Why are you looking for cheap bowling balls? Probably because you went to the local proshop and almost had a heart attack when you saw the prices for their 'discount bowling balls.'
So you decided to join the millions of people who are shopping on the Internet (many looking for discount bowling balls)... Perhaps the thousands of bowlers who have purchased a new bowling ball this way.
But before you buy, here are some things to look out for when entrusting your hard-earned money to someone on the Internet. How to Make Purchases on the Internet and Protect Yourself
Realize that the Internet can be as safe or as precarious as purchasing from a regular brick and mortar store. Taking a few precautions can lead to a very satisfying experience of buying cheap bowling balls. I have been purchasing on the Internet for well over six years now and have never had a problem. If I had a dispute, I could settle it just the same way I would settle a dispute with the local retail store.
Getting the best cheap bowling balls
Here are just some hints to help you make a wise decision on who to purchase your cheap bowling balls from:
- If they don't have their own website -- BEWARE! Legitimate businesses usually have their own website. It will look something like http://cheap_bowling_balls.com Look out for places that have addresses from free sites. The cost for a business to have a website is ridiculously low. So I have to question how good a business is if it doesn't have its own website.
- Many sites that have been around awhile typically have a Better Business Bureau Reliability Certificate proudly displayed on their site. This certificate is difficult to just copy and paste onto their site. All legitimate ones will be clickable (you can click on it). When you click, another window will pop up and tell you that the company "meets all BBBOnLine Reliability participation and Better Business Bureau membership standards and is authorized to display the BBBOnLine Reliability seal." Also the website address you are taken to should start with http://www.bbbonline.org If you are not sure if the certificate is valid or they don't have one, you can still check them out with the Better Business Bureau at http://search.bbb.org/search.html Now with that said, realize there are still many businesses that may not have a BBB rating yet.
- It is imperative that the site offers secure purchasing. Even though you are looking for cheap bowling balls, you don't want to lose your money do you? This can typically be seen when you are on the credit card page. If you are using Windows Explorer you will see a little yellow lock at the bottom of the window near the right hand side. This lets you know that it is a secure site. Some companies go even further by having a certificate by a third party that verifies their security. Thawte is one of the big players that offers this security check. If you see a Thawte certificate on the site, you can be sure the site is secure.
- The site MUST take credit cards. If they don't, I say DO NOT BUY. Credit cards offer you protection. If you have a dispute with a merchant and they refuse to resolve it, take it up with your credit card company. This is protection you must use if at all possible.
- Of course it is always good to look at the merchant's product return policy. Good merchants usually do not have a restocking fee or at most minimal one.
- Look for a phone number. If you are not provided a phone number to call the merchant either to place an order or ask questions... RUN! Legitimate merchants will always have a number.
- This is a little off-topic. Don't be fooled by "Free Shipping." Sometimes, the price for the item is much more expensive than if you bought somewhere else with shipping. Look at your total cost -- price + tax + shipping.
So there you have it, seven simple ways to protect yourself while shopping online for your cheap bowling ball.
For a site that sells discount bowling balls and meets all seven criteria click here.
Want a Personal Shopper?
Just e-mail me with the make and model number of the discount bowling ball you want.
'll send you back an e-mail with a great company are selling the cheap bowling ball.
And, NO, I won't charge you anything. Just a service I offer my fellow turkey hunters!
Click here to e-mail me about cheap bowling balls.
