How to Make Online Shopping Work for You

Shopping online is not only a convenience, it's also cost effective. Here's how to make it beneficial for you:

1. Determine the things you would buy online if you had a reputable supplier with competitive prices and good customer service.

I use online shopping exclusively to buy vitamins and supplements, horse supplements, dog and cat flea and tick products, and books. Sometimes I also buy clothing, sporting goods, footwear, office supply products, horse tack, and music. This year, for the first time, I even did my taxes online and saved $60 in tax preparation fees! By using this online service, I also saved time and expense by eliminating a drive to and from the tax preparer's office, not to mention having my taxes completed more quickly.

2. Take the time to compare prices.

Initially this will take some time, but it's well worth it. Oftentimes there are vast price differences among online companies for the exact same product. Example: I'd received information about a natural herbal feed supplement for horses I was interested in trying. I went online to educate myself about the product and then to the manufacturer's website to check the price. From there I searched the web under the product name and found 6 other companies selling the manufacturer's product. Although it took perhaps a half hour to do the price comparisons, it netted me a savings, including shipping, of $26.44 ($56.12 versus $82.56)! This was for the exact same product by the same manufacturer. Not bad for a half hour's work!

3. Request a product catalogue from the online companies you use.

I receive several catalogues from online companies and have gotten many helpful ideas, in addition to having been able to take advantage of promotional offers and money-saving coupons. Example: I was unaware of even the existence of lightweight disposable protective coveralls until I saw them in a catalogue. They are inexpensive, can be used several times before disposal, and have saved me multiple changes of clothing throughout the day when working outdoors in a dirty environment.

4. Tell friends and family of companies you've used with good results.

Let your family and friends know when you have a good experience with a particular online company. In this age of scams and less than reputable online companies, those companies who deliver what they advertise and serve their customers well deserve recognition and our patronage. Furthermore, sometimes there's a benefit to you as well. Example: When a relative placed a first-time vitamin order from the same online company I buy from, I received what amounted to a $25 benefit because she named me as her referral source. She has since become a regular customer of this online company.

Although my use of online shopping came about out of necessity when I moved to a remote area, it has now become my preferred way of shopping whenever I can. If you have a busy schedule or don't have easy access to products found in larger communities, give online shopping a try. Once you've established a list of your favorite companies, you'll find online shopping easy and financially beneficial too.