Think Before Clicking: Buying Holiday Gifts Online Means Checking Site's Security, Return Policy - and Calendar to Be Sure Santa Shows Up on Time
496219
By Clint Swett, The Sacramento Bee, Calif.  Dec. 14--As the holiday shopping season heads into its final days, the appeal of hitting your keyboard for gift-getting only gets brighter.
501920
PHILADELPHIA - Now that gifts are unwrapped, a trip to the merchandise return counter can&#39;t be far behind. Just be sure to take along your receipt - and a photo ID.
473185
By Eric Gwinn, Chicago Tribune  Dec. 10--The holidays are about much more than gifts, of course, but if you want to spread some electronic joy, here are a few ideas.
321882
When I ordered Christmas presents last week from L.L. Bean's 295-page holiday catalog, I broke my usual routine and did not call the company's toll-free line. Instead I visited the Web site because I thought it might offer bargains and be as quick as a phone call.
127260
Now that all the holiday presents have been opened, it is time to do some real shopping Â for the home, from the home.
208225
Trojan flea market thrives online Most people will be looking forward to receiving digital cameras, games and the like - as well as the inevitable pair of socks - this Christmas. But cybercrooks can take the opportunity to splash out, angling for things such as credit card numbers and their corresponding PINs, the trade in which is booming online.â¦
174331
The e-mail offers are coming fast and furious. "There's still time," screamed one that arrived in my inbox Tuesday, promising 20 percent off any item or free shipping at Art.com. I had only to enter "Santa" or "free shipping" in a special box at checkout -- and order by Dec. 16.
612856
Online buying continues to snowball, according to the results of a recent America Online survey. This year, for the first time, Americans who regularly use the Internet for shopping -- researching
384620
If you buy things on the Web--or even just browse--you could be at risk from prying eyes and sloppy security. Some people want to change that.
82747
The gift card &#151; often viewed as the little, plastic solution for keeping friends and family out of the return lines &#151; doesn't always serve as the ideal present. Responding to consumers who don't want to buy themselves another sweater, or will take a pass on a fancy steak dinner, Internet businesses have sprung up allowing people to sell or swap unwanted gift cards.
183392
You&#39;d better get it right the first time. Tougher return policies at a number of retailers nationwide could keep the recipient from exchanging your present for a different size, color or style -- even if they have a receipt.
546393
The holiday shopping season is in full swing and for those of us who  reach for the mouse, rather than the mall experience, a worldwide  network of cyber-criminals lie waiting to steal our holiday cheer and  hard-earned dollars.
25901
By Mark Albright, St. Petersburg Times, Fla.  Jun. 2--Most shoppers today read up on products and check prices on the  Internet before buying. Now mall stores have a new tool to get in shoppers'  faces online before they make up their mind.
61440
Bargain hunters tracking down  sought-after toys and electronics flocked to the Web ahead of  "Cyber Monday," the unofficial start of the online holiday  shopping season, three Internet sites said on Saturday.
305273
Are you a serial returner? By that, I mean, do you routinely return items, especially holiday gifts? If so, be forewarned. Some retailers have resorted to using a computer database to track customer returns and catch fraudulent or excessive returns.
562601
The most desired electronic gift item for this holiday season is a plasma TV. You might, however, want to consider something that wasn't even in the running: L.C.D.
506861
Web holiday sales are up 24 percent over a year ago, says comScore. However it is believed the shopping season may extend longer online this season as consumers appear to be confident that expedient shipping would get their gifts in time.