Nobody can imagine the endless online sales for everything from boats to toothbrushes to men’s fashion five or ten years ago.  Surprisingly, it does take a bit more than a strong fortitude and completing your transactions in your pajamas nowadays.

Shopping online seems to be the latest trend and a good way to follow fashion. That’s probably why more and more people are spending money online. Honestly, I don’t know how I survived all those frantic holiday seasons before I was offered the magic of online  shopping.

Take heed, online shoppers – here’s the best of the best online shopping tips:

• Double check and then triple check the online merchant’s return policy. No matter how good the deal, if you can’t return it, you’re defeating your purpose.
• While you’re checking the return policy, you’ll also want to ensure there are no stipulations that you must make returns in an actual store. Again, you’re defeating the purpose and if there is something you need to return, you’ll swear you’re standing in line on Christmas Eve.
• A great sale doesn’t always equate to a great buy. Make a list of who you’re buying for and include that perfect gift you made a note of last October when your sister mentioned the latest Ed jeans she wants. Stick to the plan and avoid the jumper that’s 90% off from three seasons ago. You’re not doing anyone any favors.
• Ensure your orders will arrive in time for Christmas. Also, make sure there’s a phone number and a physical address in the website’s ‘About Us’ information. Don’t get scammed; it only leads to ill feelings. You’ll have everyone convinced you’re capable of bringing even Scrooge to his knees.
• Pay attention to discount codes. Many online retailers offer additional savings if you enter coupon codes. Often, these codes are easy to locate in a banner on the site’s home page. Even if it’s a 5% discount, it’s worth the additional thirty seconds to double check the home page for additional savings.
• For me, the temptation is often too much and I discover I’m even buying wrapping paper and scotch tape from an online discount store. I’ve made a deal with myself, though. If free shipping isn’t offered, I don’t buy these types of merchandise online or at least, I only buy them if I already have gifts in my electronic shopping cart. If I’m not careful, I discover I’ve spent more in shipping costs than the total of the order. I mean seriously, who am I really hurting if I buy fifteen rolls of scotch tape just to ensure the shipping costs are less than the actual purchase?

Finally, go with your instinct.  If a site looks hokey, steer clear.  If its policies aren’t transparent, steer clear.  The goal is to wrap up your Christmas and holiday shopping with as little stress – and rolls of scotch tape -as possible. Or name it “surviving in the online fashion rush”.

Partly reshipped from: blog.micsourcing.com
Author: izzy from Micsourcing.com

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