Hi. I’m Connie. As a serial “Grandmapreneur®”, I speak to retirees or soon-to-be retirees on the benefits of pursuing entrepreneurship in Retirement. This blog post will give you e-commerce tips, which you will need as you consider starting a business.

Useful E-commerce Tips for Older Adults

For older adults, the vast world of online shopping might appear overwhelming. However, the benefits it can provide are undeniable. With this piece, we aim to break down any barriers that may exist, empowering older adults to approach the online marketplace with confidence and ease. By exploring this digital journey together, we can ensure that everyone gets to enjoy the convenience and variety that online shopping offers.

1. Use Established Online Retailers 

Big, reputable online retailers like Amazon, eBay, and Walmart have robust security measures in place to protect your personal and financial information. They are well-established, have proven track records, don’t send spam, and are usually quick to resolve any customer issues. They also have wide product ranges, so you can find almost anything you need.

2. Check for HTTPS

HTTPS stands for Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure. It means that all communications between your browser and the website are encrypted and secure. You can identify a secure site by looking at the URL: it should start with ‘https://’. An icon of a locked padlock should also appear next to the URL. This provides an added layer of protection against potential cyber thefts.

3. Don’t Overshare Information

Be wary of websites or sellers asking for unnecessary personal information. A legitimate e-commerce site will only ask for the details they need to complete your transaction, like your shipping address and payment details. If a site requests sensitive data like your Social Security number or complete birthdate, it’s a red flag.

4. Use Secure Payment Methods 

Credit cards offer strong consumer protections, including the ability to dispute fraudulent charges. Debit cards, while convenient, don’t always have the same level of protection. Avoid payment methods that don’t have any protection, like direct Money transfers or sending cash. If the site offers payment via PayPal or a similar payment processor, this can also add an extra layer of protection.

5. Understand Return Policies 

Every online retailer has its return policy, and it’s essential to understand this before making a purchase. The policy should tell you how long you have to return an item, what condition it needs to be in, who pays for the return shipping, and how long a refund will take. Some retailers offer free returns, where they cover the cost of shipping the item back. Others may require you to pay for return shipping yourself. Make sure you’re comfortable with the policy before buying.

Conclusion

From convenience and price comparisons to access to a broader range of products than one might find locally, online shopping is an invaluable tool in our digital age. By following these practical tips, older adults can ensure they’re shopping online as safely and efficiently as possible. Remember, the digital world is not exclusive to the young― it’s a space that can, and should, be embraced by everyone. As you become more comfortable shopping online, you’ll find that the world of e-commerce truly has something for everyone. Happy shopping!

Disclaimer: The material and information contained in this article are for general information purposes only. You should check with a financial advisor before making any business, legal, or other decisions.

Do you want to be a second-act entrepreneur? My book might just be the answer. It’ll show you that it’s never too late to start your dream business. Check it out now!  Watch my TEDx talk here https://youtu.be/kZxFnEvcivs and learn how to pursue your passion regardless of your age Because… passion has no expiration date!

The post 5 E-commerce Tips for Older Adults appeared first on Connie Inukai.

The post 5 E-commerce Tips for Older Adults appeared first on Connie Inukai.

Connie Inukai Grandmapreneur

As a serial “Grandmapreneur®”, Inukai speaks to retirees or soon-to-be retirees on the benefits of pursuing entrepreneurship in retirement.

Retired from teaching Technical Writing at the University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins University for four decades, Connie Inukai became an award-winning inventor at the age of 68.

Author of "How I got My Product on QVC, The Today Show, The View, and More...In Retirement", she helps others generate free publicity for their products.

She is the creator of Write Your Selfie®, where she inspires people to write their life stories in a fun and easy-to-read format.

Featured in Entrepreneur magazine, “6 Reasons to Pursue Entrepreneurship in Retirement,” Connie encourages Baby Boomers to have an active retirement through business or social entrepreneurship.
Because…

Passion has No Expiration Date!