PcPools Announces Tips for Safe Online Shopping

St. Paul, MN, May 02, 2008 --(PR.com)-- PcPools is one of America’s leading direct marketers of above ground pools and pool supplies for residential and commercial pool owners announces tips for its online customers to limit their vulnerability to scams and fake e-commerce sites. Over the last ten years, online shopping has clearly become significantly safer. However, some consumers are still missing out on the ease of the internet to hunt for sales, avoid the crowds and high prices of most retail stores because of a concern about making purchases over the internet. PcPools encourages the utilization of a few basic tools to give its customers and potential customers the comfort they need to feel safe with PcPools. Unfortunately, some disreputable online retailers do use the internet in an attempt to defraud customers either intentionally or because of poor business practices. Just like in the “brick and mortar” world some retailers do not provide the same level of customer service. While buying from reputable internet retailers is safe, consumers do need to stay alert when visiting auction and classified-ad websites where a lot of fraudulent activity takes place. With a little research and a few basic tools online shoppers can really limit their exposure to scams, fake e-commerce sites and on-line retailers who do not employ good customer service practices as a priority.

PcPools Marketing Director Ted Robinson had this to say, “We clearly benefit from the growth of online sales. Unscrupulous on-line merchants hurt all of the reputable on-line merchants like PcPools. We value our customers and their complete experience when shopping at PcPools.” Robinson states five simple tips for online customers:

Protect your own computer. Generally that means having up to date versions of firewall, anti-virus and anti-spyware software.

Determine if the on-line store is legitimate. Before buying from any on-line retailer you have never heard of, find out as much as you can. Look for a physical business address, telephone number or email address. If you are unsatisfied call the telephone number listed on the website. Chances are that alone will tell you about the companies commitment to customer service and give you comfort knowing there is a customer service agent willing to help if you run into any difficulty. Or better yet, look for the Better Business Bureau’s Online Seal. The BBB On-Line Reliability Seal assures potential customers that the online merchant:

Makes a commitment to high level of ethical business practices and customer satisfaction
Has been in and maintained ethical business practices for more than 1 year
Is a member of and has a good record with the Better Business Bureau
Respects the privacy and email preference of visitors to its site
Is committed to work with its customers and the BBB to resolve potential disputes.

Consumers should check to see if the website has third part certification by on-line security companies. Companies like Verisign, HackerSafe and Buysafe all provide additional security to online purchasers. At PcPools, these third party certifications are not merely atheistic. They strive to provide their pool supply customers confidence and security in making an online purchase with PcPools. Due to some internet horror stories, some consumers are still reluctant to make an online purchase. PcPools, through its alliances with Verisign, Hacker Safe, BuySafe, Paypal and Authorize.net demonstrates their commitment to giving their pool supply customers increased confidence, security and reliability in dealing with PcPools. It is clear, that their customers comfort level with PcPools has increased because of their affiliation with these trusted third-party certification companies. With these third party certifications, PcPools intends to be considered an even more safe and reliable place to buy above ground swimming pools and pool supplies.

Avoid “crazy” low pricing. Remember the old adage… if it is too good to be true it probably is. Auction and classified ad sites are some of the riskiest place to shop online. Complaints about general merchandise sites were the number one grievance received about alleged internet fraud according to the National Consumers League. Consumers need to shop for price AND seller. If the seller has poor customer service or a lousy record with the manufacturer the low price is never worth it.

Never provide your bank account number or credit card number in response to an email about a transaction. Rather than clicking on the link call the number on the website to make sure it is coming from the online merchant and not a “phishing” request.

About PcPools
PcPools is one of America’s leading multi-channel direct marketers of swimming pool supplies and equipment to the residential and commercial swimming pool markets in the United States. Founded in 2000 by a leading executive in the pool supplies industry, it has since been dedicated to providing residential and commercial pool owners with high quality swimming pool supplies and equipment at warehouse direct prices. PcPools product line includes above ground pools, automatic pool cleaners, pool liners, pool heaters, pool chemicals, pool covers and accessories, all of which are sold through catalog and internet channels. PcPools’ strong relationship with leading pool supplies manufacturers and distributors creates a truly unique product offering of quality and value for its customers.

Note to Editors: If you are interested in viewing addition information about PcPools please visit following website:
http://www.pcpools.com

For additional information contact:
Ted Robinson
Marketing Director
PcPools
651-489-2095
ted@pcpools.com

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