Cyber Monday Shopping Tips

Cyber Monday sales are a fun way to tackle your holiday shopping list without braving harsh weather, navigating crowds of zealous shoppers and searching for a parking spot. Preparing for Cyber Monday, the first Monday after Thanksgiving, does not require intense physical training like the woman in those Black Friday ads, but there are some steps you can take now to get ready for the big sale. As an online shopper, I developed a simple strategy to find the best deals and check out in a flash. Use these seven shopping secrets to make the most of your Cyber Monday experience.

Register and sign up for e-mail alerts from your favorite retailers.
Create an online account complete with shipping information. This makes it much easier to check out before sale items go out of stock. Be sure to join the e-mail list as well. Many stores send coupons and advance notice of sales via e-mail.

Join rewards sites to earn rebates.
FatWallet.com and Ebates.com are only two of many reputable sites that offer rebates for online purchases. Join and familiarize yourself with one of these sites before Cyber Monday sales begin. Depending on your comfort level, trying to manage more may not be worth the effort.

Check ad previews.
Ad previews and rumors are all over the web, but one of the best resources is CyberMonday.com. The website highlights deals from over 700 online stores.

Kick the tires.
When shopping for certain items, such as TVs, it is best to experience them in person. Consider visiting a store before Cyber Monday so you can make informed choices when shopping online.

Mark your target.
Instead of bookmarking product pages, sign in to the retailer's website and create a wish list or shopping list. The items will be ready to move to your shopping cart in one click and, by signing into your account, you can access this information on any computer.

Know when the sale starts.
Cyber Monday sales can start as early as midnight. Check the sale details, including the time zone, because quantities are limited.

Search for coupon codes.
There are many reliable websites, such as CouponCabin.com, that maintain lists of current coupon codes. Search for coupon codes the day before the big sale. Jot them on a notepad and keep it near the computer.

On Cyber Monday, log in to the rewards site and click the link to go to the desired store website. Sign in, shop from your wish list, add the coupon code and check out. Before you know it, a bundle of packages will arrive as though Santa himself delivered them.