This is a guide to news items and expert sources from the University of Missouri-Columbia to use in stories throughout the upcoming holidays. Tips for Safe Internet Shopping Experts predict that more and more consumers will make a quick trip to their computers and forego the traditional visit to the mall for holiday gift buying this year. Joyce Cavanagh, consumer and family economics specialist at MU, recommends that online shoppers follow a few guidelines to ensure a safe and satisfactory experience. Sometimes the added cost of shipping and handling can make an item more expensive than one bought at a store. Check return policies .
Different stores have different return policies.
Don't assume that your local store has the same return policy when it sells on the Internet. Check delivery options . Double check your keystrokes . One mistake can mean ordering the wrong item or wrong quantity. Don't give away too much information .