A Bargain Hunter's Guide to Online Shopping

Internet consumers increasingly are growing more confident and comfortable with online shopping (Internet sales surpassed $143 billion in 2005).

Shoppers are also in love with coupons.

CMS, Inc., a leading provider of promotions management services, recently reported that coupon distribution (online and offline) now stands at 323 billion coupons - nearly 30 billion more coupons than in 2004.

The Prospectiv Consumer Preference Index (CPI) poll indicates that consumers are eager to use the Internet for special offers and discounts for popular products and brands.

For example, 96% of users clip or print coupons. In fact, 51 percent redeem nearly all of the coupons they collect. Nearly 32 percent of coupon users want to get coupons online in the future, according to the poll.

A new Forrester Research report, "How Brands Can Rejuvenate Their Online Coupons," notes that 36% of U.S. online consumers download coupons at least once a month.

We believe those numbers will continue to rise as the number of Internet users increases, particularly because of the convenience of broadband access.

Today, 73% of U.S. adults (147 million) are online compared to 66% a year ago, according to the Pew Internet & American Life Project.

Americans are searching for information and products more than ever. In one year - December 2004 to December 2005 - U.S. searches grew 55% from 3.3 billion to 5.1 billion, according to Nielsen//NetRatings, a global leader in Internet media and market research.

American consumers may be online, but savvy shoppers like you don't want to waste a lot of time. Any website must pull in a visitor the second they arrive. Internet users may give a site only a few seconds before moving on.

As you look for great deals online, especially on websites with links to discounts and coupons, we recommend that you keep the following tips in mind. They'll help you decide whether a bargain site is exceptional or just ordinary. Our guide also will offer some insights about making those final purchases online - everything from a computer to new power tools for the home.

1. Understand the discounts.
Not all discounts are in the form of printable coupons. Look for all sorts of deals, from percentage-off discounts to diverse rewards programs and free offers (if you buy one or two items). Some merchants require a coupon code that you may enter at the checkout.

2. Insist on variety.
Look for plenty of variety on a web site showcasing coupons and discounts. You don't want to waste your time on a web site with just a few brands.

3. Number of offers.
Just like the variety of the retailers available, you'll want to study the site to ensure that it is loaded with many different kinds of offers that appeal to diverse consumer interests.

4. Easy on the eyes.
Clear navigation, even with a website packed with special offers, is a must. If a website is navigationally-challenged, the discounts better make your frustration worth it. If you've never used a coupon website, spend some time on several to see how they work. Study the offerings and the navigation. Decide whether the site is easy to use. If you already favor a certain website, keep in mind that owners add new features and improvements all the time, so others are worth a quick visit every once in awhile.

5. Categories.

Some coupon services conceal their main categories (like apparel, computers and toys), which makes it tough to detect the depth of their value. You may not want to rule them out, but websites with clear categories may be a better bet.

6. Popular brands.
If a service doesn't play up the world's top retailers, you may as well skip it and find a website that can help you find products from businesses you've come to trust.

7. Search functionality.
Rate the website for its search capabilities. What kind of returns do you get when searching for products? How are the results displayed and categorized?

8. E-Mail alerts.
A first-rate website with the latest deals will include an e-mail newsletter that you can receive weekly. It should have special offers and alert you to any website enhancements.

9. Is it current?
The website should clearly show that it's updated on a regular basis. Lists of popular, new and expiring offers are good signs.

10. Comparison shopping.
Before making a final purchase, be sure to compare offers and other information. Which product has a better reputation? Everyone wants to save money; but you want to be in the habit of making wise choices.

11. Minimum purchase requirement.
Read the fine print and note when the discount applies. How much do you need to spend (or how many products do you need to buy) before the discount kicks in?

12. Shipping and handling fees.
You absolutely must factor these fees into your decision to pursue a coupon or other discount. They can really add up. If two competing companies sell the same product, one may offer free or discounted shipping (but not the same price-reduction coupon). Shipping incentives vary by product and throughout the year, and may kick in around holidays.

13. Do you trust the brand?
Many coupon websites link to major retailers that you know very well. But make sure you ultimately buy from an e-tailer that you trust. If you haven't heard of the company before, do some extra research. Are they a member of the Better Business Bureau or trade organizations? Evaluate their customer service capabilities and their testimonials (these may appear fake, with just someone's initials serving as the identity of the "customer"). Is the offer too good to be true? If it sounds fantastic, take a closer look. What are you getting? What is the actual product? Does it include all of the equipment or accessories you have in mind?

14. Refunds and returns.
Make sure you're satisfied with the refund or return policy. A discount may be nice, but you may not appreciate the hassle that could await you if the refund and return policy is too harsh or cumbersome.

15. Privacy policy.
Before making a final purchase with your discount, make sure you understand the privacy policy. What will the e-tailer do with your personal information? Will they share it with other third parties? Can the policy change without you knowing about the revision? Can you arrange for your personal data to be removed from the database?

About eDeals

eDeals.com (http://www.edeals.com/) is the premier online shopping comparison site that brings unprecedented breadth and depth in products, savings and value to consumers. eDeals.com is the first site that brings together the most advanced comparison shopping, coupon search, deal search, auction from eBay, Overstock.com and Ubid.com, and travel search all in one shopping experience. eDeals.com is the first place consumers should go when looking to shop online, compare and get the lowest prices, find the best deals, save money, and best of all have fun doing it. SmartMoney, DSN Retailing Today and other publications have pointed out the depth of services offered through eDeals.com.