How to Buy Holiday Greeting Cards Online

No more standing in line for holiday cards when you purchase them online. Be sure to order early so your cards will arrive in time for the holidays. And, of course, if you're really in a hurry, many of the card sites will help you send an electronic card.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Address Books
• Holiday Greeting Cards
• Postage Stamps
• Envelopes
• Pens
• Pens

1. Type the words "greeting cards" in a search engine such as Yahoo or Alta Vista. If desired, be more specific ("Christmas cards," "Kwanzaa cards," and so on). You can also click a Related Site or click the box for "holiday greeting cards" in the shopping list below and choose the "shop online" function.

2. Browse the sites. If a site sells cards from a trusted manufacturer, you can be sure of what you're getting. If you are not sure about the quality of the cards, read information on guarantees and return policies.

3. Select an occasion and choose the category of card (children's, relative, adults only, and so on). Then narrow down your search until you find the exact card you are looking for.

4. Click on a card for a better look, if this option is offered. Also, read the greetings, both inside and out.

5. Note that some sites sell boxed cards while others sell individual cards.

6. Take advantage of sites that allow you to include a personal message. They'll apply a stamp and send the card to the recipient for you.

7. Click the cards you want and put them in your shopping "bag" or "tote."

8. When you have finished shopping, proceed to checkout.

9. Fill in the payment and shipping information. Before you submit your order, total all the charges, including taxes and shipping charges.

10. If you are satisfied with the final cost, submit the order.

Tips & Warnings

• Always be on the lookout for seasonal specials, frequent-buyer bonuses and sales.
• Look for other special features such as an e-mail reminder service when an occasion that calls for a card is approaching.
• No matter how nice cards look online, this shopping experience may not be a good substitute for holding the cards in your hands and feeling the quality of the paper. If you are concerned about this, make sure you can return the cards if you don't like them.