Popular and Unpopular Websites

As you may or may not know, Google's search engine is designed so that sites with the most hits are generally the most popular sites.  In other words, those with the most traffic get elevated to the top most positions in a search.  However, one of the flaws with Google's search engine is that it also elevates the most unpopular sites for the same reason--if they are getting a lot of complaints, it still makes the site more popular.

Sadly, this is exactly the opposite effect that consumers would like to see happen.  If a site is not providing good products or service, then it would be beneficial if those sites would fall to the bottom of a search list.

If you're dealing with big-name retailers, you generally know their reputation and the kind of service they provide (mostly good of course).  But if you're dealing with lesser known or relatively "nameless" retailers, there is one thing you can do to help ensure you'll have a positive transaction.

If you want to check a site's reputation--

Type the name of the business and the word "complaint" into the google search engine.  This should give you a good indication of whether or not buyers are complaining about a site.

Another thing to look for when dealing with a vendor that you're unfamiliar with is to search for contact information on the site. I highly recommend dealing with a merchant that lists a name and address, preferably within the United States or your own country of residence.  Unless you are seeking a product that you know is available only from a particular location (possibly outside your own country), it's usually far easier to have a safe and secure transaction within the US, where it might be monitored.  And I personally have had much better luck with companies listing actual street addresses not just a post office box--in fact, just listing a PO box is a good signal to avoid that company. Sometimes I'll even call a company just to confirm they're "real" and to get a sense of how they operate. 

Admittedly, the Shopping Maven is not totally immune to error when it comes to dealing with online retailers.  But I really have only two stories that come to mind. But I'll save those stories for a future post.  Just to let you know though, they both ended well.  So take good care, dear Shoppers.