Online Shopping Tips : Every holiday season I watch and and plan looking for the best on line deals.  Then excitement sets in Black Friday Deals, Cyber Monday,  Latest and great lowest prices.  Just last night I got caught up in a purchase for 25% off and a free-ship.   Yea another site had the items at a lower price with free ship.  So off we are to cancel the order.  So I want to share and remind myself of my rules to online shopping.

Online Shopping tips :

1. Shopping Plan: Have a plan, if it is a paper list, Pintrest Board, or Amazon wishlist : Know what you are looking for.  If you use an Amazon wish list .. it tells you the price you added the item to your wish list, then  what is the current price and if it changes the saving difference.. I was surprised how many of my items went down.
2. Compare: Spend the time price shopping and comparing prices.. I know it seems like time consuming but think you are not driving to the store.
3. Order Early: Order Custom items 1st ! Like Frames,Blankets, Shirts, Frame,  If you think you want something customized order early ,  because gives the seller time plus if a mistake is made gives the seller time to correct.
4. Shopping Email Account: Do create a separate shopping email- so you can sign up for those newsletters and sale emails.  So they dont clog up your inbox but you still can get the deals.
5. Watch shipping deadlines.  Many sellers will have normal holiday cut off,  then after a certain day rush processing and shipping fees come into place.
6. Avoid the hype:  My husband wanted a video game,  A  big box retailer offered it in store at $20 off but another on line retailer offer it for the same price. The prices on many items will reduce as the holiday get closer.
7. Coupons Codes: Stop check for coupons a simple search in your Google search bar for “thestore.com coupons 2013” can save you 10-40% and free ship so worth
8. No Hassle Rebates: Do sign up for rebate sites like Ebates these sites allow you to earn more back when you are already shopping at these stores.  You sign up for the account, then look up the site and shop.   Also if you are already on the site you can look up the store on ebates click through ebates and your cart will still be loaded.   Ebates and site like Ebates are shopping portholes,  How it works is the Online retailer pays Ebates a percentage,  they take a cut and then also give money back to you in the form of a rebate.   This is on top of any coupon codes you are already using.  It is a win win.   Ebates gives you rebate on most retailers like Amazon, Target, QVC, Macys and more.   Also when you share ebates you can earn more. So I will share my ebates with you, go sign up so worth it,  I earned $20 last night.
9. Security: Avoid sites where they say a Security is not current.  A retailer should always have there security rank current.  If a pop up window comes up and say the site is not secure .. leave.
10. Avoid: A retailer should never ask you to give them your credit card in an email.  Also if you purchased with a retailer and making a return,  they should never ask for your card for the return.  They can return it through the original transaction. NEVER email your credit card numbers.  Also do trust paypal.  As a retailer for years on my superhero kids cape store,  I can tell you pay pal is secure and will assist you if you have a problem.
11. Safe Packages: When shipping to your home and you are not home you might want to have a secure place to have the packages be left (behind a stack of wood, or a bench) or have the items shipped to a more secure place neighbor, work, or grandmas.

I love online shopping because it make life easy and my family happy.  Because they are not stuck in lines at a store.  Try some of these tips and your holidays will be much more enjoyable.. because you can shop anytime.    I am off to find that great item for my kids..

Disclosure this post contains affiliate links.. which I earn a small amount that is basically enough to buy coffee at a fast food chain.