Save Gas -Online Comparison Shopping Tricks and Delights

Ranked #3,806 in Internet, #211,849 overall

Power Shopping, Bargain Hunting and Deal Grabbing at its Finest

Dedicated to you, the pressed-for-time shopper - you, the stuck-at-home shopper - you, the busier-than-humanly-possible shopper. You know what you want - you know what you need - you just don't have time to surf endlessly.

My mission is to help you power shop and bargain hunt right along with the experts. With a few guidelines in hand, you'll find your online shopping experiences getting better, faster, and definitely more rewarding!

Why Me!?

Why Listen to Me, Anyway..?
I'm cheap. Well.. I'm thrifty. It has always irked me to have to settle for payng full price or not getting the best bargain simply because I couldn't possibly afford the gas to drive all over the place and find the best deals.

When the Internet Revolution started, I tossed my car keys in a corner and decided to do the majority of my shopping online. Naturally it took awhile to learn how to do this without losing my shirt in shipping fees and hidden costs. I've learned from them. Here's your chance to learn as well.

As more and more well-known stores started to bring their brick-and-mortar operations online, I decided to shop them as well. By paying attention to sales and special offers, doing the research, and watching for the right signs and sales, I've been able to acquire what I wish for the house and myself without driving into the throes of civilization, spending gas money, finding parking spaces, spending time and energy I don't have.

A few weeks ago, I got a lovely Frigidaire dual gas oven to replace the one that, I swear, they built the house around. I'd priced it at full retail around $850. I spent a bit over $645, including shipping. How's that for savings?

Let's Talk Comparison Shopping

Preparing to Shop, and Why It's So Important

When you're looking for the best price on the items you need, there are several ways to go about comparison shopping. You can use a service like BizRate, or Shop.com, or Shopping.com, or visit one of many stores that offer comparison prices across a list of the merchants they offer. You can also use a search engine like Google or Yahoo or Ask.com and hunt across vendors for the best price, if you have unlimited time.

However, it isn't enough to look strictly at the price that the merchant is offering. You also need to look at:
    Shipping Costs
  • Does this merchant offer free shipping or reduced cost shipping?

  • Does this merchant offer reduced price shipping on every order or only once your order amount exceeds a certain dollar value?

  • Is this reduced or free shipping limited to certain product lines?

  • Is free shipping or reduced shipping costs a permanent offer or for a limited time period?

  • Does their free shipping or reduced cost shipping offer include your location?

  • Are there any hidden costs that may be escalating the order price in order to cover this lower shipping cost?


    Return Policy
  • Does this merchant have a return policy stated clearly and understandably?

  • How long of a time period do you have during which you can return merchandise?

  • Does the merchant charge restocking fees for returned merchandise?

  • Does the merchant include any messy fine print in the return policy? Some merchants will not accept some products once the seal has been broken. Make sure that you are aware of any restrictions that may cover items you're looking to purchase.


    Privacy Policy
  • Does the merchant's website include a clearly written Privacy Statement that is easy to find on their website? Avoid shopping with merchants that do not clearly state their privacy policy.


    Contact Information
  • Does the merchant offer clear and complete contact information including toll-free numbers, fax numbers, online customer and technical support?

  • Does the merchant offer SECURE shopping checkout (look for https:// at the start of the checkout page's address).

  • Do you recognize the merchant? Strong and reputable merchants like Sears, Wal-mart, Boscovs often give web-only pricing in addition to their known offline presences.

Google tries, tries again with online shopping

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Stop a Moment and Say HI!

  • Sep 30, 2008 @ 7:33 am | delete
    Hey Great lens!
    I really like this lens. Thanks for providing the comparison of shopping and more over giving that sites. I have bookmarked your lens. Thanks for your interest.
    Please check out my site
    http://only4deals.com/
  • SusanVillasLewis Apr 8, 2008 @ 6:46 pm | delete
    People are amazed that I bought my tub online. But even with shipping, it was $1000 cheaper than buying local. Yep - $1000!! Can't beat that!
  • Encourager Sep 6, 2007 @ 9:25 pm | delete
    I am a very careful shopper. Info is useful. Have a look at my lens on working from home. I have featured My Power Mall. Lots of bargains to be had. 5*
  • LisaJesse Sep 5, 2007 @ 6:10 pm | delete
    very nice lens! Great info! Please visit my new lens 2008 jewelry trends. Thanks! How much do you love me?
    Your friend, ~LISA~
  • International-Investor Jul 13, 2007 @ 3:34 pm | delete
    Hi Fellow Member of "You Rate My Lense, I'll Rate Yours.". Great Lense. 5 star. Emerging Market ETF's and Stocks. Make Money Globally.
  • usafreebies Jul 3, 2007 @ 10:26 pm | delete
    Hey... Stumbled upon your lens when I was doing researching... Nice lens you have! :) Cheers!

    Totally FREE Stuff
  • flowergardener Jun 28, 2007 @ 8:21 pm | delete
    Great information, I really like the personal touch you included in the intro.
  • brookehudson Jun 26, 2007 @ 3:37 pm | delete
    This is a great find! Valuable resources on Bargain Hunting! 5 stars.
  • Janusz Jun 24, 2007 @ 7:32 am | delete
    Great Lens! just visited from Ratings Soup
  • Waterwalker_Publishing Jun 23, 2007 @ 3:25 am | delete
    Welcome to Waterwalker Publishing's Squidoo Friends group :-)
  • Caseyfern Jun 11, 2007 @ 10:58 am | delete

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