Recently some companies that do business online have been caught giving away or selling information about their customers. Several of these companies provide guarantees on their websites, claiming that customer information will remain private. Some companies that purchase customer information offer the option for individuals to have their information removed from the database, also known as opting out.

However, many customers are unaware if and when their information is being shared, and are unable to stop the transfer of their information between companies if such activity occurs.Another major security concern that consumers have with e-commerce merchants is whether or not they will receive exactly what they purchase. Online merchants have attempted to address this concern by investing in and building strong consumer brands, as for example Amazon and eBay, and by leveraging merchant/feedback rating systems and e-commerce bonding solutions.

All of these solutions attempt to assure consumers that their transactions will be free of problems because the merchants can be trusted to provide reliable products and services. Additionally, the major online payment mechanisms (credit cards, GoogleCheckout, etc.) have also provided final buyer protection systems to address problems if they actually do occur.

From my point of view I usually do not like to buy on-line. I really prefer to walk around some shops, try things, get in touch with what I am interested in and get involved in it. The only things that I have bought are some books from Amazon and AbeBooks, which I needed for my studies. Am I outmode???