ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

A assignment project is an integral part of an MBA curriculum. It helps the student to undergo a simulation test of what the student is going to face in his future job sphere. It helps the student to understand how an organization works over any task. I consider myself proud to be a part of LUMBA, and specially would like to thanks DR. SYED HAIDER ALI for giving me such Topic. I am greatly indebted to all my family members and friends for their support and encouragement.

Alok Kumar Singh

INTRODUCTION TO E-COMMERCE

Electronic commerce, commonly known as e-commerce or eCommerce, or e-business consists of the buying and selling of products or services over electronic systems such as the Internet and other computer networks. The amount of trade conducted electronically has grown extraordinarily with widespread Internet usage. The use of commerce is conducted in this way, spurring and drawing on innovations in electronic funds transfer, supply chain management, Internet marketing, online transaction processing, electronic data interchange (EDI), inventory management systems, and automated data collection systems. Modern electronic commerce typically uses the World Wide Web at least at some point in the transaction's lifecycle, although it can encompass a wider range of technologies such as e-mail as well. A large percentage of electronic commerce is conducted entirely electronically for virtual items such as access to premium content on a website, but most electronic commerce involves the transportation of physical items in some way. Online retailers are sometimes known as e-tailers and online retail is sometimes known as e-tail. Almost all big retailers have electronic commerce presence on the World Wide Web. Electronic commerce that is conducted between businesses is referred to as business-to-business or B2B. B2B can be open to all interested parties (e.g. commodity exchange) or limited to specific, pre-qualified participants (private electronic market). Electronic commerce that is conducted between businesses and consumers, on the other hand, is referred to as business-to-consumer or B2C. This is the type of electronic commerce conducted by companies such as Amazon.com. Online shopping is a form of electronic commerce where the buyer is directly online to the seller's computer usually via the internet. There is no intermediary service. The sale and purchase transaction is completed electronically and interactively in real-time such as Amazon.com for new books. If an intermediary is present, then the sale and purchase transaction is called electronic commerce such as eBay.com. Electronic commerce is generally considered to be the sales aspect of ebusiness. It also consists of the exchange of data to facilitate the financing and payment aspects of the business transactions

Early development The meaning of electronic commerce has changed over the last 30 years. Originally, electronic commerce meant the facilitation of commercial transactions electronically, using technology such as Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). These were both introduced in the late 1970s, allowing businesses to send commercial documents like purchase orders or invoices electronically. The growth and acceptance of credit cards, automated teller machines (ATM) and telephone banking in the 1980s were also forms of electronic commerce. Another form of e-commerce was the airline reservation system typified by Sabre in the USA and Travicom in the UK. From the 1990s onwards, electronic commerce would additionally include enterprise resource planning systems (ERP), data mining and data warehousing. An early example of many-to-many electronic commerce in physical goods was the Boston Computer Exchange, a marketplace for used computers launched in 1982. An early online information marketplace, including online consulting, was the American Information Exchange, another pre Internet online system introduced in 1991. In 1990, Tim Berners-Lee invented the WorldWideWeb web browser and transformed an academic telecommunication network into a worldwide everyman everyday communication system called internet/www. Commercial enterprise on the Internet was strictly prohibited until 1991.[1] Although the Internet became popular worldwide around 1994 when the first internet online shopping started, it took about five years to introduce security protocols and DSL allowing continual connection to the Internet. By the end of 2000, many European and American business companies offered their services through the World Wide Web. Since then people began to associate a word "ecommerce" with the ability of purchasing various goods through the Internet using secure protocols and electronic payment services. Timeline

1979: Michael Aldrich invented online shopping 1981: Thomson Holidays, UK is first B2B online shopping 1982: Minitel was introduced nationwide in France by France Telecom and used for online ordering. 1984: Gateshead SIS/Tesco is first B2C online shopping and Mrs Snowball, 72, is the first online home shopper
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1985: Nissan UK sells cars and finance with credit checking to customers online from dealers' lots. 1987: Swreg begins to provide software and shareware authors means to sell their products online through an electronic Merchant account. 1990: Tim Berners-Lee writes the first web browser, WorldWideWeb, using a NeXT computer. 1992: J.H. Snider and Terra Ziporyn publish Future Shop: How New Technologies Will Change the Way We Shop and What We Buy. St. Martin's Press. ISBN 0-312-06359-8. 1994: Netscape releases the Navigator browser in October under the code name Mozilla. Pizza Hut offers online ordering on its Web page. The first online bank opens. Attempts to offer flower delivery and magazine subscriptions online. Adult materials also become commercially available, as do cars and bikes. Netscape 1.0 is introduced in late 1994 SSL encryption that made transactions secure. 1995: Jeff Bezos launches Amazon.com and the first commercial-free 24 hour, internet-only radio stations, Radio HK and NetRadio start broadcasting. Dell and Cisco begin to aggressively use Internet for commercial transactions. eBay is founded by computer programmer Pierre Omidyar as AuctionWeb. 1998: Electronic postal stamps can be purchased and downloaded for printing from the Web. 1999: Business.com sold for US $7.5 million to eCompanies, which was purchased in 1997 for US $149,000. The peer-to-peer filesharing software Napster launches. ATG Stores launches to sell decorative items for the home online. 2000: The dot-com bust. 2002: eBay acquires PayPal for $1.5 billion. Niche retail companies CSN Stores and NetShops are founded with the concept of selling products through several targeted domains, rather than a central portal. 2003: Amazon.com posts first yearly profit. 2007: Business.com acquired by R.H. Donnelley for $345 million. 2009: Zappos.com acquired by Amazon.com for $928 million. Retail Convergence, operator of private sale website RueLaLa.com, acquired by GSI Commerce for $180 million, plus up to $170 million in earn-out payments based on performance through 2012. 2010: US eCommerce and Online Retail sales projected to reach $173 billion, an increase of 7 percent over 2009.

Business Applications Some common applications related to electronic commerce are the following:

Email Enterprise content management Instant messaging Newsgroups Online shopping and order tracking Online banking Online office suites Domestic and international payment systems Shopping cart software Teleconferencing Electronic tickets

INTRODUCTION

ATG Stores

Type Founded Headquarters Key people Industry Products Website

Private 1999 Kirkland, Washington, USA Gary Rubens, CEO; Brad Halbach, VP Operations E-tail Decorative Lighting, Plumbing, Hardware www.ATGStores.com

About ATG Stores:Allied Trade Group, Inc. (ATG Stores) began in 1999 with the launch of its first website, LightingUniverse.com. Since then, ATG has grown to over 150 websites throughout multiple home furnishings categories, offering close to 3 Million product SKUs from over 800 name brand manufacturers, and 7 retail locations throughout Washington State.

Dedication:By keeping current with the latest trends in interior design, they strive to carry products that will be the focus of your homes dcor, and always with superior selection, value, and quality. They understand their customers want their homes to be a unique reflection of their personal style, and a place of comfort and inspiration to them and their families. That is why they give every effort to provide all the resources you need to turn your house into a home. With over 3 million products from name brand manufacturers, chances are they have what you're looking for...
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The Key Mission of home related products, professional business tools, and trade specific resources while providing exceptional service and value to our customers. We will do this while maintaining the highest level of personal and corporate integrity. They want your experience on their site to be satisfying, so please do not hesitate to contact them if you have a suggestion as to how to make their site better. Recognition:ATG Stores was named two consecutive years to Inc. Magazines list of the 500 fastest growing private companies in the US, and was also ranked #18 to the Puget Sound region in Inc.s list of the top 5,000 companies by region. The Puget Sound Business Journal recognized ATG Stores in both 2006 and 2007 on their list of fastest growing companies. Featured Lines:ATG Stores makes every effort to carry as many major brands as possible. They select manufacturers based on the uniqueness, quality, availability, and value of their products, as well as the quality of service they provide. Team:Help is at hand with American Lighting Association Certified Lighting Specialists.

At ATG Stores, they believe they can save you time and money:If you are an industry professional, their Project Manager tools make it easy for you to organize your product needs and create online catalogs from which your customers can shop saving valuable time for both you and your clients. ATG Stores Reward Programs:8

ATG Stores is proud to offer their Affiliate Program which benefits their partners. Individuals and organizations can choose to participate in their Affiliate Program and earn commission fees for any referred web traffic.

ATG Stores Affiliate Program

ATG Stores Affiliate Programs Commision Junction Already a member? Click on the button below to log in. Google Affiliate Network Already a Publisher? Click on the button below to log in.
INTRODUCTION ATG Stores began in 1999 with the launch of its first website,

ATG Stores Affiliate Programs

LightingUniverse.com. Since then, ATG has grown to over 100 websites throughout multiple home furnishings categories, offering over 3 Million product SKUs from over 800 name brand manufacturers. Their product catalogue includes an array of top quality home design and remodel fixtures including Lighting, Plumbing Fixtures, Home Furniture, Door
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and Cabinet Hardware, Area Rugs, Patio Furniture, Barbeques, Hammocks, Outdoor sheds, Landscape Lighting, Pot Racks, Towel Warmers, Billiard Supplies, and more - from brands you know and trust such as Kohler, Kichler, American Standard, Brinkmann, Delta, Karastan, Baldwin, and many more.

ATGStores.com Offers:

Over 100 websites to link to, a product catalogue with over 3 million products Average order size over $400 Free shipping on most orders over $49 Commissions ranging from 3% to-7% (based on product type) Product feed available for qualified sites 7 day/week Customer Service staff Dedicated program managers to ensure program growth

Demographics: Typical customers of ATG Stores include homeowners, apartment dwellers, college students, designers, architects, home builders, landscape architects, property managers, and building engineers.

BUSINESS AT ATG STORES.COM

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Why Shop Allied Trade Group Family of Stores Largest Selection Shop over 3 million products from over 1000 name brand manufacturers. 110% Low Price Guarantee Be sure you're getting the best price with our 110% guarantee. FREE Shipping!!! Ground Shipping is FREE on most orders over $49 shipped to the lower 48 states. Satisfaction Guaranteed 7 Days a Week Customer Service - No Hassle Returns No Sales Tax No sales tax except in Washington State.

ATG Stores Shipping Policy

At ATG Stores, your satisfaction is their #1 priority, and they take pride in providing you with fast, dependable and safe delivery service. Each order is shipped using one of our 3 standard methods - whichever one is best suited for your order. Shipping Methods 1) Standard ground - Small Parcel. Small-to-medium sized orders will ship using UPS, Fed Ex, or DHL - at no expense to you if the order is above $49. ATG Stores will email you a tracking number so you can track the order and check on the delivery date. Shipments usually arrive 1-6 business days from the time they leave the warehouse. Expedited Shipping Services are available including, Next Day, 2-Day, 311

Day Services. Allied Trade Group will not be liable for expedited shipping charges due to delay in the lead time of an order.

2) Truck Freight - Large items Larger items will ship via truck freight. Items shipped freight are delivered to curbside or driveway only and may incur a $75 oversized item surcharge; for any additional delivery needs or questions, please contact the sales professionals

3) ATG Stores White Glove Delivery

At ATG Stores' discretion, certain items will ship using their deluxe White Glove delivery service. Common white glove shipments include large furniture items (bedroom suites, dining sets, etc) and items requiring special care. With white glove service, a professionally trained and experienced 2person delivery team will unload item(s) off the truck, carry it up to a maximum of 2 flights of stairs, and place it inside your room of choice. Depending on the item, the delivery team may also provide light set-up and debris removal.

Estimated transit time On each product page they display the particular manufacturer's stated lead time, which refers to the time from their receipt of your order to when it's ready for pickup. This lead time does not factor time in transit with the shipping carrier. Standard Ground: 1-6 Days Truck Freight: 2-7 Days White Glove: 10-14 Days

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Outside the 48 States The up charge for shipping to Hawaii, Alaska, Canada or Puerto Rico will appear in the "additional shipping" field on the checkout page. Please note that Atgstores.com is not responsible for any taxes, duties or fees including Brokerage fees and Customs that are associated with any purchase. These additional charges are the responsibility of the customer.

International Shipping Policy They have partnered with Bongo International to fulfil their international orders. Bongo provides their international visitors with their own US forwarding address. Once you have completed your order, they will ship your items to the Bongo warehouse for export to your country.

About Estimated Shipping Times At Allied Trade Group Family of Stores they do their best to provide you with accurate shipping times for their products. The times are estimates only. Products marked "In Stock" are items that they have in stock or the manufacturer has provided us a real time inventory feed for. These items normally ship from the warehouse within two business days, however these products are subject to prior sale and availability and lead times are not guaranteed. Occasionally, items shown to be in stock or available get pre sold, in this case, you will be sent a email notification that your item is on backorder, you have the option to continue to wait for that item, cancel your order for a full refund, or select a different item to order. Custom made
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products can have varying ship times and we recommend ordering custom products well in advance to avoid project delays. Allied Trade Group Family of Stores is not liable for costs associated with shipment delays.

Damaged & Defective Goods Policy At ATG Stores, they understand that a product may get damaged in transit or, on occasion, there may be a manufacturer product defect. Rest assured, they will stand by you during this process and make sure they do they everything e can to bring it to a satisfying and timely conclusion- at no expense to you. Small Package Deliveries For smaller UPS or FedEx deliveries that are damaged in transit, please contact their customer service team immediately. If damages are reported within 7 Days for UPS or Fed-Ex deliveries, they can file a claim on behalf of the customer and work to quickly resolve it.

Large Package Deliveries

Immediate inspection is especially important when receiving large items (such as a bath tub, large sink or furniture) from LTL, White Glove and common freight carriers. In this case, it is important to notate any damage on the bill of lading or receipt when you sign for the delivery, even if the package appears only slightly damaged. All damages should be reported to ATG Stores within 48 hours of delivery. Customers who sign for delivery and do not notate "damage" assume responsibility if merchandise is damaged. If the product itself appears significantly damaged, you may refuse delivery. Please notify ATG Stores of refusal so we can anticipate the return and send out a new item.

ATG Stores will repair or replace the damaged or defective goods for no additional charge. If a return is desired instead of replacement, the "Standard Return Policy" above applies and there may be a restocking fee
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and our initial shipping and handling costs will be deducted from the credit. Failure to follow return procedure for the damaged item may result in a charge for the free replacement item. Returned items that are found to be in working condition or shipped as ordered may not be eligible for a refund. In such a case ATG Stores will email you for your decision on whether to ship the item back to you at your expense or be refunded with a 50% restocking fee and store credit.

ATG Return Policy

Your Satisfaction is the Number One Goal At ATG Stores, they want you to be 100% satisfied with your purchase. Their sincere goal is to provide an enjoyable shopping experience that encourages you to shop with them for years to come. On the occasion that you receive a product that you just don't like or that doesn't match your dcor, their experienced customer service staff is just a phone call away and will guide you through their easy return policy. At ATG Stores they want you to get exactly what you want, and with their world-class product selection you can be sure you'll find the product that is right for you.

30 Day Return Policy

No Hassle Returns If you would like to return an item that is in like-new condition with original packaging, you may return the product within 30 days of receipt. If you decide to return an item that was part of their free shipping promotion,
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their initial shipping and handling costs will be deducted from the refund. Any additional fees for shipping internationally, shipping to HI or AK, or any minimum order fees are also all non-refundable. Customers who place orders online are responsible for the accuracy of their product selection and information entered. Customers who place orders by phone or chat must review their receipt for accuracy within 24 hours. Returns with Restocking Fees Some manufacturers charge a restocking fee. Please refer to the product page to view a particular manufacturer's return policy or you can browse our list of manufacturers with no restocking fee. If you return an item with a restocking fee, it will be deducted from the refund. If the item was part of their free shipping promotion, their initial shipping and handling costs will be deducted from the refund as well. Non Returnable & Custom Made Product ATG sells products from some manufacturers that are custom made or built-toorder. These items are non-returnable and non-cancellable once the order has been placed. Please refer to the product page to view a particular manufacturer's return policy or you can browse our list of manufacturers that do not accept returns.

Return Process
Step 1 - Acquire authorization and instructions To begin the return process, please call (888) 500-9541 or Live Chat with one of our fully trained customer service representatives. Quick Return Manufacturers (IRGA) In most cases we will immediately email you a Return Goods Authorization (RGA) number to return product along with a label and return instructions. Click here to view the list of manufacturers participating in this program. Other Manufacturers
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Manufacturers who are not participating in their Instant Return program must first approve the return. This process may take up to 7 business days. Once received, we will email you a Return Goods Authorization (RGA) number with a label and return instructions. Step 2 - Shipping product back Ship the item to the warehouse. Below are the keys to a successful return: Good Packaging: Re-pack products for return in the original box with original packaging material. Use the return label provided or your own label and write the RGA# exactly as instructed by ATG Stores. Do not write on the box to maintain its like-new condition. Improper labelling may result in the denial of return. Ship & Insure: Next, ship the product to the warehouse address provided using your choice of carriers. They recommend insuring the package against damage or loss. Returns that are damaged or lost will not be replaced or refunded by ATG Stores. Tracking Number: They recommend using a carrier that will provide you with a return tracking number as this will speed up your return process. Retain your tracking number and email it to them at returntracking@atgstores.com so that they can check on the progress of your return.

Step 3 Refunds Once the returned item has been received and verified to have all original contents and packaging and confirmed to be free of damage, the refund credit process will begin. Customers will be refunded via the same method in which the item was purchased or via check from Allied Trade Group, Inc. Refunds via check are typically issued within 14 business days of final approval.

Items not eligible for returns Custom orders (i.e. products that are built-to-order or any item labelled non- returnable on the product page of the Website). Dynamic List Here

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Special purchases, including: clearance items, inventory sale items, custom quotes, special discounts, etc. Any item that has been assembled, installed (including cut or clipped wires), modified or used in any way. Any item that is not in resalable condition. Any item not accompanied by a Return Merchandise Authorization Number (RMA#) issued by ATG Stores. Any item that is not in the original box with sufficient packaging materials. Large orders: (Orders containing 10 or more of a single item or orders with an invoice total greater than $2,500). When ordering large quantities, we suggest ordering a sample for evaluation. Light bulbs, parts, and shades. Expedited shipping and charges for shipping to Alaska, Hawaii, and International destinations. Any item not purchased from ATG Stores.

Damaged & Defective Goods Policy At ATG Stores, they understand that a product may get damaged in transit or, on occasion, there may be a manufacturer product defect. Rest assured, they will stand by you during this process and make sure they do everything they can to bring it to a satisfying and timely conclusion- at no expense to you.

Cancellation Request If you would like to cancel an order that has not shipped from the manufacturer, simply contact one of their customer service representatives at (888) 500-9541 or Live Chat. Then they will submit a request to the manufacturer for cancellation. Shortly after, you will receive an email acknowledging your cancellation request followed by another email either confirming the cancellation or stating that they were unable to cancel. Please allow up to 72 hours for confirmation of cancellation. Please be aware that some items may have already shipped from a manufacturer and be in route to the distributor for final shipment to you. In such a case, cancellation fees apply.

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Items on Backorder If you are cancelling an order due to backorder, they recommend you first call their customer service department to verify the accuracy of the date before making your final decision. There are times when manufacturers have stated items as backordered, only to find that they have already shipped or are going out the next day. On the other hand, if the item is truly unavailable for an extended period, they sincerely apologize for the delay.

ATG Exchange Policy

No Hassle Exchanges If you would like to exchange an item that is in like-new condition with original packaging, you may exchange the product within 30 days of receipt. If you decide to exchange an item that was part of their free shipping promotion, their initial shipping and handling costs will be deducted from the refund. Exchanges with Reduced Restocking Fees Some manufacturers charge a restocking fee. Please refer to the product page to view a particular manufacturer's return policy or you can browse our list of manufacturers which have no restocking fee. ATG will reduce the restocking fee by 5% if an item from the same manufacturer of equal or greater value is purchased. If the item was part of their free shipping promotion, their initial shipping and handling costs will be deducted from the refund as well. Non-Exchangeable Product ATG sells products from some manufacturers that are custom made or built-toorder. These items may not be exchanged. Please refer to the product page to
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view a particular manufacturer's return policy or you can browse our list of manufacturers that do not allow returns.

PRIVACY POLICY

Allied Trade Group Family of Stores fully respects your rights to privacy and utilizes the following procedures in regards to any information they receive or obtain about users of this website. Email:- returntracking@atgstores.com They do not share any information you provide to them, including your email and mailing addresses, with any companies outside Allied Trade Group Family of Stores, its subsidiaries, affiliates, or necessary payment processors. If you choose to receive from them promotional materials, they may do so using either the email or the mailing addresses you provided on the registration or billing information screens.

About Cookies:When you visit an Allied Trade Group Family of Stores website, they place a text file called a "cookie" in the browser directory of your computer's hard
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drive. A cookie is a small piece of information that a website can store on your web browser and later retrieve. The cookie cannot be read by any website other than the one that set up the cookie. Cookies enable this website to recognize the information you have consented to give to this website and help us determine what portions of this website are most appropriate for your professional needs.

Additional Information:In order to fulfil licensing transactions or provide service to you as a customer of Allied Trade Group Family of Stores, they may require you to provide certain information to them. Common items may include, but are not restricted to, your name, address, phone number and credit card number. By providing Allied Trade Group Family of Stores with this information, you are agreeing to allow us to utilize this information to complete all transactions you request through this website and to disclose that information and details of all such transactions to Allied Trade Group Family of Stores various worldwide offices, subsidiaries, affiliates and any necessary payment processors. If at any time you believe that Allied Trade Group Family of Stores has not followed the above policy, or if you would like your information to be removed from their system, please contact them using their contact form. They will make reasonable efforts to assess and correct any problem.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF USE

Your Agreement with Allied Trade Group Family of Stores. Welcome to their website. The following are terms and conditions that will govern your use of the Allied Trade Group Family of Stores site. These terms and conditions of use compromise a legal agreement between you and Allied Trade Group Family of Stores. Please read through this agreement completely before you continue using this website or place any orders. Clicking
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on the submit button on using our shopping cart checkout page stipulates agreement to the following terms and conditions, and by proceeding to use of this website you agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of this agreement. If you do not agree, click the cancel button to decline this agreement, and discontinue using this site. Terms and Conditions of Orders: Price, specifications and terms of offers are subject to change without notice. With 3 million skus online, from time to time an entry error may occur in the contents of the site. By placing an order with ATGStores or any of the affiliated sites, you are accepting this possibility and will not hold ATGStores responsible for typographical and/or photographical errors. With respect to items sold by ATGStores, they cannot confirm the price of an item until you order; however, they do NOT typically charge your credit card until after your order has entered the fulfilment process. Despite their best efforts, a small number of the items on their websites may be mispriced.

Ownership of This Website:This website is owned and operated by Allied Trade Group Family of Stores. All of the content presented or displayed on this website, including, but not restricted to, text, graphics, photographs, images, moving images, sound, illustrations and software ("Content"), is under the ownership of Allied Trade Group Family of Stores, its licensors and its content providers. All lamps, fixtures, accessories and lampshades are copyrighted by their respective manufacturers. Every aspect of Allied Trade Group Family of Stores websites, encompassing, but not restricted to, the overall design and the Content, are protected by trade dress, copyright, moral rights, trademark and other laws pertaining to intellectual property rights. Except as expressly permitted under this or another agreement with Allied Trade Group Family of Stores or one of its subsidiaries, no piece or aspect of this website or its Content may be duplicated or retransmitted via any means, and this website, its Content and all related rights shall remain the exclusive property of Allied Trade Group Family of Stores or its licensors unless otherwise explicitly agreed upon. "Allied Trade Group Family of Stores" and the Allied Trade Group Family of Stores logo are trademarks of Allied Trade Group Family of Stores.
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Disclaimers
This website and its contents are provided As is and Allied Trade Group Family of Stores excludes to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law and warranty, express or implied, including, without restriction, any implied warranties of merchant ability, satisfactory quality or fitness for a particular purpose. The functions embodied on, or in the materials of, this website are not warranted to be uninterrupted or without error. You not Allied Trade Group Family of Stores, assume the entire cost of all necessary servicing, repair or correction due to your use of this website .

Governing Law and Venue:This Agreement shall be interpreted, construed and governed by the laws of the State of Washington, USA, without reference to its laws relating to conflicts of law and not including the provisions of the 1980 United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods. Venue for all disputes arising under this Agreement shall lie exclusively in the Circuit Courts of the State of Washington in King County or the Federal District Courts of the Western District of Washington (as permitted by law) and each party agrees not to contest the personal jurisdiction of these courts. Notwithstanding the foregoing, however, Allied Trade Group Family of Stores shall have the right to commence and prosecute any legal or equitable action or proceeding before any non-US court of competent jurisdiction to obtain injunctive or other relief in the event that, in the opinion of Allied Trade Group Family of Stores, such action is necessary or desirable. No action of Allied Trade Group Family of Stores other than an explicit written waiver or amendment may be interpreted as a waiver or amendment of any of these Terms and Conditions of Use or Privacy Policy. Should any clause of these Terms and Conditions of Use or Privacy Policy be found unenforceable, wherever possible this will not affect any other clause and each will remain in full force and effect. We reserve the right to change these Terms and Conditions of Use, the Privacy Policy, prices, information and available contractual license terms featured on
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this website without notice. These conditions set out the entire agreement between LightingUniverse.com and you pertaining to your use of this website.

About Security:One of their highest priorities here at Allied Trade Group Family of Stores is to provide you with a secure online experience. It is their understanding that your privacy and security are of the highest importance and therefore have devoted a great deal of effort toward ensuring the protection of your personal information.

Please take some time to read about the steps that they have taken to protect your information and make your online transmissions safer. They also invite you to review the precautions that you can take to protect yourself further. They hope that once you understand the measures they employ and the steps you can take to protect yourself, you'll be confident about the security of your transactions and personal information shared with Allied Trade Group Family of Stores. 1. Positive identification Allied Trade Group Family of Stores uses US1 Internet's secure server and secure certificate. It is registered with site identification authorities to enable your browser to confirm US1 Internet's identity before any transmission is sent. With this technology:

The identity of their site is automatically confirmed behind the scenes prior to the transmission of any customer information requested to complete an online order. Your data reaches your intended target or your browser notifies you (prior to your sending any personal information) that the potential receiving site looks suspicious and should be avoided.

2. Data Encryption If you are using a security-enabled browser (such as Microsoft Internet Explorer version 3 or greater, or Netscape Navigator version 3 or greater), the information you send us regarding your account or your purchase is encrypted, making it extremely difficult to read even if it is wrongly intercepted.
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3. Allied Trade Group Family of Stores utilizes industry-standard Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) technology to allow for the encryption of:

potentially sensitive information, such as your name and address critically sensitive information, such as your credit card number

Help Protect Yourself : If you use a security-enabled browser (such as Microsoft Internet Explorer version 3 or greater, or Netscape Navigator version 2.0 or greater), paying attention to two browser features will decrease the chances for the unintended or fraudulent use of your personal information: 1. Browser security settings The security preference settings on your web browser are your first means of stopping the theft or unwanted viewing of confidential, personal information. The most popular browsers offer you the ability to receive an alert or notification if any of the following occurs or is about to occur:

changing between secure and nonsecure transmission modes receiving an invalid site identification for the site to which you are about to transmit sending a transmission over an "open" or unsecured connection Check the settings of your browser security features to see all the checks that are possible and those that are currently in place.

2. Browser security signals There are two ways you can recognize the presence of security measures surrounding your data entry on a web page. (1) The URL identifying the page will always begin with "https://" versus the normal "http://". (2) A security symbol to indicate operation in a mode that supports secure transmissions:

A "closed lock" icon is present in the bottom right corner of your Microsoft Internet Explorer browser screen. An "unbroken key" icon appears in the lower left corner of the Netscape Navigator browser screen. With these security measures in place, you can also feel confident that every credit card transaction you make on our site is safe and secure.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY
In the completion of this term paper, the following sites have been used as a help:-

www.atgstores.com hub.shoppesimple.com/for/atgstores www.momsview.com/atgstore.shtml www.homefurnitureshowroom.com http://en.wikipedia.org

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