We all shop online. The convenience of buying things on the computer is hard to parallel. With a few quick clicks of the mouse and punches of the keyboard you can easily search through thousands of products to find the one that is right for you, and have it shipped directly to your home or office in a matter of a few days. All this online shopping can sometimes beg the question: "How can I be sure I am getting the best deals when shopping online". Fret no more! This quick and easy guide will provide you with excellent, practical tips to make sure you are getting the most out of your online shopping.
Go directly to the manufacturer if possible.
If you are buying name brand items it is best to price them at their manufacturer first. Web sites like amazon and walmart can be tempting as they offer one stop shopping for virtually anything you could ever want, however this model requires them to buy their products from manufacturers and then resell them. For this reason it is always best to check the manufacturer's price first. Need a new cell phone? Head on over to AT&T Wireless. Need a new computer? Try microsoft or apple before heading to amazon. Looking for art supplies? Try blick. Always make sure to price your desired product at the manufacturer first before trying another website.
Always make sure to check the price of shipping on your items before you buy
The one downfall of buying online is the increasing price of shipping items. Large items such as tv's and appliances can often be found online for up to 30% off retail price, however the large shipping costs associated with shipping these items often dwarfs any savings accumulated by the customer. Large items are often best purchased locally. Be especially wary when purchasing used items as many sellers advertise low prices only to charge high shipping fees in order to pocket the difference and increase their profits. Always make sure to check shipping prices before committing to an online purchase.