e-ditorials - Issue #9: Get Ready for the Holidays!

Planning to Shop for Holiday Gifts Online this Year? Here's some ideas and tips for this holiday season.

Since Thanksgiving is later than usual this year, the Internet will provide a great outlet for those consumers who want to squeeze in extra shopping hours at night or at work. In a recent survey, 80% of respondents said they will use the Internet for holiday gift ideas and research. The survey also revealed that 34% of men say long lines and crowds of people in stores causes them stress during their holiday shopping and 24% of women feel the same way.

What's Hot. Current surveys indicate that books will remain the most popular gift and other popular gifts will be videos, music, clothing, high tech gadgets, educational toys and games, and gift certificates. (Sources: Jupiter Media, BizRate.com) Here are some high tech ideas for your holiday shopping list.

DVD Players: This was the hottest item last year and will probably be again this year. With the number of DVD Titles doubling to 20,000 and the average cost is $150, with some models running as low as $79, this is sure to be a winner in this year's pile of presents.

Digital Cameras: The price of these cameras has dropped steadily while the availability to have prints of these photos has increased. Even Wal-Mart's photo center allows you to get digital prints. Decent camera models will run about $200-$300 this holiday season.

Video Editing Software: Video-editing software packages are now available for under $100. Pinnacle Systems' "Expression" is an entry-level digital video editing software which allows the user to transfer digital video footage to CDs and DVDs and is available at around $49. "Pinnacle Studio Version 8", which will sell for around $99, allows users to catalog the video clips, sounds and other project assets for larger projects.

Handhelds: Palm's "the Zire" will be brought to the market at $99.

The best sites to research the best price and the best value.

Cnet not only offers product reviews but they also have a terrific price comparison feature on their site. They even allow you to create your own shopping list that allows you to email your list to a friend as well as checking the latest prices on a product whenever you return to the site. Best of all, you don't have to give Cnet any specific information about yourself to get all these great features.

Consumer Reports offers some free reviews and advice. More in-depth information can be found through a yearly subscription of $19-$24 or a monthly subscription of $3.95. Makes a great gift idea too!

Yahoo!Shopping intends to post pre- and post-holiday sales and they plan to also offer a free shipping page for consumers who want a low price and free shipping. They also offer a price comparison feature as well as wish lists but the drawback is you must sign up to use these features and the questions are a little invasive.

Tips to follow before you make a purchase.

	Comparison shop and consider shipping charges when evaluating total price.
	Use wish lists and save shopping carts so you can shop over a period of a couple of weeks and then place the order. This will save you any unnecessary shipping costs for multiple orders from the same company.
	Need a last minute gift? Gift Certificates are easy to purchase online and can be sent via email up to the very last minute.
	Know who you're buying from. Make sure the company you are working with is reputable and has "secure" credit card transactions. If you have the time, use their customer service now and see how they respond to questions or problems. If they are unresponsive now, they certainly won't be any better after you make a purchase.
	Know Your Rights. Check the refund and return policy and always read the fine print. Make sure the delivery date is in time for the holiday and review warranties. Print all transaction receipts and track your purchases.
	Ask friends for online shopping recommendations. Also ask them what negative experiences they had with what vendors online.

Where to Buy

Free shipping is becoming popular again and in-store pickup for gifts bought online is becoming available. What else should you expect this holiday season?

Amazon.com gets high marks again this year with nearly every person I interviewed mentioning this retailer. One respondent said, "amazon.com is easy to use, efficient, and has a great selection. It's the one I tend to use most often — even though it is not necessarily the cheapest." Take the guess out of gift giving and use Amazon's wish list feature in which you can place items for yourself or look up the wish lists of friends and family. Free shipping for orders over $25.

Buy.com is giving amazon.com a run for the money. They have free shipping with no minimum purchase on selected items. They also have a holiday gift guide, wish lists and a list of clearance items to help you find that perfect gift. They will also price match any amazon.com item.

KB Toys allows you to search for a gift by age, price, brand or category. Their clearance center and Wish Lists feature is helpful too. Shipping is based on a base price and then per pound.

JCPenney has a great site this year. Gifts by price, by type of person you want to buy for and by category. They also have their outlet store available to shop online. You can fill your cart and save it for checkout later which allows you to shop over a period of time and then have everything come in one shipment. Shipping charges are reasonable if you fit your shopping into one order rather than separate orders. You receive your product, by UPS, in approximately 3-5 working days. Also, you can return any item at a local store, although the shipping charge for the item will not be refunded.

Zany Brainy allows you to shop by age, brand and price. Shipping is expensive unless you are buying in an amount over $100. They have live online help in which you can chat with a live person and you can return a purchase to a store.

Have a great time shopping. Let us know if you have any more tips.

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