Why should I order on-line?

There has been a lot of discussion and confusion in the media concerning the risks and benefits of "on-line" shopping. We have tried here to answer some of the most commonly raised concerns, especially concerning the entering of credit card information. If you have questions that are not addressed here, please feel free to contact us.

• I have heard that you should not enter your credit card information because it can be intercepted.
  While this should be of concern, there are new technologies which address this concern. The most prominent of these is the SSL layer, most commonly referred to as a "secure server". When transmitting your payment information to a secure server, the information is encrypted before it ever leaves your computer, and it would be very difficult for anybody to decipher after intercepting it. You should always check, before ordering, that the site you are ordering from does use a secure server for payment processing. We do.
• What if my credit card number does get stolen and or misused in spite of the encryption?
  There is always a risk of this happening if you own a credit card. When you use your card at the local restaurant, there is the chance that an employee of the restaurant could retain your number and use your card fraudulently. There is also the chance that a pick-pocket could steal your wallet. There is probably less chance of your number being stolen because you used it on-line than there is of it being stolen downtown. Of course, you are protected by law against unlawful use of your card, and your liability is limited to a small amount, which is not necessarily true for other payment methods. Check with the issuer of your card for full details.
• What if I am not familiar with the company I am considering purchasing from?
  Again, this is why we recommend using your credit card for on-line purchases. While there are several things you should look for on a web-site before giving them your credit card number, your final protection is the law and your credit card issuer. If you do not receive the merchandise you ordered, or it is damaged in shipment, if you used a credit card to pay for it you can dispute the charges. This is not necessarily true for other types of payment. Again, check with your card issuer for details.
• What are the things you mentioned that I should look for?
  The first, of course, is the site's concern for your security. If they don't provide a secure server for you to enter your information you should not do so. Also, look for how well they identify themselves. Look for phone numbers, street addresses, names of people, years in business, etc. If they are not willing to identify themselves, you have to wonder why they are hiding. In general, look for the same kinds of things on-line that you would look for from any business.
• What about third party references?
  These can be good. Organizations and business such as the Better Business Bureau can provide a valuable service by recording complaints about a company for public reference. There are several such companies dedicated to policing internet e-commerce sites. We "belong" or subscribe to The Public eye. Please check with them to view any complaints registered about our company, or to give positive feed back about us. :)
• But, why should I buy from YOU?
  We are a small, home based business consisting of two artists who make quality gift items. Because there are only two of us, and there are only 24 hours in a day, there is a limit to how much we can do. Because of this, we will never ever be able to make enough for everybody to own one of our pieces, but because you managed to find us here on the internet, you do have the chance to buy something from us. You can own, or give as a gift, something that not everybody has! And, unless you live in or pass through the area of the U.S. immediately surrounding where we live, you will not find these items in any store, so here's your chance! Go ahead, splurge just a little, and buy that unique gift you were looking at!

Thank you for your time and interest. If you have further questions or comments, please contact us. Contact information can be found at the bottom of each page on this site. JOHN
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