Nearly 75 percent of online retailers will offer special promotions on the Monday after Thanksgiving, up from 43 percent two years ago, according to a survey from the National Retail Federation, which in 2005 dubbed the day Cyber Monday after online retailers noticed that Web site traffic spiked that day.
This year's promotions will include e-mail campaigns with special deals to current customers, as well as one-day savings on particular products. Nearly 25 percent of retailers will provide free shipping on all purchases with no conditions attached.
Where to Start
You may be wondering, where do I start in this big jungle called “the internet”. Cybermonday.com features deals from nearly 500 stores, you can narrow down the list of retailers based on specific wants such as free shopping or gift cards.
Shopadidas.com plans to offer customers 25 percent off.
JoAnn.com, the online crafts store, will cover shipping for all purchases, as well as returns.
Ice.com, a jewelry merchant, will save 20% on many items and pay no shipping.
Precautions.
- Even with these deals, remember to comparison shop at sites like Shopzilla.com and Shopping.com before you buy. Also, scour the fine print for the return policy. Can you return or exchange an item at their store? If you must mail returns, who pays for the shipping? Will you receive a store credit or a refund?
- Also be sure to shop on secure Web sites that use encryption technology, which will scramble your personal information so hackers cannot access it.
- Never buy from a Web site that does not include a physical address and phone number.
- Finally, use a credit card when shopping online. It is the safest method of payment. Legally you are responsible for only $50 of unauthorized charges, and you can withhold payments
if you are disputing a charge.
Be sure to record every purchase and the price. Otherwise you may be blindsided by the dollar figure on the credit card bill come January, Otherwise Happy Cyber Monday Shopping
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