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Online shopping tips

Online shopping is more popular than ever, so it's important to shop wisely. These tips will help.

Online shopping tips for the smart shopper

Featured: Shopping from overseas retailers

Overseas retailers are gaining popularity in North America for affordable merchandise and gifts. Before you click and fill your cart, see BBB"s reminders for shopping from overseas retailers.

Online shopping continues to be popular with consumers. BBB recommends the following for making online purchase returns a breeze.

Some common online shopping habits could be better for the environment. BBB has tips to make your online shopping more sustainable.

As shopping on TikTok expands, learn how to have a positive shopping experience and avoid cons.

Buying secondhand is a good way to score a deal on high quality items, while avoiding fast fashion. BBB has tips for smart secondhand shopping tips.

Making large purchases online should always be approached with care. BBB has tips to help you select quality furniture at a reasonable price and avoid a few common online shopping pitfalls.

Consumers have adapted to new strategies for shopping in the past few years. Before placing an order online, consider BBB's tips for planning for shipping delays.

Premiumization is when companies offer higher-end products and services for a premium price. Check out BBB's tips for weighing new premium options and ensuring consumers get the promised value.

Many states offer tax-free weekends or tax holidays to encourage spending and give shoppers a price break on must-have supplies. With some planning, learn how to take advantage of your state’s tax holidays for serious savings.

When shopping online for a team jersey or other sports memorabilia, it can be hard to trust that a seller or product is genuine. Follow BBB's tips when buying sports memorabilia and merchandise.

Direct-to-consumer (D2C) companies businesses build, market, sell, and ship their goods directly to buyers. Always evaluate claims, and keep the following in mind to make sure your experience as a buyer is safe and secure.

Look for The Sign of a Better Business

Online shopping payment tips

"Buy now, pay later" installment services are quickly gaining in popularity, allowing shoppers to purchase just about anything – from electronics to a pair of shoes. 

BBB offers advice to help you understand how each payment method works, make payments safely, and avoid falling victim to scams.

Feeling hungry? Find smart online shopping tips for ordering your favorite foods.

Meal delivery services give consumers a more convenient way to make home-cooked dinners by delivering fresh, pre-measured ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes to your doorstep.

Food delivery apps make ordering from a nearby restaurant easy. These tips can help you understand how delivery apps work and what you can do to support your favorite local restaurants when ordering out.

Food delivery services have become an increasingly popular way to enjoy delicious restaurant food without having to stop what you're doing to go fetch it. BBB has tips to help you decide which food delivery service will work best for you.

Use best practices when using subscription services.

Free trial offers are an extremely popular marketing tactic, especially for subscription services. With so many online consumers, there is no way to touch, see, or experience a product before buying it. That means free trials can be a win-win situation for sellers and buyers. Learn how to take advantage of free trial offers.

As consumers add more and more subscriptions to their budget, keeping track of the payments and reducing costs can get tricky. Many people are turning to subscription management apps to help. Learn how to use subscription management apps wisely.

Make smart selling decisions online

Everyone is spending more time at home these days, so now is the perfect time to tackle the clutter. Selling your pre-owned items online helps you earn quick cash and frees up space at home. It’s also environmentally friendly, keeping items that are in good condition out of the landfill. 

It's always a great time to clean out your home and organize your living spaces. Online marketplaces make it easy to sell without even leaving your home. Learn how to stay safe when making online sales.

Additional online shopping resources

BBB resources

Spot a business or offer that sounds like an illegal scheme or fraud? Tell us about it.

Search for a business to write a customer review and share your opinions.

Start the complaint process so BBB can assist you with your marketplace challenge.