How to Check a Reference for an Online Store

Checking online references is possible using your Internet browser.

Making the decision to shop online may feel overwhelming, especially if you are nervous or anxious about entering your sensitive financial information online using various stores and companies. Checking online store references and reviews before purchasing items online will help with preparing for your online shopping. Preparing before you shop online will help when checkout arrives, easing your nerves and feeling confident that the shop you are using will keep your information safe and secure.

Instructions

1. Browse to the online store's website for which you want to check references and reviews. Use your computer's Internet browser such as Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome or Internet Explorer.

2. Scroll and locate a page for "Reviews" or "Testimonials" on the website. This will allow you to read various customer reviews.

3. Use online websites such as the Better Business Bureau (bbb.org), Reseller Ratings (resellerratings.com), Switchboard (switchboard.com) and Yelp (yelp.com) to read different reviews and ratings for the online store.

4. Check the online store for additional resellers of the company's products and call larger companies to verify they stock the brand or service you are looking to purchase online. This will help determining if a online brand is legitimate.

5. Locate a "Contact Us" link from the online store to speak with a sales representative or customer-service representative directly by calling the company or using an online help desk. Calling the company directly will allow you to get a reference number (for future issues) and more information about the company directly from an employee. If a company does not list contact information or telephone numbers, avoid using the service to process your financial data.

Tips & Warnings

• If you cannot find additional information about the shopping website, contact sales directly or find another shopping outlet online to avoid the potential of scams or payment processing that is not secure.

• Online companies and stores sometimes create false reviews to help boost sales and ratings for merchandise.

References

• BBB: Check out a Business or Charity

Resources

• Reseller Ratings: Store Ratings & Reviews
• BBB: United States and Canada BBB Consumer and Business Reviews
• Switchboard: Yellow Pages and White Pages Telephone Directory
• Yelp: Real People. Real Reviews.