Nervous about shopping online?

Me, too.

Although the amount of shopping online has risen markedly during the past decade, the National Retail Federation said overall holiday spending is expected to decline slightly in most categories this year.

Shopping online, however, is expected to increase. Pricegrabber.com says the percentage of Americans shopping online has grown from 37.6 percent in 2006 to an expected 47.2 percent this year.

To make shopping online a little less nerve-wracking, the American Bar Association has issued a shopping tip list. The tips include paying with a credit card because it's "the safest way to pay online."

I have recommended -- and will strongly recommend once again -- that you use a separate credit card for online purchases. If there's ever a problem with that card, your primary card can be used.

The Cyberspace Law Committee of the ABA's Business Law Section, which prepared the tip list, said retailers are enhancing their shopping and social media sites for the holiday season. Among other things, they are improving their shopping carts, suggesting additional items and offering customer reviews.

Here are a few things to remember before making your first -- or next -- buy:

Trust your instincts. If you don't feel comfortable buying or bidding on an item, or if you feel pressured to place your order immediately, maybe you shouldn't.

Do your homework on Web-based auctions. Familiarize yourself with the rules and policies of the auction site and the legal terms -- warranties, refund policy, etc. -- associated with the seller's items.

Double-check pricing. Be suspicious of prices that are too good to be true. Comparison shop, online or offline, to make sure you're not paying too much. Make sure there are no extra shipping or handling costs.

Find and read the privacy policy carefully to learn what information the seller is gathering from you, how that information will be used and how you can stop the process. If a site doesn't have a privacy policy, you may not want to do business with it.

Review the return, refund and shipping and handling policies as well as the other legal terms. If you can't find them, ask the seller via e-mail or phone to tell you where they are on the site or provide them to you in writing.

Make sure the Internet connection is secure. Before you disclose any payment information, look for indicators that security software is in place.

Print and date a copy of the terms, conditions, warranties, item description, company information, confirming e-mails and keep them with your records of the purchase.

Insure the safe delivery of the item. Require the shipper to obtain a signature -- yours, a family member's or a neighbor's -- before leaving the package, or ask that it be delivered to your office.

Inspect your purchase. Examine the item as soon as you receive it. Contact the seller immediately if there is a problem. If there is a problem, tell the seller about it in writing, ask for a repair or refund and keep a copy of your correspondence.

For more information, go to www.SafeShopping.org; www.abalawinfo.org; and www.abanet.org.

Happy shopping.

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