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Electronic Commerce

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 Websites presented in alphabetical order

Buying Medicines and Medical Products Online view detail comment email this

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) created this page because online pharmacies have become a part of the marketplace. The page offers information to help consumers determine whether a site that sells drugs and other medical products is legitimate. It also tells consumers how to spot health fraud and explains the problems associated with using foreign sites. News releases provide the latest information about the FDA's efforts to protect consumers using these sites.
http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/EmergencyPreparedness/BioterrorismandDrugPreparedness/ucm133263.htm
Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Drugs, Finance, Internet
Last updated Sep 9, 2009


Consumer Reports WebWatch view detail comment email this

The purpose of this site is to "investigate, inform, and improve the quality of information published on the World Wide Web." Areas include travel, health, books, pet supplies, banking, electronics, gardening, and much more. A grant-funded project of Consumers Union, publisher of Consumer Reports.
http://www.consumerwebwatch.org/
Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Finance, Internet, Web Design and Management
Last updated Dec 12, 2006


E-Commerce Times view detail comment email this

News, articles, and reports on the electronic commerce industry. Information includes an industry guide, government regulations, and advice for small businesses. Articles and special reports contain links to related stories. Searchable.
http://www.ecommercetimes.com/
Topics: Finance, Industries, Internet
Last updated Dec 12, 2006


Ecommerce-Guide.com view detail comment email this

This site's goal is "to provide the single best source of independent, up-to-date information about electronic commerce." Includes daily news, feature articles, product guides, case studies, software reviews, an events calendar, discussion forums, and a glossary. Searchable.
http://www.ecommerce-guide.com/
Topics: Finance, Internet
Last updated Sep 19, 2004


Econsumer.gov view detail comment email this

The public portion of this site "provides general information about consumer protection in all countries that belong to the ICPEN (International Consumer Protection Enforcement Network), contact information for consumer protection authorities in those countries, and an online complaint form. All information is available in English, French, German, and Spanish." Some information also available in Korean and Polish. From the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.
http://www.econsumer.gov/
Topics: Business, Business, Consumer Research & Advocacy, Finance, International Trade, Internet
Last updated Jun 14, 2006


eStrategy view detail comment email this

This site is about doing business with the federal government via electronic commerce. Includes links to appropriate programs and organizations that provide information about smart cards, security, electronic funds transfer, etc.
http://www.estrategy.gov/
Topics: Finance, Internet
Last updated Dec 12, 2006


Freecycle view detail comment email this

"The Freecycle Network is made up of many individual groups across the globe. It's a grassroots movement of people who are giving (& getting) stuff for free in their own towns. ... Membership is free." Members of Freecycle receive and may post email messages about free items. The site includes a FAQ and information for becoming a member and starting a new group.
http://www.freecycle.org
Topics: Activism, Environment, Finance, Internet, Technology
Last updated Jun 6, 2005


FTC: E-commerce Lowers Prices, Increases Choices in Wine Market view detail comment email this

This July 2003 report found "that e-commerce offers consumers lower prices and more choices in the wine market, and that states could expand e-commerce by permitting direct shipping of wine to consumers." The site provides a summary of findings and the full text of the report "Possible Anticompetitive Barriers to E-Commerce: Wine." From the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2003/07/wine.shtm
Topics: Finance, Industries, Internet, Wine
Last updated Jun 6, 2007


Gomez.com view detail comment email this

Although criticized in Business Week , this is an excellent site for E-commerce research and analysis. Consumers can obtain ratings and reviews of companies which deliver services and/or products over the Internet. All firms in an industry are ranked by overall score, ease of use, customer confidence, on-site resources, relationship services, overall cost, and "how well each serves the needs associated with unique consumer profiles." Other features include consumer reviews and side-by-side comparisons of selected retailers. The industries covered include personal finance, travel, shopping, autos, auctions, health, computers and office, and home and garden.
http://www.gomez.com/
Topics: Finance, Internet
Last updated Nov 18, 2002


Internet Auctions: A Guide for Buyers and Sellers view detail comment email this

"Among the thousands of consumer fraud complaints the FTC receives yearly, those dealing with online auction fraud consistently rank at or near the top of the list." This fact sheet provides tips for buyers and sellers of items on online auction websites, a list of types of auction fraud, an explanation of auction rules and payment options, and places to file a complaint. Also available in Spanish. From the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/tech/tec07.shtm
Topics: Business, Consumer Research & Advocacy, Finance, Internet
Last updated Jul 28, 2008


InternetNews.com view detail comment email this

News about the Internet as a business, updated daily and archived. Topics include e-ommerce, networking, storage, ISPs, and security.
http://www.internetnews.com/
Topics: Finance, Industries, Internet
Last updated Dec 12, 2006


Justice Talking: Challenging the Ban on Online Liquor & Wine view detail comment email this

Companion to a radio show that debates topics related to regulation of interstate wine shipments and wine shipping from online businesses. Includes audio of the program, biographies of the guests, related laws and amendments, reading suggestions, and links to related advocacy and industry organizations. Note: "Justice Talking" ceased production in June 2008. ... Blogs and forums are provided as a read-only resource for historical interest only."
http://www.justicetalking.org/ShowPage.aspx?ShowID=495
Topics: Finance, Industries, Internet
Last updated Jun 8, 2009


Librarybooksales.org view detail comment email this

"The purpose of this web site is twofold: The primary goal is to match quality books, which have been donated to public libraries, with readers around the world. Secondarily, this site provides a central meeting place for 'Friends of the Library' and other affiliated library groups." Money spent on books in this online book sale goes directly to the library selling them. Searchable, or browse available books by author.
http://www.librarybooksales.org/
Topics: Charity & Nonprofit Resources, Finance, Internet, Librarianship
Last updated Apr 21, 2003


LooksTooGoodToBeTrue.com view detail comment email this

This website contains background information and alerts about Internet scams and fraud, covering topics such as identity theft, hacking, phishing, spam, spyware, job scams, Ponzi and pyramid schemes, online auctions, sweepstakes and lotteries, and counterfeit payments. Includes a FAQ, victims' stories, a fraud risk test, and links to places to file a complaint about online fraud. A joint project of federal law enforcement agencies and industry partners.
http://www.lookstoogoodtobetrue.com
Topics: Business, Consumer Research & Advocacy, Corruption & Fraud, Crime, Finance, Internet
Last updated Nov 23, 2005


Online Advertising Discussion List view detail comment email this

This list "focuses on professional discussion of online advertising strategies, results, studies, tools, and media coverage. The list also provides editorial coverage of conferences of interest to people in the Online Advertising industry." Archived. There are also a few links to related resources.
http://www.o-a.com/
Topics: Advertising & Marketing, Business, Business, Finance, Internet
Last updated May 29, 2002


Questions and Answers About the Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act, "Check 21" view detail comment email this

This site presents an analysis and critique of the Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act, also known as "Check 21," which has an effective date of October 28, 2004. The site states that this "sweeping new federal law ... takes away your ability to get back your original paper checks." The site provides tips for consumers to protect their rights under the act. From the Consumers Union, the nonprofit publisher of Consumer Reports.
http://www.consumersunion.org/finance/ckclear1002.htm
Topics: Business & Consumer Law, Consumer Research & Advocacy, Finance, Money
Last updated Sep 15, 2004


Report: Online Activities & Pursuits: About 25 Million People Have Used the Internet to Sell Something view detail comment email this

November 2005 report about how "some 17% of online American adults have used the internet to sell things." Includes an overview of the report and a link to the full report with information about use of classified advertising sites and online auctions. From the Pew Internet & American Life Project.
http://www.pewinternet.org/Reports/2005/About-25-million-people-have-used-the-internet-to-sell-something.aspx
Topics: Internet
Last updated Sep 14, 2009


Safe Internet Banking view detail comment email this

This site allows consumers to verify whether an Internet banking site is a legitimately-chartered or federally-insured depository institution. Includes advice, official memoranda from the FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) to financial institutions on unauthorized banking operations, and instructions and form for reporting suspicious Internet banking sites.
http://www.fdic.gov/bank/individual/online/safe.html
Topics: Finance, Internet, Money
Last updated Jun 21, 2006


Safe Shopping view detail comment email this

Tips for safe shopping online. Sections answer questions about security, privacy, payment, product, terms, delivery, records, complaints, and tips. From the American Bar Association.
http://www.safeshopping.org/
Topics: Business, Consumer Research & Advocacy, Finance, Internet, Internet Guides & Search Tools, Web Design and Management
Last updated Nov 3, 2005


Shopping Safely Online view detail comment email this

This Better Business Bureau Web page includes the sections "Online Fraud Red Flags," "Online Shopping Tips," "Protecting Your Privacy," "Bogus Websites," "Quick Check List," and related links. Also explains the BBBOnLine Reliability program, which allows a reputable company participating in the program to display the BBBOnLine Reliability seal on its Web site.
http://www.bbb.org/us/article/407
Topics: Business, Consumer Research & Advocacy, Finance, Internet
Last updated Oct 16, 2009


Virtual Promote view detail comment email this

This site contains discussion forums on search engines, Internet marketing, and Web site design; a collection of "tools, links, and utilities" for building Web sites; articles; and more. Some features require a paid membership.
http://www.virtualpromote.com/
Topics: Business, Business, Web Design and Management
Last updated Jun 8, 2006




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