How to Get the Best Deals Shopping Online

You can usually find the item you want online in less time than it would take to drive to the mall, plus you can comparison shop all day without your feet getting tired. But shopping using your computer has its pitfalls, too. Here are some important ways to assure you get the most for your hard-earned money.

Instructions

1. Type the name of the item you want to buy into your web browser followed by the word “review.” This will bring up sites and articles that critique the brands and models of the item you’re looking for. Read several of these to learn the pros, cons, prices and available features before you make a decision.

2. Type the name and model or description of the item you’ve decided to buy into your Web browser. Compare prices from several sources to make sure you’re getting the best buy.

3. Type in the name of the store or site you’ve selected into your web browser followed by the word “coupons.” You will find several sites that offer a variety of discount, rebate and free shipping coupons for popular and obscure stores and websites.

4. Wait to make the purchase if you can. Bookmark the site containing the item you wish to purchase and check it weekly for sales or free shipping offers. Holiday weekends are usually the time to find the best sales.

5. Remember the old adage: “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. “ Read the fine print. If the item you want costs much less on one site than on others, check to be sure it’s the exact same item. Compare brands, sizes and model numbers to be certain you’ll be getting the value you’re expecting.

Tips & Warnings

• Before you purchase, check out the merchant’s exchange and return policies. Often, you’ll have to pay the shipping cost to return an item, which means you’ll pay for shipping twice on a return and three times for an exchange.

• Check with the Better Business Bureau online if you’re tempted to buy from an online store that is unfamiliar to you. The report on the business will detail the complaints filed against the company, if any.

• Pay attention to the shipping costs. Many merchants charge far more for shipping than it actually costs them. Some call it “shipping and handling.” But the handling should be built in to the cost of the product, not tacked on to the shipping.

• When reading reviews, check to see that the review wasn’t written by the manufacturer or company selling the product.

Resources

• Better Business Bureau