6. Shipping, Receipts & Tracking Sheets

SHIPPING

Some of the sites ALWAYS offer FREE SHIPPING, some occasionally and yet others that charge for shipping.  The sites that charge vary as to the amount.  Some have a set amount per item, some charge by specific item.  You need to be aware of the policy as you may find the same item on two different sites with a price variance but one charge for shipping and one does not!  You can go to the site and USUALLY at the bottom of the page will be a category “SHIPPING” or “FAQ”.  The general information on shipping and time expectations can usually be found there.

RECEIPTS – To print or not to print!

Whether you print your receipt or not is up to you but if you DO, you will be using LOTS of ink.  If NOT, you MUST make sure you keep the email that they send you as verification AND keep the TRACKING number that will be provided at the end of a purchase.  This is very important in the event there is an issue.  

You can make a folder in your email that is just for ORDERS.  This way when you receive confirmation of order, shipping etc. just drop in that folder and you always have it when/if you need it.

TRACKING/SPREAD SHEET

I do have a tracking spread sheet and will gladly supply you with a master to use but, it does run on Micro Soft Office (Excel) and you need that software or there is a free version that you can use.  The FREE software is called Apache Open Office (see link).  This is taken from CNET so that you can read the Pros and Cons of the free software vs Microsoft Office   http://download.cnet.com/Apache-OpenOffice/3000-18483_4-10263109.html

 

I do suggest that if you do not keep an electronic tracking sheet, you should keep a note pad/book containing all the information on your transaction.

DATE

WEB SITE (copy the https://www)

AMOUNT

CREDIT CARD USED

WHAT YOU ORDERED (shirts, IPad etc.)

ORDER NUMBER

TRACKING NUMBER ***

 DATE ORDER RECEIVED

*** this is the number they provide once it is shipped (there are different shippers and you generally do not have a choice, but whatever tracking number they supply you should be able to type in your Web Browser (IE, Chrome etc.) and get information. Especially if you do not know how it was shipped FedEx, UPS or USPS.  Also as a reminder, there are some services that start out with FedEx or UPS but they have an agreement with the Postal Service USPS to make final delivery.