Internet Sales

by **Jogeephus** » Thu May 24, 2012 9:29 pm

Been looking at buying something and was wondering in today's internet age how do you know the place is legit. It seems most businesses intentionally omit their mailing address to force you to contact them via e-mail. You can dial them on the phone but that don't mean much. I recently found myself checking up on a company because the amount I'll be spending is a lot to me and I want to be sure they are legit. What I've done so far is to do a reverse check of their phone number and found their physical address. With some digging I determined who actually owns the business and who they bank with. From here I know all about their family and where they came from and their relatives. So far I feel pretty good about the company but I was wondering what other steps I could make to be sure they are worthy of my business. I am considering calling the Chamber of Commerce in the town and inquiring about them. Don't mean to sound paranoid but this is more money than I'm willing to lose. Any suggestions?

by **HOSS** » Thu May 24, 2012 9:43 pm

Jo, I buy allot of stuff off of the internet. One thing I always do is start with a basic google search of the company. Then I use keywords like xxxxx Company review or rating. I also check with the better business bureau in their area. You would be surprised what you will find on companies this way. They will many times pop up on chat forums where folks have discussed their shopping experience. That type of search will usually pop up the web sites dedicated to logging info on businesses that scam.

by **cross_7** » Thu May 24, 2012 10:02 pm

Jogeephus wrote:Been looking at buying something and was wondering in today's internet age how do you know the place is legit. It seems most businesses intentionally omit their mailing address to force you to contact them via e-mail. You can dial them on the phone but that don't mean much. I recently found myself checking up on a company because the amount I'll be spending is a lot to me and I want to be sure they are legit. What I've done so far is to do a reverse check of their phone number and found their physical address. With some digging I determined who actually owns the business and who they bank with. From here I know all about their family and where they came from and their relatives. So far I feel pretty good about the company but I was wondering what other steps I could make to be sure they are worthy of my business. I am considering calling the Chamber of Commerce in the town and inquiring about them. Don't mean to sound paranoid but this is more money than I'm willing to lose. Any suggestions?

just made a mental note not to get on your bad side.

by **Grandpa** » Fri May 25, 2012 12:35 am

I do the same as HOSS.

by **hooknline** » Fri May 25, 2012 6:22 am

If you know the principle names you can usually go to their counties clerk of the court website and learn a whole lot about someone's character that way. If they have a lot of judgements, Leins, etc.
That's how I found one of the owners of some land. She had been remarried twice, and had private numbers, was head of several large corporations but I found her new name and home phone number and called her up. She was impressed

by **melking** » Fri May 25, 2012 9:50 am

I buy just about everything on the internet but i have never considered going to the lengths that jopheegus is discussing. I may be slower than most but I have probably spent upwards of 25,000 on the internet and I haven't had a problem yet.

by **agmantoo** » Fri May 25, 2012 10:23 am

I also buy frequently off the internet. I pay using my credit card and go through PayPal. I do not give PayPal access to extract from my bank account. This way I feel that I have more recourse if something goes wrong. My CC company seems to be very alert. I tried to pump gas twice in secession when recently filling up. First I bought lawnmower fuel and unintentionally shut the pump off. I immediately reset the pump and my cell phone rang while the pump said see the attendant. I was told by the CC company that they thought someone was "testing" the card. I had an order held for a day until the CC company verified that it was me that had ordered a flat screen TV as the purchase was inconsistent with the type of goods I normally order. The was no question or delay when I ordered a water pump ($1200) for a Cat. I actually like the CC company looking over my shoulder.

by **Jogeephus** » Fri May 25, 2012 10:45 am

Don't want to sound paranoid cause I too have spent a lot of money over the net and never had a problem but never have I spent this amount so I'm just wanting to be extra cautious. Normally this is something I would handle personally I just don't have the time. After doing a little homework I feel pretty comfortable and if it turns out bad I'll at least know where to go and who to see when I make my house call. :lol2:

by **bbirder** » Fri May 25, 2012 12:35 pm

agmantoo wrote:I also buy frequently off the internet. I pay using my credit card and go through PayPal. I do not give PayPal access to extract from my bank account. This way I feel that I have more recourse if something goes wrong. My CC company seems to be very alert. I tried to pump gas twice in secession when recently filling up. First I bought lawnmower fuel and unintentionally shut the pump off. I immediately reset the pump and my cell phone rang while the pump said see the attendant. I was told by the CC company that they thought someone was "testing" the card. I had an order held for a day until the CC company verified that it was me that had ordered a flat screen TV as the purchase was inconsistent with the type of goods I normally order. The was no question or delay when I ordered a water pump ($1200) for a Cat. I actually like the CC company looking over my shoulder.

My experiences are the same as yours , and I would never give paypal access to my checking acct. I once had to file a claim on paypal and was told if they received the funds back I would get a refund. I contacted my credit card and was issued a credit on the spot. That left paypal hanging and if they have your bank acct # they will debit the amount from you. with just my cc they can't touch me.