Shopping Tips

Holiday Shipping Deadlines for 2011

Christmas is fast approaching and online shopping days are narrowing down to a precious few. Happily, our list of e-retailer shipping deadlines should keep you on track for a happy holidays.

We’ve worked to compile the most accurate dates possible, using details garnered from each merchant’s website. This information isn’t actually set in stone, however, so always double check to make sure your purchase will arrive in time for a happy holidays. Also, remember most merchants only provide shipping services on weekdays.

Please note these dates generally apply to the 48 contiguous United States and don’t often apply to P.O. Box/FPO/APO addresses or Alaska and Hawaii. Also, delivery deadlines only refer to in-stock merchandise.

Layaway Programs: The New Plastic

Layway programs are a hot new shopping trend, as consumers become wise to outrageous credit card fees and learn the benefits of waiting for what they want. The idea is simple: You make payments, including a small fee, until your purchase is paid for in full. The fees are much lower than credit cards and all you have to do is wait for a bit. 

Economic Inflation to Hit Everything from Cotton to Coffee

Food deflation is more prevalent, as manufacturers shrink the amount of food in each package, while the cost of food is about to inflate and perhaps stay at higher rates for some time to come. Much of this is due to the cost of the original food products. 

Your Guide To A Painless Haggle Process

We're not accustomed in America to haggling over prices, but many countries have turned it into a fine art. Learning how to negotiate is one skill that can benefit us all and a practice of which we shouldn't be ashamed.

How to Buy Discount Designer Clothing This Holiday

Designer clothes and accessories rate high on many women's gift-shopping lists this year, but it's important to know the difference between the real thing and a rip off before you buy. We offer you seven tips to tell the difference between a Prada and a Praada, or a Gucci and a Goochi.

How to Safely Buy and Protect Your Carpet

Carpeting is one of the biggest changes you can make to upgrade your home for Christmas entertaining. When buying, however, there are many things you need to consider before even hitting the showroom.

The Top 25 Kids toys of 2010 under $15

It's exactly one-and-one-half months to Christmas and time to look at our top toy preferences for less than $15. We've got quite a selection of fun and educational items for your child, so let's take a look. 

How to Spot 10 Counterfeit Products

Before you buy that designer handbag out of a dealer's trunk, think about how much such counterfeit products are costing our economy. In terms we can all understand, the rip-off total is nearly the price of 240 million Prada handbags. Here's how you can tell real from fake, so you won't get ripped off.

15 Ways to Raise a Happy and Healthy Dog for Less

While the sign may say "Free Puppies," the ultimate cost of your adorable new pet is far from free. You have to consider if having a "best friend" is worth it, or whether you're willing to pay what it takes to ensure your pup is happy and healthy.

Bosses Day Gifts for 16 Personality Types

Bosses rarely get enough recognition, unless they're handing out bonus checks. Perhaps that's why greeting-card companies created a day just for the guy or gal who hired us. Finding just the right present can be difficult, however, so we've come up with a few suggestions.