Cyber Monday: Make Online Shopping Work for You

Cyber Monday: the biggest online shopping event of the holiday season. After the post-Thanksgiving Black Friday shopping spree, we can enjoy the safer and more peaceful online shopping of Cyber Monday. But even online shopping can be challenging. Every store and merchandiser is vying for your shopping dollar. They ply you with coupons, free shipping and "great deals." How do you navigate (pun intended) the ocean of internet commerce? Here's your shopper's guide to Cyber Monday deals.

First, check your email for any coupons good only on Cyber Monday. If you receive email alerts from favorite retailers, you'll no doubt receive a coupon or special offer from them for this online shopping day.

Next, look for free shipping options. Cyber Monday is the best day to find free or reduced price shipping offers. If your favorite retailers don't offer shipping deals, wait to buy from them. This will induce them to consider offering free shipping on Cyber Monday next year.

Ship to Store is a good way to save on shipping, also. If you live near a retailer's outlet, you can have your Cyber Monday purchases shipped to the store and save big money!

Check each retailer's home page for links to free online perks. Websites often don't clearly show where or how coupons or special offers are to be used. Check online coupons for redemption codes. You will need to copy and paste the code at check-out.

Look for ways to save by using certain credit cards or buying options. Many retailers will offer a percentage of savings by using their store card. I just purchased a new desktop computer package. I saved $50 by using an eBay coupon. I saved another $150 using Microsoft Gold Coin Rewards program. I may have missed one or both of these perks had I not checked my eBay for special deals.

Check your credit card websites for any rebate points you may have earned. I found that I had enough points on one card to earn a $50 gift card. I earned a $25 credit voucher from another.

Before you purchase online, however, be sure that you understand the retailer's return or refund policy. Print and save copies of receipts. Note on your calendar when you made the transaction. Request a receipt to be mailed to your email address as well. If you see a good deal online that you have been looking for, don't wait. The deal will be gone very quickly if it truly is a good price. Cyber Monday waits for no one!