Online shopping tips and tricks

Consumers love online shopping. Our online shopping tips can help you save money with free shipping and shop safely online. By Sharon O'Brien

Who Doesn't Love Free Shipping?

$Photo: Alexandra Grablewski\Getty Images$

If your online retailer also has a store near you, check for free shipping to the store. By picking up your items rather than having them delivered to you, the savings will add up.

1 of 19 Photo: Alexandra Grablewski\Getty Images

Shop Smart

Buy online for best prices and selection. Because stock space is limited at stores, you can often find items online that you won't see when you visit a store in person. And many merchants offer special Internet pricing to encourage online shopping. If an item is carried both in-store and online, you can see the product up close but you may find a lower price online.

Search for coupons. Search for the retailer's name and "coupon" to find additional discounts on products or shipping. Searching the term "coupon code" will bring up a list of companies that offer coupons for a variety of products.

2 of 19 Photo: Cavan Images/Getty Images

Get the Best Prices

$Photo: Steve Cole\Getty Images$

Compare prices. Use the Internet to save money. Enter the product name as a search term and you'll see a list of sites that sell it, including their prices.

Look for free shipping. Many stores offer free or reduced-cost shipping. And by buying multiple items from one merchant you can take advantage of free-shipping offers that require minimum purchase amounts of $50 or $100.

Sign up for special offers. Many online retailers have mailing lists, and you'll be alerted to sales, promotions and special deals that aren't available to the general public.

3 of 19 Photo: Steve Cole\Getty Images

Shop Safely Online

$Photo: PhotoAlto\Alix Minde\Getty Images$

Know your retailer. Protect your credit and your money by buying only from reputable online retailers. Look for retailer reviews to see what other shoppers are saying about their buying experiences. Check with the Better Business Bureau for complaints. And share your online shopping experiences to help others avoid mistakes.

Use a credit card. If there's a problem with an online purchase, your credit card company can help you find a solution. If you use one low-interest card for all of your purchases, you'll have an easier time tracking purchases if there is a problem.

Avoid using an ATM card. Using an ATM card gives retailers a direct line to your checking account. Credit cards are much safer.

Look for the letters "https." The "s" in a company's web address shows that the company is using secure servers.

Look for product reviews. Before buying a product you're not familiar with, search online for product reviews. Online shopping can be very convenient, but returning products you bought online can be a hassle.

4 of 19 Photo: PhotoAlto\Alix Minde\Getty Images

Gift Ideas for Kids: Monster Bowling

Monster Bowling Set//"Online Shopping Tips and Tricks"

Six plush monster bowling "pins" and a monster ball come zipped in their own case. All proceeds benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

$24 from St. Jude's Hope Gift Book (shop.stjude.org/GiftCatalog/)

5 of 19 Photo: Courtesy of stjude.org

Gift Ideas for Kids: Radio Control Car Carolina

Radio Control Car Carolina//"Online Shopping Tips and Tricks"

It's never too early to start teaching your kids the rules of the road. This colorful radio-controlled car goes forward and back, and makes right and left turns. The handy remote control attaches to make a carry handle. Suitable for children age 2 years and up.

$28.95 from Fat Brain Toys (www.fatbraintoys.com)

6 of 19 Photo: Courtesy of Fat Brain Toys

Gift Ideas for Pets: Pet Toys

For playful pets, how about holiday-themed plush toys, such as gingerbread houses and Hanukkah bears for dogs, or a catnip-filled deer for cats? These colorful toys from the ASPCA benefit homeless animals.

$6.50 and up from the ASPCA store (www.aspcaonlinestore.com)

7 of 19 Photo: Courtesy of ASPCA

Gift Ideas for Kids: Color & Co. Young Artist Sets

Color & Co. Young Artist Discovery Box//"Online Shopping Tips and Tricks"

Bring out the artist in the kids on your gift list with painting and drawing supplies. Each set comes in a handy box for storage and carrying, and includes a range of colored pencils, sharpener and eraser, and either watercolor or acrylic paints and brushes.

From $27.79 at Jerry's Artarama (www.jerrysartarama.com)

8 of 19 Photo: Courtesy of jerrysartarama.com

Gift Ideas for Teens: Kiwi U-Powered Solar & USB Portable Charger

Kiwi U-Powered Solar & USB Portable Charger//"Online Shopping Tips and Tricks"

Eco-conscious teens on your gift list will appreciate the coolness of this go-anywhere charger that powers electronic devices in the car, with A/C power — or the sun.

$45, from Amazon. (www.amazon.com)

9 of 19 Photo: Courtesy of Kiwi Choice, Inc

Gift Ideas for Teens: Solid Mini Cooler

Solid Mini Cooler//"Online Shopping Tips and Tricks"

This eco-friendly mini cooler uses standard electricity to keep up to four soda cans cool or a mug of tea warm. Only 11 inches tall, it's a great space-saving alternative to a traditional mini fridge.

$59 from PB Teen (www.pbteen.com)

10 of 19 Photos: Courtesy of pbteen.com

Editor's note: We will now be publishing Miss Manners articles twice weekly, but you will only see one question and answer per article. You can expect to see these articles appear on Tuesdays and Thursdays going forward.

President Harry S. Truman was behind efforts to establish the first Armed Forces Day in 1950, and decades later the nation continues to set aside the third Saturday in May to recognize and thank members of the U.S. military for their patriotic service. With these five homecoming images, we salute all service members at home and abroad.

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