The holidays are fast approaching — and threatening to max out your credit card. Shopping online can make hunting for holiday deals fast and easy. The best is part is that families can avoid schlepping t? the crowded malls, dealing with parking, then lugging bags and boxes home. And because every dollar counts in today’s topsy-turvy economy, savvy holiday shoppers can discover a number of creative ways to save money shopping online, through an extensive array of daily discount coupons and promotional codes. Here’s how.
Save money on holiday gifts by shopping online
Used judiciously, discount codes – those short strings of numbers and letters retailers make available to their customers to qualify them for various discounts – ??n dramatically cut online holiday shopping costs. But to get the most bang for your family’s Internet shopping buck, you need to understand the fine art of online shopping.
Tips to stay in control of your family’s online holiday shopping experience
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Check for savings codes
Always check for a coupon or promotional code online before checking out. Finding a discount code website through your favorite search engine only takes a few seconds and could save your family anything from free shipping to 50 percent off or more.
Compare prices
If you know the exact product you want to buy, it pays to visit several online retailers to compare prices. Some websites can help shoppers find the best price by providing a list of online stores in a particular category.
Use a credit card
Credit card information security is a top concern when shopping online. In general, it is far safer to use a credit card than a debit card. Most debit cards do not offer the same level of protection as a credit card does when making an online purchase.
Review carefully before checking out
Always take time to review the final checkout screen. Be sure to confirm that your order reflects the correct items, quantities and pricing before you click “submit.”
Protect your privacy
One of the most important steps in online shopping is how to find websites that are safe and secure. It’s important to keep your personal information out of the hands of identity theft predators. Be sure to read the site’s privacy policy on information sharing, and don’t unintentionally opt-in to having your information shared with third parties.
Sideline sales tax
Some merchants are required to collect sales taxes in your state, while others may not be. It can save you money to check several online retailers if the merchant you are about to purchase from wants to charge sales tax.
Consider coupons
If you are an eBay shopper, be sure to check promotional discount code sites for an eBay coupon, especially if you make purchases through PayPal. Sometimes eBay issues coupons that are valid for purchases made on their site with PayPal. This is especially true near the holidays.
Beware of shipping and handling fees
Pay close attention to shipping charges. Some retailers make up for their “low” prices by padding the shipping fees, so be sure you are getting the lowest possible overall price.
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