"How To Shop Online"

By: Aron Neelie

Well, the Holidays are coming and the days will soon become shorter still and time will become an even more precious commodity. It is time to seize the technology and make it work for us.

Let's go shopping.

It's nice to know that finally, there exists a true "time-saver", "ecologically friendly" device. The computer. More specifically, the internet. The new communication and device that has taken the Universe by storm. It may have been discovered by one man and used by the Government and Educators for years, but if it wasn't for the whole "information highway" campaign, well, it's something to ponder. The timing was right, the people were ready, businesses globally and locally were ready, and off it went. Like a seasoned eagle in flight. It went up and hasn't looked back.

The USA's economy is now dependent upon it and the global commerce is relying upon it. It's a wonderfully powerful tool that is available to us all, slow at telephone speeds or fast at DSL speeds, we can all see the same thing anywhere in the world, any URL anytime.

There is no heirachy or secrecy of profession in this new technology. It is here and it is here to stay. So, "dial-up", "log-on", go "on-line" 'cause shopping is shopping whether you're walking the mall, strolling in a wheelchair, or sitting in a comfy chair. Grab your wallet and let's go shopping.

Let's get to it.On-line shopping. It's easy, it's convenient, it's "green" and it's a new way to shop and think while helping to save the planet. The shopping is done in the privacy of your own home. In your jammies if you so choose, and at any hour. It's up to you. Your purchases are delivered right to your door. And if you are familiar with the brands for which you are shopping, your knowledge of their quality is tried and tested. Otherwise, zoom-in on the close-up views. Some shops can get close enough on merchandise to see fabric weaves, box covers, and even plastic seams.

First, decide for what it is you are shopping. Gifts? Specialty basket foods? Groceries, like www.Netgrocer.com or www.peapod.com? Or precooked food, like Shwanns.com or PDQuick.com (not available in all areas)? Chocolates, like www.sees.com ? Maybe, you're looking for things that the loyal Spiegel catalogue carries at Spiegel.com? Maybe you didn't realize that Spiegel has its own website with on-line shopping? Yes, major brands and stores do indeed have their own on-line presence for your convenience. Even Black and Decker at BlackandDecker.com and Gumps at www.Gumps.com and Tiffany's at www.Tiffanys.com and of course, Toys R Us. Statistically, most of the on-line shopping is done by the 40 something 50plus and boomers. Of course that is no surprise, the more matuure, are the one's with the most money. Afterall, it is the older generations who are giving the youth their money. Now, that that's in perspective, let's spend our money.

During this upcoming season, now that it's time again to cook and give gifts, shopping is on our minds more than usual. When we put our minds in a shopping mode, there are many things we need and want, all of which are accessible and deliverable via the new technology.

HOW TO SHOP

If you do not know the exact name of the store's URL (Universal Resource Locator); or if you are looking for a specific something, type your item, word or phrase, in on the open bar in your "search" bar. When you press return, you will have a list of places to visit. Some are individual stores and some are major stores. But they are all fascinating to visit. Click on their URL's and visit. And if the search engine you're using doesn't turn up what you like, just try another search engine, i.e., www.yahoo.com , www.google.com www.msn.com, www.jeeves.com, dogpile, etc. just to name a few top search engines. To arrive at other search engines, type in the new search engines name in the search bar of where you are, and away you'll go.

Even if you simply type www.macys.com, you're in a familiar place and can begin meandering through their wares. And remember to use the "Back" button on the top left of the screen. And utilize the site's "shopping cart" or "wish cart" if you've found something you like.

Your chosen items will not be totaled in "shopping cart" until the very end; so don't worry and think that you've purchased it. You have not finished the transaction until you arrange for payment and shipping. Don't avoid shopping because of the unknown procedures. They are step by step and you will always have to put in your credit card number to finalize the purchase. There is no way for the information to be 'sucked-out' without you first authorizing the sale. More often than not, when you input the credit card information you cannot go "back" without it losing what you just typed in. So, there are inherent fail-safes. Just read what you are being asked and do your best. Some sites have made shopping so easy, you'll be pleasantly surprised. You may not even find your keys in the amount of time it may take to find your collegiate son the perfect winter warmer. And who knows what ideas you may have on the way. Have fun with it and maybe you'll join those who were errand-runners who have now converted to on-line shopping. It's relaxing. It's enjoyable. And it's filled with more places to shop that a mega mall.

Finally, a piece of technology that suits the needs of its users. What a great technological time in which we all live; when we can all be in the same room, just being together, doing what each wants to do without aggravating each other and burning fossil fuels. Now, that's progress.

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