Six Rules for Smart Online Shopping

Leave Yourself a Way Out

Major businesses should have a written return policy. Luxury auction site Portero, for example, offers a 100 percent refund within 30 days of the purchase. Sites like eBay, Etsy (a marketplace for handmade items), and 1stdibs leave the return policy up to each vendor. If you don't see one listed, e-mail the seller directly before buying.