Shopping Online

The following is a brief excerpt from several different sources, noted below.

MOST OF THE 48 MILLION people whom analysts expect to shop online this holiday season aren't playing at Web shopping for the first time – we've been doing it all year.Online sales should top $11 billion this year.98 percent of a Zdnet shopping survey respondents claim to be comfortable or extremely comfortable using the Internet.
 ADVANTAGES OF SHOPPING ONLINE
       You don’t have to leave home.       Can shop in stores around the world.
       The stores are never closed.     No waiting in any lines, or carrying any bundles.
       An online gift registry allows you the luxury of keeping track of gifts you buy.
       Hard-to-find items may be easier online.
DISADVANTAGES OF SHOPPING ONLINE
       Connection speeds may slow ordering.       Navigation of some shopping Web sites is difficult
       Fragile objects may not travel well in the mail (i.e., glass, flowers)
       Shipping and handling charges may apply. Credit card security may be an issue.
       Can’t get instant gratification like going to a store.
BENEFITS OF CATALOG SHOPPING
       No screens to scroll through.        You can take a catalog with you unlike your PC.
       You don’t incur online charges.    Some catalogs have more products than online.
DISADVANTAGES OF CATALOG SHOPPING
       You have to fill out forms.        Delivery of goods may take longer if you mail order.
       May be out of date. Can’t get instant gratification like going to a store.

TIPS FOR HOLIDAY SHOPPING ONLINE
    START EARLY   By going online early to shop, you avoid high shipping costs and ensure that you get everything you need on time.
    MAKE A LIST   The Internet can be considered the biggest mall ever — in a virtual sense. Make a list of gift ideas before going online to avoid navigating through countless screens and have a general idea of what sites you may want to surf. This will make your virtual shopping experience an easier process and you don’t have to spend your time surfing.
    CHECK RETURN POLICY   Read the delivery and return policies of e-commerce Web sites before completing an online transaction. You should ask questions like — Do you have to pay shipping if you don’t like what you ordered? Are items returnable?  You should especially inquire about warranties on electronic merchandise like radios or computer accessories.
    MAKE IT FUN  Gather your friends or family, grab a drink and snacks, and go shopping together. This will allow you to bounce ideas off each other and get into the holiday spirit.

SHOPPING SAFELY ONLINE
     Some people still aren’t comfortable with shopping on the Internet. Much of their concern has to do with security and privacy issues.
     PAY BY CREDIT CARD      SAVE RECORDS     READ PRIVACY POLICIES
     CHECK OUT RETAILER – http://www.bbbonline.com and http://consumerreview.com

SHOPBOT – Shorthand for shopping robot
     Does comparison shopping for you.Shopbots work best for electronics, books, music and videos, the categories the Web has the broadest selection.Examples http://mySimon.com

Web Sites for shopping -  complied by WSCUGR
http://www.amazon.com
http://buy.com
http://www.couponsurfer.com


Web Sites for shopping - compiled by WSCUGR - 2002
Books, toys, misc.    http://www.amazon.com
Music from '50s   http://www.rediscovery.com
Cameras, photo equipment   http://b&hphotovideo.com
Shopping locally - best advertised prices  http://saleshound.com
Gift Certificates -  http://shopsimon.com
Comparison shopping -  http://bizrate.com
Airline tickets -  http://expedia.com
Airline tickets - http://www.orbitz.com