Smart Online Product Shopping

Mystery shoppers visit businesses “disguised as normal customers,” and do the things other customers do—ask questions, make a purchase, make a return—but with a twist. These undercover customers are there to evaluate the businesses and their employees. After a visit, the mystery shopper completes a report or questionnaire detailing what occurred. Why Do Businesses Hire Mystery Shoppers? In general, shops are done to find out about the level of service provided to customers. However, mystery…

(NC) - Here are some Internet shopping tips from Industry Canada’s Office of Consumer Affairs: Know the merchant you are dealing with. Look for detailed product information. Read the contract’s terms and conditions and print or save them. Check for quality assurance certificates or seals. Verify that the merchant has a fair and clear complaint-handling process. Make sure that you’re comfortable with the merchant’s purchasing process and that you know how…