News — Safe Online Shopping

What is safe online shopping? The amount of money spent with online shops is increasing at an outstanding rate due to the convenience, choice and low prices that can be found. This is all great but how do you know that you are spending with a reputable website? It is important to understand what safe online shopping is, what to look for and what to avoid.

How is online shopping made safe? Safe online shops use technology that protects the personal information you provide when making a purchase online, your credit card details are 'scrambled' so that they cannot be captured by "identity thieves" who aim to capture credit card or bank account details in order buy goods or get loans in your name. Scrambling this personal information means that it cannot be read or captured by anyone else.

How can I tell if the online shop I am shopping on is safe? To ensure that the online shop where you are shopping is safe you should check for the following:

An unbroken key or closed lock in your browser window. Each of these icons show that the online shop is safe. If the key is broken or the lock open the online shop is not safe. Check that the online shop website address begins with "https" instead of "http" when you are providing personal information, such as credit card details. This shows that you are in a secure area of the online shop. If you see the words "Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)", sometimes in a pop-up window, you know you are shopping at a secure and safe online shop.

How well do I know the brand of the online shop? Another thing to consider is how well you know the brand that runs the online shop? The chances are you will be more confident of shopping at Amazon than many other online brands because they are well established and have a reputation for good customer service.

How quickly will I get my goods? It is well worth delving into the online shop's customer service section to find out when and how your goods will be delivered. Does the online shop allow you to specify delivery dates and times or an alternative delivery address.

Does the online shop offer me a contact number in case anything goes wrong? If anything does go wrong with your order it is good to have a direct customer service telephone number to call to express your concerns, if not, many online shops provide a customer service email with a guaranteed response time so you can air your queries about your order.

Does the online shop make all charges involved clear? During the sale the online shop should explicitly advise you of all charges involved in the purchase including delivery charges, taxation and minimum purchase limits. These charges will be outlined when you reach the shopping cart stage of the purchase where you can see the items you have purchased and all related charges. From the shopping cart (or basket) you will move to the checkout stage where you safely complete the transaction from a secure server. DO NOT enter you credit card details unless you are sure that the checkout is on a secure server – see How can I tell if the online shop I am shopping on is safe?

Shopping online is a convenient way to get access to a wide array of products from around the world and if all the points above are in place with the online shop you have chosen you can be confident that your purchase is being made safely and you can look forward to receiving your product. [http://www.millimart.com] provide all the information you need about safe online shopping.

Dave Wyness is a senior researcher at [http://www.millimart.com] Having started his career in consumer research he has now built up a substantial body of knowledge and experience in online retail.

Fashion has been an age long phenomenon that has always surfaced in every human society across the world. Human beings all over the world have great need to cover themselves and also makeup in order to look good. Fashion trends have always showcased in every nation on a regular basis. Different kinds of fashion accessories and other fashion related products have continued to be in great demand all over the world.

Actually, fashion development has been a progressive thing. Generally, the term fashion refers to popular styles and practices seen in the area of clothing, makeup, footwear, furniture and accessories. However, the term mainly refers to clothing, makeup and accessories when considered in a strict sense. The development of fashion can be considered in four major phases namely, ancient, medieval, industrial revolution and contemporary phases. Let's examine each phase.

Ancient Phase 
Fashion development in the ancient phase dates back to the pre-historic era when people made use of local materials in producing the cloths they put on. In those days, animal skin and fur were mainly used. This was seen in ancient historical era of various cultures of the world. In the ancient era, cultural traditions influence the kind of styles and patterns used in the production of local wears. There was no widely accepted pattern or approach used. Clothing materials were either homemade or handmade.

Medieval Phase 
The medieval phase in fashion development made a great impact in the history of fashion all over world. The era witnessed the emergence of local tailors and other dressmakers who used local fabrics in the production of different kinds of fashion attires. Fashion production in the period continued to improve from one level to the other. The renaissance period of 14th to 16th centuries that marked the end of the middle ages also made great impact in fashion development. During this period, great ideas about fashion started springing up in the lives of great men and women who later become famous fashion designers.

Industrial Revolution Phase 
Fashion development got a huge boost during the period of industrial revolution that swept across Europe and America in the 18th century. It was a great period of change which saw the introduction of diverse methods of production. There was a widespread adoption of diverse kinds of industrial methods of mass production in the era. Mass production of fashion products became the order of the day in the period. Several big fashion firms emerged both in Europe and in the US during the era. Diverse kind of approaches and patters were also introduced in fashion production during the period. Several attires, wears and fashion accessories were also produced. Great fashion designers also emerged during the era.

The Contemporary Phase 
After the industrial revolution, the contemporary period came to the fore. It all started in the early 20th century and also entered into the modern day era as well. Fashion development in this era has actually reached its pinnacle. The world is now witnessing the establishment of fashion plants in various countries. Great manufacturers of fashion products have also emerged. Sophisticated sewing machines and other tools have been invented for mass production of fashion products. Diverse kinds of approaches and patterns are also introduced in the fashion industry. Many countries now import and also export fashion products.

In all, fashion development is indeed a continuous process. It moves from one stage to the order. The world is now witnessing the development of fashion in the ever dynamic internet technology. Lots of fashion designers and their companies now operate online. The future is indeed very bright for fashion production across the world.

Hilary Umeoka is a versatile writer

In the last few years, there has been a dramatic increase in online shopping. Despite difficult economic times, online shopping is thriving. There are a number of reasons why online shopping has become more popular than going to traditional 'brick and mortar' shopping malls.

Below are a number of reasons why online shopping is better than actually going to the malls:

1. Going to a traditional shopping mall requires getting ready, getting the proper clothing, doing your hair and make up, making sure you have your money, and getting in your vehicle and driving there. When you shop online, you just switch on the computer, connect to the internet, and start shopping. It is easy, convenient, and it does not matter what are wearing and what you look like.

2. Transportation can be a hassle when you shop at a traditional mall. You have to spend money on fuel, fight the traffic, locate a parking spot, and carry all your purchased items to the car. With online shopping, you don't have to worry about transportation hassles and often your packages are delivered right to the door. If you don't have a car, taking a bus can be a real hassle when going to a mall.

3. Shopping malls are well-known for the crowds. It can be frustrating trying to get the items you want to purchase. With online shopping, there are no pushy crowds and you can relax and enjoy your online shopping experience.

4. Shopping online is better for the environment. Most online retailers keep their items at a central distribution centre so there is less energy being used which is better for the planet. Retail stores have such energy consuming things as lights and heating and cooling units. As well, shipping from online stores is better on the environment. According to the Center for Energy and Climate Solutions, "shipping two 20 pound packages by overnight air - the most energy-intensive delivery mode - still uses 40 percent less fuel than driving 20 miles round-trip to the mall or store."

5. Online shopping is a definite time saver. Most people shop on the weekends. Many shopping experiences at a traditional mall can take an entire day. Online shopping saves time so you can enjoy the rest of your weekend. Or, you may have the weekend free if you online shop during the weekday. You can shop any time of the day or night.

6. You can save a lot of money when you online shop. There are many deals on the internet just waiting to be scooped up. As well, most online shops offer free shipping on a certain amount purchased. You are also paying a cheaper price because online stores have less overhead.

7. Shopping online gives access to millions of different products. When you go to a shopping at a shopping mall, you only have access to what the stores have in stock so you end up going from store to store trying to find what you are looking for. Sometimes, it is not always available. When shopping online, you almost always find what you are looking for. You can also comparison shop to find the deals.

Online shopping is continuing to grow at astounding rates. With improvements in secure payment processing, the online shopping industry shows no signs of slowing down. More consumers are discovering that it is a great way to find exactly what you are looking for at a low price.

Online shopping for computers and gadgets? Why not earn points as you're shopping for dell computers online!

To understand fully what fashion production is all about, it's very important to have a look at what the term "fashion" stands for. Generally speaking, fashion refers to different styles on practices in the area of clothing, makeup, accessories and even furniture. In a very strict sense, the term only refers to trends in wears or apparels. Hence, the production of fashion as discussed in this write-up is only limited to clothing, wears, attires and dresses.

Fashion production as it relates to clothing has actually come a very long way. Basically, the term refers to the manufacturing of various kinds of clothing materials, dresses, and fashion accessories. Several factors have always influenced the production process. Over the years, several kinds of fashion attires have actually been produced. Many of them have cultural and traditional undertones. In the ancient times, people made use of local materials like animal skin and fur in producing the attires they put on. Different kinds of clothing styles were also produced through such local means. However, there was a notable improvement in fashion production during the period of industrial revolution of the late 18th century. It was a great awakening era that swept across Europe, America and other continents of the world. The era witnessed the establishment of various fashion production plants both in Europe and other continents. Several fashion manufacturers emerged. Different kinds of patterns and approaches were also introduced in the production process. Lots of quality clothing materials, fashion dresses and accessories were also produced.

In the contemporary times, the production of fashion is still ongoing. The fashion industry in the modern times is moving at a very high speed. Different kinds of approaches have been introduced. There's also the infusion of technology into the production of clothing materials. Different kinds of sophisticated sewing machines and tools have been invented. Gone are the days when fashion production is only limited to the local tailor or dressmaker along the street. Today, large corporations have come into the fashion business. Several fashion brands have been established. Lots of quality readymade garments, men's wears, women's wears, and even kids' wears have been produced.

Again, fashion production is now a very lucrative course in colleges and universities. Interested individuals can go through the education process in order to bag degrees in the area of cloth production. Great innovative ideas have always emerged from the fashion education process. The results are also quite obvious. The world is now witnessing an upsurge of fashion trends on yearly basis. Different kinds of fashion products and accessories are all over the place. The fashion industry is indeed actually thriving in various nations of the world. Great fashion plants, firms, selling outlets are up and running in various countries.

Finally, fashion production has also gone the internet way. Many great fashion companies now operate online. Lots of innovative ideas about fashion can be found online. Different kinds of fashion wears and accessories are also marketed online. Wholesale and retail fashion marketing are also causing waves on the internet. Mass production of fashion products is also thriving on the internet. The world is yet to witness a lot as the fashion industry continues to soar high.

Hilary Umeoka is prolific writer

Everyone is affected by fashion to some extent. In the era of early supermodel age, fashion could be categorized by glamour or commons. Today, fashion is fast, trendless, comfortable, and personal. Street fashion, as one of the most popular form, is more of a reflection of personality and lifestyle than of trends in general. Because social media have offered abundant avenues for people to get to know trends happening now, fashion has becoming really shapeless. Hollywood stars have their Facebook and Twitter accounts updating almost every second of their day including what they are wearing. Thus, Stars set fashion trends. However, Stars are not the only people only can openly express their fashion styles. Bloggers of fashion, not just professionals, but ordinary peoples, can send out their fashion style to the world. In an instant, fashion has truly become everyday, everywhere, and everyone.

In the information age and a much globalized world community, fashion has transformed in its outlook, and concept as it starts embodying many varieties of elements of different cultures. For example, in the 1980s, jeans had monopolized youth culture not only in the U.S. but also other countries, particularly East Asian countries like Japan and Korea. Now, American styles are no longer the standard as designers of different ethnic background incorporate their own outlook into their design. In addition, in this much globalized world, ethnicity is no longer the only factor that affect the trend in fashion as it was decades ago. Now, people are guided by taste, lifestyle, and experiences. For instance, Alexander Wang's simple power women's look has won many fans of minimalism. Thus, it is possible the fashion's trajectory will more closely appeal to people's lifestyle and social trends.

Furthermore, today fashion has much evolved to embody personal brand. Everyone's unique style can be called his or her fashion. For example, punk style was originally styles of socially discontented youth's, now it has been taken up even by couture designers. Decades ago, fashion had it standard rules such as how women and men should wear. Today, fashion is not strictly dictated by gender. There have emerged a new class of fashion called unisex in which clothing lines can be worn by both sexes.

This type of fashion has been tremendously popular given greater equalities between men and women. Women have more choices than before.

Not only adults, children have their own fashion. Although they mimicked what the adults wear, children's fashion also been commercialized extensively. Children's fashion is greatly affected by adult fashion. Many adult designer brands also have children's line that follow closely of the adult trends.

Fashion styles have been changed that allowed more freedom of choices. The price of fashion has also been changed. Before, fashionable clothing meant high prices. Now, a fashionable piece of clothing doesn't need to be expensive. Brands such as Forever 21, J. Crew, Target clothing and etc. offer couture style clothing with very affordable prices. Simply put, price doesn't equate good style or good fashion any more.

Fashion has fundamentally evolved-not only the concept of fashion, but also the price and accessibility.

Jerric Chong is a regular publisher in hubpages