06/12/2026
Welcome to Friday Tech Tips! The library’s informative tech blog to help promote computer/smart device literacy within the community! Included in this blog will be helpful hints on what to do (or not to do) when traversing the ever-changing world of technology. The Public Library also offers free computer classes every Tuesday morning, 9 AM at our Carver Branch Library location (722 W. 14th St.).
Today we will be going over online shopping. Online shopping is just like browsing your local store for goods only through online retailers. These can be stores that are online only like Amazon, eBay, Etsy. They can also be stores that have both physical and online stores like Walmart, Target, BestBuy.
While there are thousands and thousands of online retail stores, there are a few things all online stores have to better help you navigate and buy what you want. These are things like:
Search bar - Tool used to search keywords or the name of the things you want to buy
Account – Most online shops have the option to create an account to better tailor your online shopping experience.
Cart – Used to select and organize your items before you buy them (just like a real shopping cart!)
Categories – used to organize items by departments (Electrical, Arts & Crafts, etc.)
Sort By – Used to organize your buying options as you search
Filters – Used to make your item search more specific
Finally, most online retailers have the option to create a store user account. User Accounts make online shopping easier because it keeps track of your searches, can help recommend other similar items and help track your orders after you place them. This also makes returning an item or settling a dispute with the seller easier. To create an account, you will usually need the following:
An Email/phone number and password to login to your account
Your home address (so the store knows where to ship your items)
Some form of payment option
If you would rather shop without creating an account, many online stores have a “guest checkout” option, where you will place your order and enter your details (email, address and payment option) one time. That said there are some retailers, like Amazon, that require you to make an account if you want to purchase something.
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