So you've heard all about the bargains you can get on the Internet, no parking problems, simply order from your PC sit back and await delivery. In reality it is not that simple. Some of the questions that you might ask are answered below.

Q. How do you find the products you want?
A. The best place to find the product you want is to find a good shopping site that lists a selection of shops for you to choose from. You'll find a good list of these shopping sites on www.dumpthejunk.co.uk or for a vast selection of organic produce look around www.alotoforganics.co.uk.

Q. How can you be sure that giving your credit card number over the Internet is safe?
A. Before you enter your credit card details make sure the lock symbol on your browser is locked or the site address starts https://. Both of these indicate that the transaction will be secure.

Some sites may display a Trustuk symbol or a VeriSign symbol. Trustuk is a non-profit organisation endorsed by the UK Government to enable consumers to buy on-line with confidence. If you click on the symbol it will provide information relating to the site you are visiting to confirm that they are a member of Trustuk, to find out more visit the Trustuk web site.

The VeriSign symbols indicates that any transaction will be processed securely. If you click on the symbol it will verify the identity of the web site you are visiting ensuring that confidential information, such as credit card details remain protected. To find our more visit the Verisign web site

Click here for shopping advice from the Office of Fair Trading. Click here for advice from Trading Standards.

Initially trying to find a bargain on the Internet can be time consuming. At least you can search in your own time, at your own pace, without leaving your home, and at any time of the day. If you compare this to the cost and time of driving around to shops, then I'm sure that you will agree that Internet shopping is far more convenient. However, the Internet is not always fast, and some sites can be a lot slower than others. The time that it takes to access web sites can also depend on your connection and the service provider you use.

TIP: Some shopping portals receive payment from the sites they list to appear at the top of their lists. These are not necessarily the right site for you. Remember just because a site is at the top of the list, may not mean it is the best site.

Both A lot of Organics and Dump the Junk have affiliated sites. These sites will appear at the top of a list but they do have to pass a strict criteria. They will only appear at the top of your search if they are relevant. Our philosophy is that we are providing a service to you therefore you want sites that are relevant to your search.

Spend some time to find a few sites you like, that offer the goods at the price you want to pay. Bookmark these sites and come back later to order once you are sure you have found the best buy.

TIP: Don't only check the price of the actual goods, check the delivery costs and terms, some sites offer free delivery whilst others will charge, this then affects the overall price of a product.

Once you have spent some time searching for your initial product you will have gained valuable experience on how to shop. Each site is different and some can even be a little confusing at first. Don't be put off by sites that appear slow or confusing, next time you visit there might be an improvement. Always remember to bookmark sites you like for future reference, even if you do not intend to buy from that site now, you may at a later date.

When you have placed an order, take note of your order confirmation number or print a copy and keep this safe. If you really don't want to use your credit card over the Internet or you have any doubts about the company then phone them. Don't miss out on a bargain.

My first purchase via the Internet was a book, my second a holiday. Now my first port of call for any purchase is to check the Internet. I hope, with the help of Alotoforganics or Dump The Junk, you will find shopping on the Internet a more pleasant and rewarding experience.

Andrea Clifford