Once upon a time the concept of online shopping was all about convenience and ease of access. Now with the looming financial crisis of 2008 casting a pall over this holiday season, it has become about saving money. The closer we get to "Black Friday" the concerns about recession are taking their toll on the once easy credit, free spending that has been part of the past several years. In order to get a corner on the market more and more retailers are hoping that their loyal shoppers go to their Web sites to do their on line gift shopping. In return for this loyalty they offer promises of discounts and special - online only deals.
The stigma of shopping at online malls is a thing of the past. Gas prices and the convenience of shopping at work to save time is now the common reason cited for the movement away from brick and mortar. Not to mention you are avoiding the horrendous holiday shopping frenzy at crowded malls. If you are new to online shopping then the word for the day is to work to research and find the best offers. So you need to know what is out there before you make your decision. So before you just start Googling all kinds of items and then jump at the first deal, here is an online shopping 3 point guide to keep in your mind:
1. WHEN & WHERE TO BUY - Think about the brick and morter stores you like to frequent so that you can get a feel for what you are looking for. Think of the clothing or handbag brands that you appreciate and then head on over to Shopping.com to begin your research. If it is toys you want go over to Amazon and look at their hottest toys. If you are still going to shop Sears and Target, see what deals they have. Once upon a time they offered discounts for shopping on line, now the opposite may be true as the crowds dwindle at the brick and mortar, they may want reward you for coming in, so find out. Compare, Compare, Compare
When you notice your local brick-and-mortar stores start to advertise their Day after Thanksgiving or "Black Friday" deals in your paper you should start your Google campaign. Begin looking for deals as the days march down to Thanksgiving. You want to look at places like Amazon.com. Buy.com and Overstock.com. These online shopping companies aggressively begin setting out deals that are trying to beat the offers of physical stores.
2. GET IN ON THE DEAL - Choose sites along the lines of Shop.org or Dealnews.com and CyberMonday.com. These offer up guides for getting the best deals on Black Friday and beyond.
The optimal way to do your online shopping is to find portals like Market America. This type of site offers an all in one experience. A shopping portal like this that is powered by Google search and that has thousands or top brand retailers can save you both time and money. Many of these types of portals will offer you savings for shopping there. As technology gets more savvy they can also offer a single check out option for all your purchases across multiple stores. So you can shop at Sears, Wal-mart, Target and Neman Marcus all at one place.
3. ONLINE-ONLY STORES - You should make it a rule to check exclusive online retailers like Amazon.com, Overstock.com and Buy.com. They don't have the same overhead as a chain with lots of overhead in the physical building. So often these online dealers can offer better and cheaper prices for the same or similar products. Also check out new sites like SmartBargains.com or 6pm.com, for fashion or NewEgg.com for electronic. There is lots to choose from this year.
One final tip is to just be cautious and protect yourself. It is worthwhile, if you are leery to stop by bbb.org, the Better Business Bureau website. There you are able to check on many retailers and you can see what their satisfaction rating is. No complaints then they could be a good deal, but they could also be too new on the scene so tread lightly at new shopping portals. If you are new to online shopping it is better to stick with sites have been around for a few years.
Make your list, check it twice and check your budget. Get your credit card out and start Googling, there are great deals to be had. The stores are desperate for your business. Just don't get carried away with online sales and max out your card. Stick to your list and a budget. It is easy to be tempted by all the shiny items before your eyes.
The stigma of shopping at online malls is a thing of the past. Gas prices and the convenience of shopping at work to save time is now the common reason cited for the movement away from brick and mortar. Not to mention you are avoiding the horrendous holiday shopping frenzy at crowded malls. If you are new to online shopping then the word for the day is to work to research and find the best offers. So you need to know what is out there before you make your decision. So before you just start Googling all kinds of items and then jump at the first deal, here is an online shopping 3 point guide to keep in your mind:
1. WHEN & WHERE TO BUY - Think about the brick and morter stores you like to frequent so that you can get a feel for what you are looking for. Think of the clothing or handbag brands that you appreciate and then head on over to Shopping.com to begin your research. If it is toys you want go over to Amazon and look at their hottest toys. If you are still going to shop Sears and Target, see what deals they have. Once upon a time they offered discounts for shopping on line, now the opposite may be true as the crowds dwindle at the brick and mortar, they may want reward you for coming in, so find out. Compare, Compare, Compare
When you notice your local brick-and-mortar stores start to advertise their Day after Thanksgiving or "Black Friday" deals in your paper you should start your Google campaign. Begin looking for deals as the days march down to Thanksgiving. You want to look at places like Amazon.com. Buy.com and Overstock.com. These online shopping companies aggressively begin setting out deals that are trying to beat the offers of physical stores.
2. GET IN ON THE DEAL - Choose sites along the lines of Shop.org or Dealnews.com and CyberMonday.com. These offer up guides for getting the best deals on Black Friday and beyond.
The optimal way to do your online shopping is to find portals like Market America. This type of site offers an all in one experience. A shopping portal like this that is powered by Google search and that has thousands or top brand retailers can save you both time and money. Many of these types of portals will offer you savings for shopping there. As technology gets more savvy they can also offer a single check out option for all your purchases across multiple stores. So you can shop at Sears, Wal-mart, Target and Neman Marcus all at one place.
3. ONLINE-ONLY STORES - You should make it a rule to check exclusive online retailers like Amazon.com, Overstock.com and Buy.com. They don't have the same overhead as a chain with lots of overhead in the physical building. So often these online dealers can offer better and cheaper prices for the same or similar products. Also check out new sites like SmartBargains.com or 6pm.com, for fashion or NewEgg.com for electronic. There is lots to choose from this year.
One final tip is to just be cautious and protect yourself. It is worthwhile, if you are leery to stop by bbb.org, the Better Business Bureau website. There you are able to check on many retailers and you can see what their satisfaction rating is. No complaints then they could be a good deal, but they could also be too new on the scene so tread lightly at new shopping portals. If you are new to online shopping it is better to stick with sites have been around for a few years.
Make your list, check it twice and check your budget. Get your credit card out and start Googling, there are great deals to be had. The stores are desperate for your business. Just don't get carried away with online sales and max out your card. Stick to your list and a budget. It is easy to be tempted by all the shiny items before your eyes.
About the Author:
When you are searching for a complete online shopping event then it is time you stopped by the Online online shopping Mall Without Walls . This Amazing online shopping Portal has Neman Marcus, Wal-Mart and over 100 shops in the same place. Why Drive when you can click and buy. Enjoy your online online shopping event this year.
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