SquareTrade SideBar Debuts at DEMOFall - a Smarter, Safer Comparison Shopping Assistant for Demanding Online Shoppers

    SAN FRANCISCO, DEMOfall, Sept. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Despite all the
 comparison shopping sites on the Web, research suggests that online shoppers
 still scour multiple sites before making a purchase decision to secure the
 best deal and avoid buyer's remorse. While online shopping is surging in
 popularity, it remains a time-consuming and often complex task.
     Now, a new comparison-shopping application called SquareTrade SideBar is
 helping online consumers make smarter, safer online purchase decisions.
 SquareTrade SideBar was publicly demonstrated for the first time here at
 DEMOfall, an annual preview of the hottest new technologies coming to market.
 
     Convenient, Smart and Safe
     SquareTrade Sidebar is an always-on application that acts as your online
 shopping assistant. It detects when you are shopping and automatically
 delivers relevant information necessary to make a better-informed purchase --
 pricing comparisons, availability, reviews and seller trust ratings.
 SquareTrade Sidebar makes shopping more convenient and comprehensive by
 displaying a broader range of purchase options -- from stores to auctions and
 classified ads.
     The application is also the first comparison-shopping tool to incorporate
 anti-fraud and anti-phishing technology. This protection incorporates
 specialized databases shared by consortiums that include eBay, Microsoft and
 Visa. Best of all, SquareTrade SideBar is free to consumers. For a beta
 version of the SquareTrade SideBar, go to www.squaretrade.com. It takes less
 than a minute to install on your web browser.
     "Research says most online consumers shop inefficiently -- often visiting
 up to 10 sites per day over 10-20 days to assure themselves of a good deal,"
 said Steve Abernethy, SquareTrade CEO and co-founder. "That's a lot of wasted
 time hunting for the best price.
     "In the end, many are still asking: 'Did I get a good deal?' 'Should I
 trust this merchant?' "SquareTrade SideBar is trying to address these issues.
 We're providing peace of mind to people who hesitate to click."
     DEMOfall Executive Producer Chris Shipley noted:  "There are hundreds of
 online shopping sites. SquareTrade SideBar is a well-considered application
 that eliminates some of the complexity and inefficiency, and gives people the
 assurances they demand in their online shopping experience."
 
     Building Consumer Trust
     SquareTrade has been building consumer trust by helping millions of
 consumers each month verify the legitimacy of thousands of merchants on eBay
 and elsewhere online through its SquareTrade Seal program and its pioneering
 online dispute resolution services. SquareTrade's services provide one of the
 most recognized symbols of trust online and are utilized by the largest search
 engines and by governmental and trade organizations ranging from the
 California Association of Realtors to the Federal Trade Commission's
 econsumer.gov program.
 
     About SquareTrade
     SquareTrade is the leading provider of online shopping services addressing
 the "trust deficit" in ecommerce. Established in 1999, SquareTrade delivers
 industry-leading merchant verification, post-purchase protections and online
 dispute resolution. SquareTrade works with eBay, Yahoo! and other leading
 brands, as well as with thousands of online merchants to help millions of
 consumers shop safely every month. SideBar -- a smarter, safer online shopping
 assistant -- is the latest in the company's growing portfolio of services
 helping consumers shop more confidently and safely online.  Privately held,
 SquareTrade is headquartered in San Francisco.  For more information go to
 www.squaretrade.com
 
      Contact:
      Betty Taylor
      Krause Taylor Associates
      (408) 918-9082
      bettyt@krause-taylor.com
 
      or
 
      Patricia Pane
      Krause Taylor Associates
      (212) 947-6553
      patricia@krause-taylor.com
 
 

SOURCE  SquareTrade