In order to help consumers get what they expect from their online shopping trip, Microsoft has developed the following tips.

Not everyone is as honest as you are, so know whom you're dealing with. Look for professionally designed websites that provide contact information up front. It's a safer bet to go with sites that give you access to familiar merchants and brand names.

Get full company addresses and phone numbers up front. Avoid doing business with those sites that won't verify their identity or provide a physical street address and telephone number.

Obtain and keep details about your order and the return, service or warranty policies. Avoid buying from online retailers who do not provide adequate descriptions of these policies before you place an order. Keep a print out of the page with the order and any e-mail confirmations, until your order arrives and you are happy with it.

Take steps to protect yourself. Pay by credit card and keep printed records of all your transactions. Also be cautious about giving out personal information.

Check the company's privacy policy. Understand what information is collected about you when you make a purchase and how a Web site plans to use this. If you cannot find the privacy policy, contact the company and ask to see it.

Think about security. Always check for the padlock symbol or a notification of SSL (Secure Socket Layer) technologies, often noted at the bottom of the page, to ensure that the site you're visiting is secure.

Check product prices to reduce the risk of buying illegal items. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Check the offer against the manufacturer's recommended retail price.

Be cautious of retailers that offer uncommonly good deals, liquidated inventories or acquisition through bankruptcy sales. Counterfeiters often use these types of phrases to trick consumers into believing they are getting a genuine product.

Review and understand the products. Distinguishing what is a counterfeit or illegal product on the Internet is extremely difficult because you can't physically see the product. Do your research on the product and the online retailers.

If in doubt, call the manufacturer. The manufacturer can provide details about the documentation you should receive with the product and will give you an indication of the price range. The manufacturer may also be able tell you where its actual products are for sale.