ELECTRONIC RETAILING ASSOCIATION ISSUES TOP 10 TIPS FOR SAFE, SMART ONLINE HOLIDAY SHOPPING

Washington, DC – As consumers are poised to spend more than $24.3 billion online for holiday gift giving this season, the Electronic Retailing Association (ERA), the only industry association representing direct response marketing companies and major retailers that use electronic media to sell goods and services to consumers, wants consumers to be smart, savvy and safe online this holiday season.

The electronic retailing industry, which includes the Internet, live shopping, long- and short-form commercials (infomercials and spots) and radio is poised for double-digit growth over the previous year and is on track to meet or exceed similar projections this year, particularly online which currently represents 33% of consumer purchases (14% infomercial; 10% home shopping, 6% DR radio).

Some of the nation’s most prominent online retail merchants such as eBay, ShopNBC, QVC and Home Shopping Network (HSN), are ERA members.

The ERA encourages savvy shoppers to follow these simple tips when shopping:

1) Make sure all transactions are SSL enabled and encrypted. Before entering personal information, be sure the padlock at the top or bottom of your browser is closed and locked.

2) Also make sure “https:” begins the webpage address. This signifies a secure connection has been established.

3) Look for third party verification devices, such as the Better Business Bureau logo. When you click on the logo, you should receive more information about that company's status.

4) Check for contact information and be cautious of sites that don't offer a phone number. If you find a telephone number, call to ask about the company's security procedures.

5) Ensure the website accepts more than one type of credit card, and gives an alternative to credit card payment.

6) Provide your card number each time you make a purchase. Keeping your credit card number on file for future orders may be unsafe.

7) Designate one credit card for online shopping, as this will allow an easy review of purchases.

8) Be extremely careful in responding to e-mails from anyone who asks for your password(s), Social Security number, birth date, credit card number or other personal information.

9) When shopping for a particular product, make sure to compare prices and availability on numerous and varying sites.

10) As with all transactions, take the time to read the fine print and know your rights as a consumer.

As the holiday shopping season hits full swing, consumers who have concerns about the truthfulness of direct response advertisements or product claims can seek assistance through ERA’s SavvyShopper program. Consumers may visit www.savvyshopper.org to submit a complaint about a particular company or product.

ABOUT THE ELECTRONIC RETAILING ASSOCIATION
Representing a more than $300 billion market, the Electronic Retailing Association (www.retailing.org) is the only trade association in the U.S. and internationally for major companies in the multi-channel electronic retail industry, which includes long- and short-form commercials, live shopping channels, the Internet and radio. ERA counts industry leaders like Guthy-Renker, HSN, QVC, ShopNBC and eBay among its member companies.

Media Contact:
Paige H. Muller
703.908.1020
pmuller@retailing.org