Monday, August 9, 2010

Ten Shopping Tips for Finding the Best Online Buys

The evolution of technology has never made shopping easier.  Forget about the hassle of driving across town to find the perfect gift for you or a loved one. These days, you can still be in bed while getting great savings on your favorite pair of Frye leather boots or Coach handbag with just the click of a button.  These 10 tips offered to you by coolsavings.com and onelittlebox.com. will guide your e-shopping experience with ease.

1.  Do your homework. Check out retailer sites, online product comparison sites and savings sites. Find out what is available before you open your wallet and you'll save money.


2.  Bookmark your favorite online savings sites. With two simple clicks you can easily browse for your preferred websites and bookmark them to your computer's "favorites list." When you're ready to make a purchase, open this list and shop away. This saves you time searching for websites again and again.


3.  Promotional codes are an easy way to save. Your favorite retailers often extend special deals to valued customers. Find promotional codes by signing up for the company's newsletter, searching google under company's name, and becoming a return customer.

4.  Let the savings find you. Various websites have features that simplify shopping. Check items you are interested in buying and the Gift List will notify you when there are special deals on those items.


5.  Shop at the end of the month.  Most shops want to make room for more incoming inventory, therefore slash prices and offer the best savings on products toward the end of each month.


6.  Be aware of where you compare. Online product comparison sites are helpful in laying out the pros and cons associated with different brands. However, some sites only compare their advertisers' products rather than all products in a category. These sites should not be taken as the end-all of product comparison, so visit several.


7.  Avoid shipping and return policy frustration. Many retailers offer free shipping as an incentive to buy online. Read the fine print and look for retailers with a variety of options. Some shipping deals and return policies only apply to certain items.


8.  Keep records of your online transactions. Always print or save your order confirmation screen, product description and contact information for the retailer. If there is continued correspondence, such as a notification of an item on back-order, keep those in the same file.


9.  Be bold, but smart when buying online. A few simple rules will help you be a safe shopper. Use different passwords for each site, only buy from vendors you trust, look for an icon that designates a secure site for transactions and pay with your credit card.


10.  Search for printable coupons. Online printable coupons offered on websites are always there, (no waiting or paying for the Sunday newspaper!) and you can easily find savings for the products you want to buy.


Now you are ready and Shop Online with Confidence!  Enjoy and Happy Shopping!