Internet
Shopping Tips
Use
the technology of the internet and the world
wide web to save time and money while shopping
from your home.
Shopping at your fingertips. You don’t
have to get dressed and leave home. You don’t
have to hassle with crowded stores and malls.
You don’t have to fight for a parking
space. What could be more convenient? But, beware.
Are you spending more online than you would
by actually going to the store? There are ways
to spot a bargain, save money and avoid paying
too much while shopping online.
1. Pay close attention to store circulars and
mailings. When you spot an article on sale in
the store, check out the store’s website
to see if it is on sale there as well. Remember,
you will also be paying for shipping charges
online that you wouldn’t have at the store.
Be sure to take that cost into consideration
when determining the item’s total price.
2.
When searching for an item, be sure to check
out as many websites for companies carrying
that item as you can. A smaller, but reputable
company may offer the same item at a more attractive
price in order to lure customers. Also, many
stores run online specials that they do not
advertise anywhere else but at their website.
You may find yourself spending five dollars
extra for shipping but the website may be offering
a ten dollar off coupon for first time buyers.
3.
Shop for coupons. Register with a bargain hunter’s
newsletter e-mail service. There are many companies
out there who make money by trying to save you
money. And, there are many, many internet sites
that offer first time consumers substantial
savings in the hopes that you’ll return
to their site.
4.
Search for items via search engines. Try running
a search for the item you’re looking for
using just the item’s name. Next, run
another search and this time add the word, “wholesale”
to your query.
5.
Search or browse online auctions sites. There
are many to choose from as online auctions have
come into their own as a growing business and
can offer the consumer substantial savings by
buying previously owned items. However, if it
is new that you’re looking for, don’t
despair. New items can also be purchased through
auctions, you may just have to look a little
harder. Another positive aspect about auctions
sites to keep in mind is that to purchase an
item you do not necessarily have to use a credit
card. A vast number of sellers will accept checks
of money orders that can be sent through the
mail. It may take a little longer to receive
your item but you will save money by not accruing
interest and finance charges.
In the beginning, online shopping can appear
intimidating. You may have fears and doubts
about sending your personal information out
into cyber space. But, take heart. Companies
are aware of the concerns of consumers and the
majority of websites available have taken extreme
precautions to protect you, the consumer as
well as themselves. Their ultimate goal is to
get you back to their site and if they can offer
protection and any guarantees then it’s
that much better. Remember to read the fine
print. Always carefully review and disclaimers
or agreements. Do not sign up or register for
anything you don’t want to receive. Again,
the internet is business. Big business. And,
there are companies and corporations whose work
consists of making the world wide web a safe
and enjoyable place to visit.
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