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Shopping on the Internet and by Catalog
Shopping on the Internet and shopping by catalog was big this
Christmas Season. People just didn’t want to go to the malls. It was how I
shopped this year also, and I have never been more pleased with both my
purchases and the amount of money I spent.
Ordering on the Internet and by catalog are essentially the
same, except that you are able to find more bargains at used and discounted
Internet sites.
In both cases, you are usually able to see pictures and read
product reviews of the items you want. The convenience is incredible. For those
of us who do not like going out to malls or in the crowds, it is wonderful.
I made so many purchases this year and they all came out
perfect. I previously mentioned I purchased a DVD for my husband on the
Internet, secondhand, that he wanted. It was good as new. I finally found that
watercolor quilt book I have been looking for at a discounted price.
Online I also purchased the Lotus Smart Suite from the One Penny
store. What an upgrade that is to the program I was using. I found a flannel
shirt for myself. I bought fabric to make draperies. I purchased a jewelry item
for both of my daughter-in-laws. I found a best selling political book I knew my
son would like. I even order a special CD of Mannheim Roller Christmas Music to
make our Christmas Eve celebration more special.
I did all this without having to leave my home, and in every
case, at substantial savings. Everything came in perfect condition! What an easy
Christmas I had this year!
Having said this, there are some rules and safeguards to
know when it comes to shopping on the Internet and by Catalog.
*When buying on the Internet, always buy through a secure site.
When you go to finalize your order, you will notice the http will turn into
https. This protects your personal information, such as your credit card number.
*Buy from reputable sites. Most major retailers now have
websites. They are also constantly improving. For instance, JoAnns now sells a
large amount of fabric online. They have great pictures and even a program to
put your selected fabric side-by-side to see how the fabric looks together if
you are making a quilt.
Many online shopping sites have links where you can check out
their standing as a shopping portal.
*Know your prices. Know the suggested retail selling price of
the item you are interested in, and how great the mark down when it goes on
sale. If you ask them, many sales personnel have access to future sale dates,
and they can tell you how far the item will be marked down. This applies to
specific items as well as general categories of merchandise.
You can also do some comparison shopping online at:
http://www.bizrate.com/ or Click Here!
*When evaluating online or catalog merchandise by picture only,
remember that the pictures are enlarged. This is important when buying items
like jewelry. The scale will be much smaller than it seems in the picture. If
there are gemstones, they may not be the size you want. Use an item you already
have and compare measurements.
*Always check the return policiy and the guarantees offered by
any online store. If it is a large item, it should be printed on your invoice.
You may also want to see if they have an 800# in case of problem.
Always save the packaging, as well as your receipts, for a few
months from anything that comes in the mail, in case you have to send it back.
If you are buying used from another seller, look at their
rating. As I have mentioned many times, I sell on eBay. I know how important it
is to keep a good feedback rating. You can almost always tell the quality of the
seller and reliability of their information from the remarks of their previous
customers.
*Don’t be afraid to ask, ask, ask! You will find deals and
discounts by letting it be known that you are a potential customer.
Internet shopping and shopping by catalogue are here to stay.
Don’t be afraid of it. It can be a major money saving experience!
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