Tech Talk

The year-end holidays are just around the corner. Along with all the joy and festivities comes the challenge of finding suitable gifts for everyone on your shopping list.

Make it easier on yourself this year by committing to doing at least some of your holiday shopping online.

Weigh the pros and cons

There are big advantages to shopping online.

Shop at your convenience, day or night. Shop in your robe and slippers. You don’t have to hire a babysitter.

Avoid the last-minute crowds on Main Street or at the local mall.

Save time and fuel, no small advantage in these days of rising fuel costs.

Choose from an almost limitless selection of gifts. If your husband follows an out-of-town sports team or your mother collects rare teacups, you can find an autographed baseball at a shop halfway across the country or bid on a trinket online.

Have your gifts wrapped and shipped directly to out-of-town family and friends.

Weigh the pros against the potential drawbacks:

You may have to wait a few weeks for delivery.7721101
If you’re concerned about having a particular gift in time for a certain celebration, shop early and ask for a confirmed delivery date.
You may have to pay for shipping. Many online retailers waive the charge for large orders during the holidays in order to attract your business.
You don’t get to touch and feel the product in advance. If you can’t tell from the online photo whether the gift is a keeper, ask in advance about the site’s return policy.
You might prefer to spend within your own community to bolster local economic development. If so, check to see if your favorite local retailers have a presence on the Web.
You can’t look the seller in the eye. But you can still follow your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, or a deal seems too good to be true, trust your gut. As with traditional merchants, when in doubt, stick with the name you know and trust. Look for businesses that display the BBB seal.

Online Charitable Donations

Stumped for gift ideas? Consider a charitable donation in your loved one’s name. But beware of electronic scam artists that prey upon cosumers in the midst of a crisis, such as the recent hurricanes. It is best to stick with reputable organizations.

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