Using an online shop

One can move about the online store by using a web browser to browse the product categories and then placing the selected items into a virtual shopping cart (or market basket).

Now that you have explored online stores, browsed and searched you are almost ready to make a purchase.

However, first you want to make sure your order is safe and secure.

Upon checking out of the store it is required to log in. When visiting the store for the first time one normally has to register by choosing a username and a password. Furthermore one must provide this type of information:

• Name
  
• Address
  
• Delivery or shipping address (can be different from the address)
  
• Telephone number
  
• Means of payment
  
• Delivery speed and method (post, courier and logistics service, etc.)

After editing the personal data a confirmation page is displayed so that the online shopper can approve, change or abort his order.

When a user has completed his session he can logout.

Usually, before you complete a transaction you will be sent to an area that is a "secure site" where you will be asked for your name and address, Email address, credit card brand, number, and expiration date. Sometimes verification such as your mother's maiden name is required for verification.

After you have completed filling in the required information you will click a button or a link, wait a few seconds while your credit card information is verified and then receive some kind of information about your purchase. Print out this information and keep it in a safe place in case you need it should your delivery not arrive or you need to return the purchase.

You may be asked to choose a delivery method such as regular mail, express mail, or courier. Choose the route which best fits your schedule and budget.

Many sites require that you set up a standing account before you buy. This feature makes shopping easier for you because when you visit again you won't need to type in all of your personal information again.

In order to access your account you might need to select a username and password. Be careful when creating these names and passwords. If you are worried about hackers gaining access to your personal information, it is not usually through an amazing style of computing mastery. Usually it is through the criminal guessing at usernames and passwords. Believe it or not, many people choose obvious words, such their own last name as a username and their first name as a password.

Stay away from the personal and be creative when choosing this information. For the best bet use a random combination of numbers and letters, and change your password periodically. Write down the information and keep it in a secure place so you don't forget your username and password.