Secrets to Successful Online Holiday Shopping

(ARA) – No one’s quite ready to cancel the holidays because of the economy, but sales and promotions will be a deciding factor for 40 percent of holiday shoppers this year, according to the National Retail Federation’s recent holiday survey. And 44 percent of shoppers looking for a deal are going to search online, the survey shows.

“This holiday season, shoppers will be exceptionally cost-conscious. But great deals can definitely be found online,” says Jim “Griff” Griffith, eBay marketplace expert. “People constantly tell us that finding great deals is one of the reasons they love eBay.”

Before you buy online this holiday season, keep Griff’s top tips for online shopping in mind:

Do Your Research

You can find information about virtually anything online. Start your holiday shopping by researching product information, competitive pricing and user reviews from a site like Shopping.com. Know the value before you buy and you’ll be in a better position to get a bargain.

Communicate

If something needs to be addressed at any point during the transaction – you need to change the shipping address or payment method, you’d like additional information about the item, etc. – keep the lines of communication open between you and the site or seller you are buying from. Communication can help ensure a smooth transaction.

Find Hidden Gems

You can use a Web site’s internal search function to find some hidden gems. Search using commonly misspelled words, or use terms like “outlet,” “liquidation” or “refurbished” to find a bargain.

Follow Through

If you’re buying from an online auction site, pay quickly. Once you win a bid, the seller is holding the item for you, and losing out on other potential buyers. View your winning bid as your commitment to complete the transaction in a timely manner.

Safe and Easy

Reputable sites take strong safety measures. You can make the payment process even safer and easier by using PayPal. For the first time, shoppers who pay with PayPal on eligible purchases on eBay are covered for a hundred percent refund on qualifying transactions. PayPal buyer protection covers the full purchase price and original shipping costs.

Extra Steps that Equal Savings

Look for rebates and other opportunities to save on purchases that are already discounted.  The Microsoft Live Search cashback program (www.live.com) enables shoppers to receive up to 30 percent cash back on eBay purchases of any eligible fixed-price item when using a PayPal account.

When it comes to finding amazing value, eBay remains king. Visit www.ebay.com/deals for more information on how you can find some of the season’s hottest gifts for as little as $1.

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Courtesy of ARAcontent