Connecticut Better Business Bureau says Capture Your Computer Screen to Make Your Case

Sept. 19, 2011 - PRLog -- Keep a Computer Photo Record of Your Online Transaction in Case Something Goes Wrong

Most online transactions are a simple affair: Order the goods or services, check the price, verify and itemize your purchase when you check out and save and print a copy of the transaction record.  But what happens if the printable record contains the price and shipping but not the details of a “special deal” that didn’t deliver.

Connecticut Better Business Bureau President, Paulette Scarpetti, explains consumers should keep as detailed a record of an offer and transaction as possible, in case they eventually file a complaint.

“A paper trail is essential for consumers who file a complaint with BBB.  In some cases, however, a printed receipt or online confirmation may not be sufficient.”

Some websites’ offers change between the time a consumer makes a purchase at a “special rate” and when a complaint is filed.  One example would be a holiday package booked through a third party that promises upgraded facilities for a daily premium.  If the hotel subsequently tells the vacationer that there are no premium upgrades, it will be difficult to make the case in a complaint if the receipt only shows a total dollar amount.

It is simple for online shoppers to get proof of what was advertised when they made their booking or purchase by simply capturing the contents of their computer screen with a single keystroke.

Computer keyboards have a key, usually located on the right side with the letters “Prt Scr” on it.  When that key is pressed, it captures everything that appears on your screen and copies it to your computer’s clipboard.  To save the image, just paste it into a word processing document and save it and print it.

Hopefully, online purchases will go off without a hitch, however, in the event of a dispute, a screen capture can help consumers prove that what was advertised, was not necessarily what was delivered.

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Founded in 1928, Connecticut BBB is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. For more advice on finding companies and businesses, start your search with trust at www.bbb.org.