ONLINE SHOPPING

Pay Attention to Shipping Facts

Under the law, a company must ship your order within the time stated in its ad. If no time frame is stated, the merchant must ship the product in 30 days or give you an "Option Notice." This gives you an opportunity to cancel the order and receive a prompt refund, or agree to the delay.

Here are key shipping questions to ask:

•  Does the site tell you if there are geographic or other restrictions for delivery?

•  Are there choices for shipping?

•  Who pays the shipping cost?

•  What does the site say about shipping insurance?

•  What are the shipping and handling fees, and are they reasonable ?