title: Cyber Santa Advice and "Black Monday"

 title: Cyber Santa Advice and "Black Monday"

Online holiday shopping was considered highly hip and adventurous when I began writing this column in the fall of 1998.
Today, a sizable portion of all retail transactions is made up of internet purchases.

Actually, they've created a moniker for one of the busiest online shopping days: "Black Monday!" This is similar to how "Black Friday" after Thanksgiving puts many retail companies "into the black" financially.
The Monday following Thanksgiving, known as "Black Monday" or "Cyber Monday," is when everyone returns to work and shops exclusively online (maybe during their break—yeah right!).
They either shop online because they couldn't locate what they wanted in a physical store over the weekend or because, like me, they couldn't bear the idea of waiting in line for hours.
Many find it unable to resist the temptation of playing "Cyber Santa" at work because their place of employment frequently has the fastest Internet connection.
This past Black Monday could prove to be the biggest on record despite a "sluggish economy," however the final tallies might take weeks to come in.
But if you're going to play "Cyber Santa" this year and shop for gifts online, the following advice ought to enable the tiny virtual elves fulfill all of your wishes.
** Don't Put It Off** Make your online orders as soon as possible; don't wait until the last minute. Online businesses operate similarly to mail-order businesses.
Orders are processed, pulled from inventory, packed, and shipped to your address by humans.
No amount of phone calls or emails will expedite the arrival of your packages in the event of a backup.
** Delivery Guarantees ** Obtain information about the written guarantees the organization offers for delivery.
It doesn't take a computer science degree to determine that your order won't arrive in time if they only guarantee delivery for two weeks and you placed your order on December 19.
** Return Policies** Verify the return policy in addition to the delivery promises. What takes place in the event that the product has a problem?
How and where should it be returned?
Additionally, be aware that there is no guarantee for an exchange if you purchase anything through an auction website like eBay and there is a chance you could receive defective goods.
** Brick and Mortar** To enhance their online visibility, try working with businesses that provide a "brick and mortar" operation.
This is helpful if you received the wrong or damaged items and need to make a last-minute trip to the store for a fast fix to save face on Christmas morning.
** Prepare for Disasters**
If something goes wrong, you can quickly recover by heading to the mall and getting something else if you place your order early!
Yesterday, I clicked a mouse and purchased 22 excellent gifts for business associates and relatives who live far away!
This holiday season, I want to purchase online for everything and not have to fight with people in the mall parking lot to keep my festive attitude.
So keep that in mind, shop from reliable retailers, exercise common judgment, and let your keyboard assist you in making this holiday season one to remember.
Jim Edwards, Copyright 2005.

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