If you are an avid John Deere collector or know someone who is then shopping online can be a great resource for finding a great contribution to the collection. However, there are some things you need to be aware of such as am I buying an “Officially Licensed John Deere Collectible?” Here are 9 tips to help make it a safe and enjoyable shopping experience.
1. Look for officially licensed products: There are many John Deere Collectibles out there but only “officially licensed” John Deere products have been under the scrutiny of John Deere Company and passed the test to qualify. Also, only “officially licensed” products are sold at reputable retailers and if there is a problem, they will be around to help you solve it.
2. Purchase from secure shopping sites: Be sure you are buying from a secure website. While you’re looking around look for an icon or symbol to let you know that it is secure. Check for the lock on your web browser. Is it in the locked position when you begin checkout? It should be. Review their frequently asked questions or “FAQ’s”
3. Allow time for shipping: Remember if you need to have an item for Christmas shop early to allow for shipping time. Many retailers will offer incentive to shop early to boost holiday traffic because they can get backed up in the last couple of weeks prior to Christmas. Express shipping will cost you dearly, so only use it when absolutely necessary. Also, personalized or special order items take longer to process before they ship so you will find delays there too.
4. Returns: What is the retailer’s return policy? What if I purchase a John Deere Collectible and it is not as I expected? What if it is not as described? Are there any guarantees that I can return the merchandise for a refund or exchange? Be sure the read the fine print.
5. Add sites to your favorites: Bookmark your favorite online sites for John Deere Collectibles. Comparison shop easy with the web browser. When you are ready to shop open your favorites list and away you go. This makes it really easy to find and get back to that site where you found that special item.
6. Sign up for email newsletters: Subscribing to a retailers email newsletters will notify you of new and exciting John Deere collectibles and sometimes give you special coupon codes not available to the general public.
7. Look for Coupon Codes: May retailers offer free shipping or discounts with a coupon code. Surf their site for any available coupon codes and subscribe to their newsletter to receive all their coupon codes by email.
8. What value added items can I get from a website?: Some John Deere Collectible retailers offer gift wrap or free note cards as an incentive when I’m shipping a gift directly to it’s recipient. This saves the shopper an extra step by mailing the gift directly. Also, some sites offer personalization. It can range from custom engraving or embroidery. This can add a little something extra to make the gift even more special.
9. Keep your records of your purchase: Always keep a paper trail of your purchase. It is always a good idea to keep your receipts for refund or exchange. Never purchase with cash because nothing can be tracked to your purchase. Paper records will protect the buyer if something does go wrong.
Your holiday shopping online for your favorite John Deere collectible can be a fun and safe experience if you follow these 9 tips this holiday season.