The Internet is supposed to be an even better invention since the invention of slice bread, but it is the most abused media today.

Why is that, you might ask?

Simple, there are many merchants online selling crappy ebooks and software programs, because ebook Internet marketing is big business, once you figure out that 70 percent of the users don't request a refund.

You can set-up a clickbank account and be in business within an hour, but clickbank has the best refund policy for protecting their buyers.

Well, this article will open the eyes of any newcomer and show you in exactly seven easy steps: "How to spot a bad purchase before you buy."

1) Check Copyright Notice In The Footer Of That Website.

The first thing you should always do when deciding if you want to buy a certain product is to look at the copyright notice in the footer of the page.

If a program is 3 years old online, it is outdated, please walk away from such a purchase, the material your buying is based on old technology that might not be working today.

2) Check Traffic Statistics Of That Site.

This is the worse I have ever seen, you browse over to this SEO site, selling a search engine optimization ebook. The wording on the site is extremely good, it makes you want to get a number one ranking online, but, please get real.

Hold on to your card, let's see how much visitors such a site is really getting on a daily basis.

Browse over to alexa.com and insert the URL of that site, click on view traffic details, and check alexa ranking for this site.

If this site isn't averaging at least 100 visitors per day, then how can they help you optimize your site, while they can't even optimize their own site for higher rankings.

3) Send A Simple Email For Checking The Response Time.

I always like to send an email to the webmaster or owner of that site. In that email I simply ask: What is the number one benefit your product will assist me with if I make this purchase?

That question is only to get a response, and see how long it takes for an answer. The response time is an indication as to the quality of service I can expect from this company.

If the response isn't within a day or two, I simply go looking elsewhere. There are tons of the same products online, go searching for a better choice.

4) Go To The Forums And Ask About That Product.

The forums are a goldmine online, they have many talented and experienced marketers that visit them often. So, if you need to know about a certain product just post a question pertaining to your purchase and you can be guaranteed an answer.

You can also do inquiries about the author or creator of any product. Now the advice in some forums can differ, because some forums are not trustworthy. For advice you can trust visit, associateprograms.com, they haven't let me down so far.

5) Do A Search On Yahoo or Google For A Product Review.

If in doubt, do a search online for a review of that product. There are many marketers online who will give an honest review of any product they have used.

Product reviews has one flaw, most reviews are posted by affiliates of that product, meaning that they make a commission if you purchase. Some of the reviewers has never seen or heard of that product, but they write a review based on the site content and the commission they get if you do buy.

So, as a bench mark I check the amount of websites that is reviewing that product, the more results the safer I feel with my purchase.

6) The Quality And Content Of The Site.

I seldom purchase from any site that doesn't have quality graphics and content that flows as you read. It has to capture my attention and keep me reading. Now, I must admit, if it is someone I know who produces quality products online, I don't look for graphics or anything else.

7) If The Above Didn't Help, Then Just Go By The Old Saying:

"If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is." Use your own judgement and read the content and make sure there is a money back Guarantee, and use it if your not satisfied with your purchase.

I have also had many problems getting back refunds, so I now judge any purchase I make based on those seven points and I have not had to request any refunds.

It is your hard earned money, be wise and make sound choices before you go and purchase any products online.