"Black Monday" and Cyber Santa Tips

When I began writing this column in Fall of 1998, the idea of doing all your vacation shopping online ranked quite bold and stylish.

Fast-forward to today and online shopping stands for an extremely significant share of all retail business.

In truth, much like the "Black Friday" after Thanksgiving obtains many retailers "right into the black" economically, they've created a name for among the greatest shopping days online: "Black Monday!"

Black Monday or "Cyber Monday" describes the Monday after Thanksgiving when everybody returns to work and does all their shopping online (most likely on their damage -- yes right !)

Either they could not find what they wanted in a brick-and- mortar store over the weekend break or, such as me, could not stand the thought about standing eligible hrs, so they shop online.

Since their work environment often brings the fastest Internet link, many individuals find having fun "Cyber Santa" at the office too appealing to withstand.

Despite a "slow economic climate," this previous Black Monday should end up being the greatest on record, however the real outcomes may not obtain tallied for weeks.

However, if you plan to play "Cyber Santa" this year by production vacation purchases online, the following tips should help the little online elves make all your dreams come real.

** Do not Procrastinate **

Do not delay until the eleventh hour to place your orders online. Internet companies function much like mail-order companies.

Humans process your purchase, draw it from stock, load it, and deliver it for your address.

If a back-up occurs, no quantity of e-mailing or telephone call will cause your packages to show up any much faster.

** Delivery Guarantees **

Find out what guarantees (in writing) the company makes regarding delivery.

If they do not guarantee delivery for 2 weeks and you waited until December 19 to purchase, it does not take a computer system scientific research level to know your purchase will not show up in time.

** Return Plans **

Together with delivery guarantees, inspect the return plan. What happens if something fails with the item?

Where and how do you return it?

Also, understand that if you buy something through a public auction website such as eBay, you run the risk of faulty product with no hope for an trade.

** Block and Mortar **

Attempt to deal with companies that offer a "traditional" procedure to enhance their online presence.

This is available in handy if you received a faulty item, or the incorrect item, and need a fast fix by visiting the store in the nick of time to avoid splits on Xmas early morning.

** Catastrophe Planning **

Ordering very early means you can make a fast healing if something fails by mosting likely to the shopping center and buying another thing!

I bought 22 very cool presents for from community family members and business associates the other day with the click of a computer mouse!

I plan to do 100% of my shopping online this holiday and avoid shedding my vacation spirit by participating in metropolitan combat for a car parking spot at the shopping center.

So remember, use common sense, purchase from reliable vendors, and let your key-board help you produce an unforgettable holiday.