Online Security

          With the Christmas season rapidly approaching, clearly I have been working on my Christmas list in my spare time.  Sending the list over to my parents I quickly realize that even though I have included the URLs from which they could purchase the items, they will use more conventional methods to purchase the items.  My parents are Baby Boomers, and when I was younger I remember thinking that they would never come close to keeping up with technology.  I have been proven wrong throughout the years, in fact my father is now attached at the hip with his IPhone.  Although they have adapted (to a certain extent) to most technology, one thing will never change.  My parents absolutely refuse to purchase anything online unless there is no other choice (hotel room, etc.).  They will research all types of information concerning the ups and downs of the product and even compare prices.  At the end of the day when it comes time to actually purchase the item they will go straight to a store as apposed to using the convenient internet.  I believe that my parents have the same issue with internet purchasing as some do in their age group.  They are concerned about security.  No matter how much it is emphasized how secure a site may be they are convinced that somehow someone will get steal their information.  I also feel there are other things consumers feel badly about when purchasing online.  When talking to friends about online buying a lot of them had voiced how uncomfortable they feel purchasing clothing or something they have not physically seen before.  Even though companies state that they have valid return and exchange programs, I believe consumers feel as though its more of a hassle or just not possible.  Personally, as a consumer I like to actually be able to go to a store and try on, test out, hold, and visibly see the object before I buy it.  For whatever reason it just makes me feel more comfortable about my purchase.  I wonder if one day all consumers won't need physically see their items before they purchase or that everyone will have trust in security online.