The best deals… online

Need to get holiday gifts but don’t have much cash to spend? Try shopping online. Here’s a list of all the sites you’ll need to get the most out of your holiday shopping.

• Amazon – you can’t beat Amazon because of their huge selection. You can find anything from books to electronics to clothes, many at prices well below list. Also, another great feature of Amazon is the private sellers. Oftentimes, you can find used or new products at well below what even Amazon sells the for and with all transactions going through Amazon, you know your credit card number is safe.
• eBay – eBay is the ultimate in holiday gift destination – if you don’t mind bidding on your items. Because of its bidding format, purchases are often less than they’re worth. Another great thing abot eBay is the rare finds – if you have a vintage or antique junkie in your house, eBay is the place to shop.
• Bluefly – Have a friend that only wears designer? Instead of shelling out the big bucks at their web sites, check out Bluefly. Bluefly is the “fashionista” version of Amazon. Offering the best prices on everything from Burberry scarves to Dolce & Gabbana handbags to Prada suits, you can find anything and everything fashion related. Expect great deals here thoughout the year, especially until Christmastime.
• Half.com – Try half.com for all your dvd and video game shopping needs. A subsidary of eBay, Half offers books, dvds, video games, electronics, and (if you’re giving education holiday gifts) textbooks for (oftentimes) well below their list prices.

With all these web sites, although the do offer great deals on many things, you may be paying just as much, or more, as you would at an outlet store. So, if you’re located near an outlet strip mall, try price checking there first, before shopping online. Also, shopping in stores first gives you time to try clothing items on (especially with the more expensive items). And, a word to the wise, if you buy used, be ready for damaged packaging or hefty return fees.

Stay tuned for more out of The Black Lagoon…

– dave