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Online shopping is convenient. Not only can you shop from the comfort of your own home, but comparison shopping is also easier, with hundreds of store being just a click away. There are even websites dedicated to comparison shopping.
The Federal Trade Commission provides several tips for consumers who want to buy a product online. The most important? To think about your goals before you start shopping. The FTC recommends deciding whether you want a product that top of the line or one that is more reasonably priced. The commission recommends identifying particular brands that you like and calculate your shopping budget before you start your online shopping hunt.
It is important to read online reviews of products. These reviews can help you determine the quality of that flat-screen TV you are thinking of buying. You can also hunt online for coupons or discount offers, which many manufacturers offer.
Once you've done your preliminary research, it is time to utilize the many comparison-shopping services on the Internet. These sites allow you to type in a particular product and pull up the prices that these products are being sold at by various online merchants. You can use these sites to compare not only prices, but also shipping options and costs to determine which online retailer provides the best overall value, ensuring you pay the best price for your item.
