Reported by:
Christopher Sign Email:
csign@abc15.com Original story from
KNXV.comThe online holiday shopping season kicks off Monday morning.
"Cyber Monday", as its come to be known, has historically been all about convenience -- no crowds, for one thing!
Consider it the "Black Friday" of online sales.
For "Cyber Monday" online retailers are expected to offer hot deals hoping to attract shoppers who couldn't find what they were looking for during "Black Friday" sales.
"It's a pretty big day, it's really becoming a bigger part of holiday shopping," said Nate Curran, a business manager for Valley based www.GoDaddy.com who believes a record number of retailers will take part in online sales this year.
The term, "Cyber Monday" was coined in 2005 referring to shoppers who searched online for deals while at work on the Monday following Thanksgiving.
"It's expected 83 percent of retailers will take part and have deals this year, that's up from 72 percent last year," Curran said.
Curran believes most online deals will include free shipping and internet only offers, including GoDaddy, which is offering cheaper rates.
But this year it's also about finding some of the best bargains, especially in these tougher economic times.
There are five key shopping tips that might help you save even more when you click on.
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First, make sure you are "getting in on the deals."
CyberMonday.com posts a list of holiday sales from 600 different companies.
To name just a few, Target, Best Buy and Barnes and Noble are all offering free delivery above and beyond product savings.
Your goal here is to know all the deals being offered out there before you start shopping. That way, you're more likely to find the best steals when you're ready to buy.
Second, search out smaller Web sites for bigger savings.
SmartBargains.com is offering deals so good they're almost gone! For example, one Kenneth Cole Jacket is 72 percent off.
On another Web site, NewEgg.com, a 42-inch TV is $500 cheaper than normal.
Third, think about taxes.
Online stores collect sales tax from customers only in states where the retailers have an actual office.
To find out if you'll be taxed, watch for the extra fees when you add products to your online shopping cart.
If the taxes pop up after you enter your address, you may want to search for that same product on another site to save some money.
Fourth, stay safe.
If you find a deal on a website you don't know, check with the Better Business Bureau Web site first.
At BBB.org, you can search for ratings based on how quickly the business responds to complaints.
Fifth, don't wait too long! Those great deals may disappear.
According to Shopping Analyst Marshal Cohen, the danger in waiting is that you may not find what you want in the sizes or colors you're looking for.
Sixth, most experts agree that it's always best to shop with a credit card online.
In case of identity theft, you'll never have to pay for those credit card charges you didn't make. The same rules don't apply with debit cards.
Cyber Monday safety tools
Before you holiday shop online make sure you know how to protect your purchase and identity.
Beware, right now criminals are surfing the net looking to spoil your holiday.
"I hate to make people paranoid but sometimes you just have to be super careful," said Arizona Attorney General, Terry Goddard. "When you order online be sure to print out the receipt when you have the final transaction verified. it will be right there on the screen all you have to is hit print."
Goddard cautions online shoppers to only use secure Web sites. When checking out, look for "https" in the upper left hand corner of the website. That "s" protects your financial information from being broadcast to the world.
Next, when using an auction site look for the pad lock on the bottom of the webpage and make sure the lock is closed --- not open.
Also, only use a credit card to make online purchases. A credit card allows you to challenge a bill that may be wrong. When using a debit cards the money is withdrawn directly from your account.
One of the biggest scams is paying for a purchase you never get. Goddard suggests you, "Use a reputable escrow agent. eBay is one but there are others out there that frankly protect the transaction in that they hold the money until the goods have been received. Therefore both the buyer and seller are protected."
The weak economy is making criminals more desperate this holiday season claims Goddard.
His office has launched a new page on his Web site, asag.gov, to protect your money and provide answers to common questions about holiday shopping, charitable giving and other holiday season consumer concerns.
"In this time of tight budgets for most Arizona families, it is especially important to be alert to scams and other consumer pitfalls this holiday season," Goddard said.
Brian Gilmore of Phoenix plans to use the Web site. He watches the newspaper for deals like he watches his bank account. "I noticed there were charges that I didn't make," said Gilmore an identity theft victim. "I think I probably bought something from a site that might have been a mom and pop site.
Gilmore said someone swiped his debit card information and began making fraudulent purchases.
Attorney General Goddard warns consumers about buying items from insecure auction Web sites. "What we're seeing here are fraud attempts that basically use to bait the hook a really, really attractive looking deal and then they either never deliver or deliver shoddy goods."
Goddard encourages you to hold onto holiday receipts and avoid buying gift cards from stores which are going out of business.
"I would advise consumers not to take that risk because it may take you a long time to get the value out of that card if you ever do," Goddard said.
Watch out for restocking fees He also advises when buying a large purchase, like a television or furniture, ask the store if there's a restocking fee. The in case you have to return or exchange the item.
Gilmore said he'll be extra careful this holiday season so hopefully stop scrooges from once again swiping his identity.
Shopping tips and alerts will be released and posted on the site each week throughout the holiday season.
Read more of the Attorney General's tips for holiday shoppers
