Many online retailers offering customer service options - Los Angeles Local News, Weather, and Traffic

Many online retailers offering customer service options

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ATLANTA -

Many of us now do all of our shopping online. It's quick, and it's easy. However what you sacrifice is the face-to-face connection with the seller. However, some online retailers are really trying to make customer service part of the online sale.

Online retail customer service hasn't traditionally been very good. If you could only have talked to someone, you would have known the fabric wasn't quite what you wanted. Or that a particular brand runs a little small.  Online sellers now hear you. Many now offer online chat options, videos to show you how the product works, and better email responses.

Shannon van Buskirk, who runs a popular e-commerce site, says use your phone, because good e-tailers now pick up when you call. If they don't, think twice about that purchase.

"It takes a second to pick up the phone. And if you call and you get pushed to voicemail, that is a huge red flag because most fraudulent companies don't have customer service staff waiting to take your calls. So, just pick up the phone and call," said van Buskirk.

Be sure to read a site's "About" section to find out more about the seller.  Don't overlook the "Terms of Service" section, and read online reviews.

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