Security

As with any sales transaction, e-commerce security remains an important issue. All of the major credit cards guarantee against online fraud, but surveys show that credit card security continues to be a major concern among online shoppers. The surveys also reveal, however, that consumers' fears decrease significantly the more they shop online. Toolcrib.amazon's Broussard argues that posting your credit card information on a secure Web site is safer than giving your card number to someone over the phone, or even to a waiter in a restaurant.

For information on how to protect yourself and your credit while buying on the Web, visit the online information centers for the Council of Better Business Bureaus (www.bbbonline.org/consumer/shopping.asp and www.bbb.org/library/Visa-BBB.asp). Many Web sales sites are now registered with BBB OnLine, which regulates e-commerce much the same way as the BBB protects businesses and consumers in the real world.

If a Web site displays the BBB OnLine seal, the vendor is a member of a local Better Business Bureau–and therefore has a physical location as well as a Web presence. It also shows that the company has been in business more than one year, has a satisfactory consumer complaint record, and that it will abide by the BBB's truth in advertising rules.

Freelance writer Michael Morris is a contributing editor to Hanley-Wood's Tools of the Trade.

Spec out Toolson ebuild, the Professional's Guide to Building Products (TM).

Online Tool Stores

Here's a sampling of online tool stores to get you started. Be sure to check out some of the lesser-known sites for unique tools and some real deals.

www.toolcrib.amazon.com
www.truevalue.com
http://shop.cornerhardware.com
www.ourhouse.com
www.sears.com
www.homedepot.com
www.lowes.com
www.coastaltool.com
www.1stoptoolshop.com
www.41lumber.com
www.ai-supply.com
www.allprotools.com
www.westerntool.com
www.ballewtools.com
www.berlandtools.com
www.brentwoodmachine.com
www.chasdayco.com
www.blackbookoftools.com
www.dscinc.org
www.eagle-america.com
www.harborfreight.com
www.homelumber.com
www.internationaltool.com
www.kenstool.com
www.lapollotools.com
www.mgb.com
www.orcoonline.com
www.outlettools.com
www.toolsforless.com
www.puckettools.com
www.rockler.com
www.sawcenter.com
www.slimspowertools.com
www.northwestpowertools.com
www.woodworkingshop.com
www.tools4less.com
www.tooltownonline.com
www.toolmarts.com
www.tools-plus.com
www.etoolsrus.com
www.toolup.com
www.trend-lines.com
www.vikingpowertools.com
www.wilkmach.com
www.williamalden.com
http://shop.woodcraft.com
www.workshoptools.com