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November 28, 2004 07:36 AM

Slick Tips for Holiday Shopping


Excerpt: Shopping: You either love it or hate it. Regardless of which camp you fall into (I'm in the former), you have no choice come the holidays. But even for dedicated shoppers, buying for everyone can be daunting -- not to mention expensive. Here are some tips on how to get high quality while keeping spending under control.


Shopping: You either love it or hate it. Regardless of which camp you fall into (I'm in the former), you have no choice come the holidays. But even for dedicated shoppers, buying for everyone can be daunting -- not to mention expensive. Here are some tips on how to get high quality while keeping spending under control.

Do Your Homework: If your father has his heart set on shearling slippers for Christmas, don't just run out and buy the first pair you see. With the Internet, you have no excuse for being an uninformed shopper. Look at the slippers online at the Web sites of a few stores. What do they have in common? What are the differences?

You may decide that it's not worth it to pay $20 more to get a pair with nonskid soles. But at least you'll be making an informed decision. Remember, the Internet is a low-pressure way to do some exploring. No sales pitch, no clerk trying to earn a commission.

Also, looking online will give you an idea of what things should cost to help you determine if you're getting good value. Plus, the Web can be a source for discount certificates and information about store sales.

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Read all 21 posts in the same category of Spending:

Cell Phone Calls In Flight? - Dec 09, 2004
Holiday Tipping - Dec 09, 2004
Tunes Coming To Callers? - Dec 08, 2004
Electronic Ways to Pay Eclipse Checks in Number - Dec 07, 2004
The Trouble With Rebates - Dec 07, 2004
Customers Tire of Excuses for Rebates That Never Arrive - Dec 07, 2004
'Phishing' Attacks Surge In 2004 - Dec 06, 2004
Bush Signs Internet Tax, Special Ed Bills - Dec 05, 2004
The Wide World Of Online Shopping - Dec 04, 2004
Shopbots: Your Own Automated Shopping Assistant On The Web - Dec 04, 2004
Traveler: Know Your Options - Dec 04, 2004
Worried Merchants Throw Discounts at Shoppers - Dec 04, 2004
Regifting 101 - Dec 02, 2004
Health Costs Up 7.5% - Dec 02, 2004
5 Popular Holiday Shopping Scams - Nov 30, 2004
Give Gifts That Give Back - Nov 28, 2004
Tips For Stretching Your Holiday Budget - Nov 26, 2004
Meet The Bargain Hunters: Three Everyday Experts Share Their Tips - Nov 26, 2004
Smart Holiday Shopping - Nov 25, 2004
Some Shoppers Find Fewer Happy Returns - Nov 07, 2004