| Buying software online can be tricky, | | | | is the competition. Because there are so many |
| especially if you are new to shopping via the | | | | retailers, prices are more competitive than |
| internet. Whether you are upgrading an | | | | if only one store had the software that you |
| existing software package or looking for a | | | | want. Shop around and compare prices before |
| specific program to install, the process will | | | | making a final decision. |
| be a lot less complicated if you know what to | | | | |
| look for. | | | | Software Buying Tip # 6 |
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| Software Buying Tip # 1 | | | | When making a purchase online, consider using |
| | | | a credit card. Most credit card companies |
| Read customer reviews. Many popular online | | | | provide a dispute resolution process, which |
| stores, such as Amazon, allow users to leave | | | | is beneficial if the product is not |
| their comments about a particular product. | | | | delivered, is not as advertised or is damaged |
| Reading other customer reviews may help to | | | | and the company will not stand behind the |
| make your decision easier because it gives | | | | transaction. |
| you an idea of others who have experienced | | | | |
| the product firsthand. | | | | Software Buying Tip # 7 |
| | | | |
| Software Buying Tip # 2 | | | | If purchasing from another individual, such |
| | | | as often the case with online auctions, |
| When considering any type of software, make | | | | confirm that the software has all manuals and |
| sure that it is compatible with your | | | | or product keys to ensure proper |
| computer. Most software requires a specific | | | | installation. |
| processor type, such as Pentium or Celeron, | | | | |
| and a certain amount of free hard drive | | | | Software Buying Tip # 8 |
| space. The reason is because, in order for | | | | |
| software to function properly at quickly, the | | | | Learn about the company's return, refund and |
| computer must be able to handle the | | | | or exchange policy. In many cases, especially |
| application. By being familiar with your | | | | with software, the company may refuse to |
| computer's configuration, you will be able to | | | | accept the product back for a refund. |
| select the right software. | | | | However, there is always the possibility that |
| | | | a program is damaged or doesn't function |
| Software Buying Tip # 3 | | | | properly, in which case the store should |
| | | | honor the purchase with an exchange for the |
| Become familiar with the software by reading | | | | same title. When buying software online, it's |
| it's description and capabilities. Before | | | | best to purchase from a store that is |
| purchasing any type of software, you should | | | | reasonable when it comes to exchanges if not |
| make sure that it is exactly what you want or | | | | refunds. |
| will enjoy learning. Often times, after | | | | |
| software is opened, there is no refund policy | | | | Software Buying Tip # 9 |
| for buyer's remorse. | | | | |
| | | | When purchasing software online, take a |
| Software Buying Tip # 4 | | | | moment to look at the company's shipping |
| | | | costs, methods and availability of a way to |
| Purchase software from a reputable company. | | | | track the package following shipment. |
| This will ensure customer service, | | | | |
| reliability, quality products and timely | | | | Software Buying Tip # 10 |
| shipment. By purchasing software from a | | | | |
| reliable source, you will also ensure that | | | | Common payment methods include credit cards, |
| the title is authentic and not an illegal | | | | checks and/or money orders. If you want to |
| copy. The best way to check out a business's | | | | purchase software online, you will need to do |
| reputation is through the Better Business | | | | so from a company that accepts a convenient |
| Bureau. | | | | payment method. If you do not have a credit |
| | | | card, most companies will accept a mailed |
| Software Buying Tip # 5 | | | | payment. Most companies, however, recommend |
| | | | not sending cash. |
| The best part of shopping for software online | | | | |