| More and more people each year are discovering how | | | | you will not be able to do this - but here the Internet |
| rewarding it is to do their gift shopping from the | | | | gives you an advantage by allowing you to find gifts |
| comfort of their computer terminal. No more fighting | | | | that are not available close to home. You can use a |
| for parking spaces in the mall, or carrying heavy | | | | search engine to find many unique online products in |
| parcels to your car. With some careful planning you | | | | stores that are in English and the prices are quoted |
| can do your entire gift shopping without even leaving | | | | are in dollars. If the store does use a local currency, |
| your office or your home, at a time that most suits | | | | then there are plenty of online currency converters to |
| you. | | | | help you work out its cost in dollars, and you can pay |
| By shopping for gifts online you are broadening the | | | | for these gifts with your credit card. |
| choice of gifts available in your home town. You may | | | | Don't forget to take into account shipping and handling |
| live in the mid-West, but this does not stop you from | | | | costs. Many stores will give free shipping over a |
| buying gifts from the most sophisticated stores in NY - | | | | certain amount, so you may wish to consolidate your |
| at least those which have an online presence. Or, go | | | | gift shopping to take advantage of this. By buying out |
| further afield and buy a truly unique handcrafted gift | | | | of state, you are saving sales taxes, so this can offset |
| from overseas. These exotic craft gifts will be truly | | | | the cost of shipping. |
| appreciated by the recipient as they show that you | | | | Don't forget to order in advance so that there is |
| have taken the time out to search for a truly fitting gift. | | | | adequate delivery time and to avoid having to pay for |
| Does your best friend have a passion for Australia - | | | | expensive over-night shipping. You can have the gift |
| then look out for some original Aboriginal art. Or, is your | | | | sent directly to the recipient if you are not able to |
| mother-in-law passionate about the Bible - then you | | | | deliver it in person. Don't forget to mention this when |
| can buy her a unique gift hand-crafted in the Holy | | | | you order, so that they do not send the invoice or |
| Land. | | | | credit card slip to the recipient. |
| Here are some tips to help you with your on-line gift | | | | Most online stores will be happy to gift wrap your gift |
| shopping: | | | | for you, to save you the time and effort. If this is not |
| Make sure that the store is legitimate. Do they have a | | | | listed as a service, just ask. Most gift stores will |
| phone number and a physical address listed on their | | | | always be happy to go the extra mile for you. |
| website? Try ringing the phone number to make sure | | | | Look for a secure website when purchasing online. |
| that it is manned. Is it answered in a professional | | | | Once you have chosen your goods and you have |
| manner? Or, if you are answered by an answer | | | | chosen to "check out" you should be taken to a |
| phone, does someone get back to you promptly? If | | | | secure website. You can tell that the site is secure as |
| you prefer, send an online enquiry - how quickly is it | | | | the URL will start with "https" instead of "http". This |
| replied to? Did you receive a standard response? Or | | | | means that your credit card information is safe and will |
| did a customer service representative take the time to | | | | not be compromised. If you are still not convinced, |
| read your enquiry and answer you personally? If you | | | | many online gift stores will let you submit your order |
| can't get good customer service, before making a | | | | online and then will call you to obtain your credit card |
| purchase it is unlikely that you will receive it after | | | | details or allow you to send them by fax. |
| parting with your hard earned money. | | | | Once you have placed your order, it is preferable to |
| Check out the return policies, in case you or the | | | | print out a record of the order, of if this is not possible |
| recipient wishes to return the gift. | | | | then save the information on your computer in a folder |
| Research the product carefully before buying it. You | | | | labeled "shopping". This will help you follow up if your |
| can use one of the online price comparison sites to | | | | order does not arrive and you need to follow up with |
| make sure that you are getting the best deal. Of | | | | the store. |
| course if you are buying unique handcrafted gifts, then | | | | |