Home Sweet Home Office

During this Christmas season many of us are buying gifts online. In fact, most of my shopping has been online from sites such as eBay.com, QVC.com, Amazon.com and Samsclub.com. I have noticed that PayPal is accepted at multiple shopping sites as well as most credit cards.

Shipping is most convenient when the online shopping site allows you to ship to an address other than your own. So far this year it has been about half and half for the sites that allow this. QVC and Samsclub.com has been the most accommodating so far.

Shipping is always a big issue. Even when you are willing to pay the price you have to be aware that some online retailers do not ship the same day that you purchase an item. When time is of the essence QVC.com is very informative about shipping dates. They make an extra effort to ship as close to holidays as possible at a minimal extra charge.

Gift returns should also be considered. All of the sites listed above allow for returns. Ebay sellers should list what their return policy is and you should purchase according to your own needs. Returns are likely to be the least difficult from QVC.com and Samsclub.com.

Every time I shop at the mall I remember why I like to shop online. I know that there are trade-offs such as waiting. As long as I am willing to wait I will continue to shop online.