Call the customer service number with questions or concerns. RELATED LINKS VIDEO: Online shopping tips >> Test Your Shopping IQ

Shopping over the phone or the internet can save plenty of hassles, including driving to the store, finding parking and dealing with crowds of shoppers. But ordering items through catalogs and websites brings its own set of concerns, and there are many things that wary shoppers should know before handing over that credit card number and arranging for shipping.

Jeff Grocott is a catalog writer for the Wall Street Journal. Here he offers important advice for shopping from online or from catalogs:

• Read return policy. When ordering online or over the phone, it's very important to know what the return policy is. Most companies give you 30 days to return an item, but some require the customer to pay return shipping. Others offer free return shipping for any reason, while still others limit free returns to defective or damaged items.

• Understand shipping policies and options. You should also fully understand how the product will be shipped to you, and what this will cost, if anything. There are countless different shipping options out there, from speedy overnight service to slower ground shipping. Some options might be free or offered at low cost, while others will cost you a bundle.

• Never give social security number. There's a very specific set of information that online sites and catalog companies ask shoppers for. This includes your credit card number and the billing address for the credit card. If anyone's asking you for your social security number or additional banking details, you should probably refrain from shopping with them.

• Call with questions. In Grocott's experience, it' always a good idea to call the company with any questions or concerns. Shipping or return policies can sometimes be loosened or fees waived under circumstances, and many customer service agents will work with you to keep your business. If you're past you 30-day return window and your product is defective, for example, a phone call might help resolve the situation.

The Wall Street Journal
online.wsj.com/public/us