E-Commerce
Internet shopping has been getting a lot of attention lately. But did you know that Canadians have been shopping virtually ever since the Eaton's catalogue was introduced in 1884? Last year, we spent more than $12 billion shopping from home through catalogues, telephone shopping, direct mail, TV and other routes. E-commerce, Internet shopping, CyberShopping - whatever you call it - is actually not that much different from conventional long-distance shopping. The Internet is now becoming the market of choice for many Canadians, who are expected to spend about $1.8 million online this year. Toronto research firm IDC Canada is predicting the Canadian e-commerce market will grow to more than $14 billion by 2002.

Though retail sales over the Net are expected to generate more than US$1.1 trillion by 2002, analysts and industry leaders say other types of Internet activity, such as e-brokers (software agents that will provide a variety of services over the Net), will provide even greater profitability.

The Web is the ultimate collection of catalogues, with hundreds stores open 24 hours a day. Where else can you listen to a CD before buying it, preview video clips, and even bid in auctions around the globe, without ever leaving the comfort of your home computer?

How do online stores work?
Most online stores use a type of virtual "shopping cart", which keeps track of your selections as you shop. When you're ready to check out, you can choose shipping options, your bill is totaled and you're ready to pay for your merchandise. Now this is where most people start to get a little nervous. Will my credit card information be protected when I type in my credit card number and send it off through cyberspace? And what do they do with my personal information?

At first glance, sending your credit card information over the Web may seem risky. Ironically, victims of Internet fraud usually pay with cash or money orders. Glenn Benischek of the Vernon & District Credit Union advises that paying online with your credit card actually gives you more protection. And according to the Consumer Protection Act of B.C., consumers are liable for only $50 if their credit card number is used fraudulently.

Is it safe?
The current technology built into recent Web browsers such as Netscape and Internet Explorer is safe enough for major credit companies to actively promote online shopping. Visa sponsors the Yahoo shopping guide, while MasterCard sponsors Excite's guide. Most commercial websites accept credit cards online, and many also allow you to phone in your credit card number, mail a cheque, or use "virtual cash" such as Cybercash. No matter how you choose to pay, Web shopping requires common sense. There are many bargains to be had, but anything that sounds too good to be true, probably is.

Shop smart. Even if you're not ready to buy online, the Web is a great place to research your purchase before you ever set foot in the mall. Smart technology might also help you narrow down your choices. Amazon.com's site will suggest books you might enjoy based on your ratings of several examples. CDnow suggests music to suit your tastes and lets you sample audio clips. In the near future, you will encounter more "shop bots" that will search for products, compare prices, conduct transactions and arrange for delivery - all based on the instructions you provide. An example of a basic shop bot is the price comparison feature offer by Book.com, which finds you the best deal for a book from several online booksellers.

• Look for the closed-lock or unbroken-key icons on your web browser before entering credit card or other sensitive information. This means your transaction is being securely transmitted across the Internet.
• Know who you're dealing with. Look for company information and a privacy statement so you know what type of information they gather, how they use it and who they share it with.
• Print out a copy of your receipt or confirmation of your order, the company's return policy or guarantee, along with any contact information.
• Remember to account for exchange rates, GST and duty when you're shopping at international sites. Make sure the merchant ships to Canada, and if so, whether there are any additional shipping charges.
• If you have children, instruct them never to give out their name or other personal information online without your permission.

Privacy is as large as - if not larger- than Y2K, says Bob Henderson, vice-president of NCR Corp.'s Privacy Center of Expertise. The federal government's proposed privacy law (Bill C-54) will help provide a framework and a set of principles companies can follow in order to achieve a privacy policy. But until Bill C-54 is passed (or even after), protecting yourself is often the best way to ensure your privacy.

Yahoo Shopping Guide - shopguide.yahoo.com

Excite Shopping Guide - www.excite.com/shopping

Cybercash - www.cybercash.com

Canadian Bankers Association - www.cba.ca

Ebay Online Auctions - www.ebay.com

Chapters Bookstore - www.chapters.ca

Book.com - www.book.com

Seattle's Archie McPhee, purveyors of wacky pop culture www.mcphee.com

CDnow - www.cdnow.com

CyberStamps - www.cyberstamps.com

Lands' End - www.landsend.com

Abercrombie & Fitch - www.abercrombie.com

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