May 2010

When shopping for gifts, whether for ourselves or someone else, all of us are looking to save a few dollars. No matter what you’re shopping for, from a diamond engagement ring for popping the question to a scarf for Grandma – you will save big bucks by shopping online.

The key to maximizing your savings is knowing where to look to find the best bargain. And comparison shopping, by visiting various websites, is the only way to go. Instead of fighting the hustle and bustle that comes with comparison shopping at various brick-and-mortar locations, you can find better pricing options and cover more stores with the click of your mouse.

In the past, shipping and handling fees may have deterred you from shopping online, but retailers have started minimizing or waving those fees for customers who spend a certain collar amount. And while major retailers such as Wal-Mart, Best Buy and Macy’s have online websites, you may be able to stretch your dollar further by shopping with other established, smaller E-tailers.

Here are some examples of price comparisons between different websites and traditional brick-and-mortar retailers.

Tool Time

If you’re shopping for the handyman or woman in the family, finding the right gift can be rather tricky. Because they are sure to already have their own favorite tools, and even many of the latest gadgets that can simplify their work, you may be thinking that a gift certificate to Home Depot, Lowe’s or a local hardware store is the best way to go.

But before you decide to do that, consider buying a gift that the tool guru may find useful, but would not consider buying for themselves. The Black and Decker Storm Station is the perfect emergency prep tool for when the power goes out. Currently, Home Depot listed a price of $99.97. But http://Amazon.com lists a price of $74.88. Here, you will save more than $25 by ordering online instead of going to a traditional retailer.

On Bended Knee

If you’re thinking of popping the question, consider this: if she says yes, the cost of a wedding can range from $10,000 to $50,000 and beyond. Why not get your marriage off to the right start by saving money on your diamond engagement ring?

By ordering online, you can literally save hundreds of dollars. A half-carat princess cut three-stone diamond purchased at a brick-and-mortar retailer in a mid-sized metro area can cost around $2,250. But if you order a similar ring from Blue Nile, an online jewelry retailer, you can save a little money – their cost is closer to $2,200.

But your diamond engagement ring purchase, the ultimate in romantic gift ideas for her, is a perfect example of how finding the bargain E-tailer can add up to big savings. At http://danforthdiamond.com, an online jewelry retailer specializing in diamond jewelry, a similar ring costs around $1,600 – a savings of $600! That’s enough money for a down payment on a honeymoon to Costa Rica.

Trendy Fendi

Handbags are big business, and there are few women who will show displeasure with the gift of a high-end designer handbag. Shopping online, you can find Coach, Gucci, Dooney & Burke, Prada and Fendi handbags. And while there are knock-off imitations you can purchase for significantly less money, if you do your homework by taking the time to do research on the web, you can save money and still get the real thing.

If you went the usual route and visited Neiman Marcus to purchase a designer handbag for your fashionista, the Fendi Canvas Du’Jour handbag would cost you $1,400. However, if you visited http://overstock.com, a popular online discount retail site, you would find the same bag for $1029.99 – a savings of more than $350.

If you wanted to save even more money, you could sign her up for an account at http://www.bagborroworsteal.com and give a gift certificate to the site instead of a handbag. This company is the Netflix of handbags, and recipients borrow or “rent” designer handbags for one week to one month at a time, paying a fee ranging, on average, between $30 and $300. This way, instead of owning one designer handbag that will eventually no longer be in style, she can periodically upgrade her designer look by changing designer purses as often as needed.

Diamonds for the Heart

So you’re not going to pop the question. But keep in mind that jewelry of any kind is sure to make her smile. There are hundreds of romantic gift ideas that include jewelry, but a diamond heart pendant is a classic gift that she will always treasure.

Once again, the E-tailers come out ahead on price when looking for a quality diamond heart necklace. At Zales, a well-known brick-and-mortar jewelry chain, you will pay about $700 for the necklace. At Blue Nile, you will pay significantly less at $600. But if you are looking to save even more money, you can do it at http://DanforthDiamond.com, where you’ll find a comparable diamond heart pendant for $560. This ever-popular jewelry piece, a product available at most jewelry retailers, demonstrates that taking the time to find the best bargains online is certainly worth the time.

As you can see, saving money by shopping online keeps a lot of your dollars in your pocket. But, you must comparison shop to find the quality discount E-tailers that will give you the best value for you money. Happy shopping!

Jill Renee
http://www.articlesbase.com/internet-articles/save-big-bucks-when-shopping-on-the-web-89867.html

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