Shopping for horse gifts or other gift items on the internet is quick, convenient and is probably safer than you think. However, you still need to be aware that it is essential to vigorously protect your privacy and financial information when making purchases online.

If you take the necessary precautions to protect yourself when shopping for those special gifts for horse lovers, it should be no riskier than buying by mail order or over the phone.

To make your shopping experience a safe and happy one, the Following suggestions may be of help:

1. When shopping, always be sure that the Web site is secure before you provide any financial information, like your bank account number or credit card information.

Secured Web sites will use encryption to scramble your information when transmitted over the Internet.

There are a couple of ways for you to identify if a Web site is secure.

a. A Web site address that is secure is preceded by "https". For example,https//www.secure-site.com.The letter s at the end of http indicates that Web site is secure.

b. Look for a yellow or golden closed lock or an unbroken key at the bottom of your browser window.

Web sites may use other symbols to indicate their Web site is secure, so if you don't see the two symbols mentioned above continue to investigate and see if you can locate other symbols or information indicating their Web site is secure.

2. Still uncomfortable with providing your billing information over the Internet? Then you might want to ask the business you're shopping if they use alternate methods, such as the telephone.

3. Whenever possible, it is recommended paying by credit card; this will offer you added protection if a dispute should arise.

4. If you prefer not paying by credit card, request that your purchase be sent C.O.D. You can make your payment by check or money order, this is easier to trace than cash. It is probably a good idea that you never pay in cash for obvious reasons.

5. Some businesses display the Better Business Bureau logo on their Web Site, others do not. If you're not feeling at ease, consider checking with the Better Business Bureau for a reliability report. The report will include such information as; the length of time the company has been in business, the company's complaint history and whether the business participates in BBB programs, such as dispute mediation.

6. If you shop online auctions, be sure you exercise the same good sense you use for your other transactions. Do your homework. Check the "feedback" areas of online auction sites; most of the time they are a good source for getting information about other buyers' who have purchased from the seller. You can always check with the Better Business Bureau nearest the seller for any complaints if the seller is a business.

Copyright ? Mike Gorzalka All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

The Roundup puts out a blockbuster newsletter which offers
some *great* information on every thing form shopping to
horsemanship and you.

You can subscribe here,
The Roundup or
Perfect-Horse-Gifts.com

You have permission to publish this article
electronically, in print, in your ebook or on your web site,
free of charge, as long as the content of this article is
not altered in any way and the author bylines are included.

If you choose to publish this article I would appreciate a
Quick e-mail letting me know where it will be published.
http://www.mike@perfect-horse-gifts.com or
Mike@perfect-horse-gifts.com

DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this article is
of my personal opinions and beliefs and should not be taken
as anything more.

About The Author:

Mike and his wife Jean own and operate several gift shops.
Their experience spans some 20 years.

Mike has spent the better part of his life around horses.
His dad, Mike Sr., taught him the importance of understanding
the horse and how to use a firm, but kinder and gentler
approach to helping horses understand what it is we humans
are trying to communicate.