Don't Get Hosed Buying Jewelry Online

By Ronald Hudkins

When you do decide it's time to buy some jewelry I'm not saying it should not be purchased online. By all means virtual shopping for that special someone and finding that which glitters, glows and shines is the perfect and smart thing to do. First of all, the Internet jewelry stores often offer a much wider selection of merchandise then is available in a stores catalog or at their brick and mortar storefronts. Secondly, because the virtual stores have lower inventory and other overhead costs then your neighborhood outlets, these savings can and often are passed on to the customer. Also, there is the convenience of the in-home purchase and subsequent delivery to your front door. All I'm saying is before you hit that "buy it now" button do some serious homework first.

You're buying jewelry for that special someone, not for a garbage can so, do some legwork first. When you are out there driving around and stopping at the five or ten convenient fast food restaurants that happen to be in-between all the places you are heading to; you need to actually park somewhere other than a drive through lane, get out and go into a jewelry store. The professionals in these outlets will tell you what to look for when purchasing gold, silver, pearls, diamonds, platinum, gemstones or, how to get to the public rest room. Whatever your need, inquire up close and personal. After you're an expert on jewelry, go home and purchase your product online often for 50% or more less then the store you were just in retails it for.

Go home and get the same information being Internet savvy. The Internet is the planet's largest library of information. Whatever you are in the market for, there is information about the product in the virtual archives. When you use a search engine such as Google, be specific with your request such as "gold ring" or "diamond necklace". That query is going to bring up a million sites and the ones on the first few pages are normally there for good reasons. They are top quality generally and have a frequently asked educational series of pages.

Once you are all loaded with the information needed to make a smart online purchase and have found the virtual storefront that displays that perfect piece of jewelry, you're still not ready to hit the "buy now" button. Check to see if that online store offers a guarantee, a return policy and that the site has secure ordering. Make sure you know how many days you have to return something. Remember if you need to return something, shipping, insurance and handling charges are usually not refundable. Look for an address to send mail to or a phone number to call if you have a question, a problem or need help.

If you are buying some high ticket item of jewelry inquire about the manner of shipment. It's important if the store uses insured carriers like FedEx, Ups and that your shipment is insured for the full value of the package content. The store that uses insured carriers and insures its shipments should be highly willing to refund or replace any item lost in shipment. The ball is in your court, ask before you buy. Take the extra minute to call or Email the online retailer for any clarifications. You want to get exactly what it is you are looking for.

So when its time to hit the purchase button rather than paying by check, money order, cashier's check, consider paying with a credit card or PayPal, or use an escrow service making sure you check their policies as well. If you get a merchant that only deals with Western Union and other wire transfer services that is basically the same as paying cash. That should be a red flag and I'd highly suggest a different vendor. Even storefront agencies have on their envelops you remit payment in "please do not send cash". There is a reason for that. Course you are free to do as you will but cash is like throwing a wallet out the car window, pulling over a block later and waiting for someone to bring it back. Good luck with that human integrity exercise! So, with the tips provided about buying jewelry online, your shopping experience can provide great savings, service and delivery from the comfort of your computer chair. Be patient, be wise and be rewarded.

Ronald Hudkins is a published web author and an advocate for consumer awareness. He is an administrator of an Internet Shopping Mall (wholesale) http://www.MyAmazingSavings.com and (Humanitarian) site http://www.AdultWishFoundations.com