you can make sure that you are dealing with the correct company. Do not respond to any request for financial information that comes to you in an email. 11. Pay with Paypal. The safest way to shop on the Internet is with Paypal. To sign up Paypal account is free, you can link your debit card or credit card to your Paypal account. For your protection, your personal information is stored securely and never shared. With Paypal, you do not have to enter your payment details over and over again. There is no charge to shop online using Paypal. Learn more about Paypal. For comparison, you may also consider Amazon Web Pay or AlertPay. 12. Always Print Copies of Your Orders. Do not forget to print out at least on e copy of the web page(s) describing the item you ordered as well as the page showing company name, postal address, phone number, and legal terms, including return policy. Keep it for your own records for at least the period covered by the return/warranty policy. 13. Review your Credit Card and Bank Statement. Carefully review your credit card and bank statement each month for unauthorized charges and notify your credit card company or bank immediately if you notice any charges you didn't authorize.
|
