While millions of shoppers were waiting in line to get into stores on Black Friday, millions of other shoppers were sitting at their computers getting bargains too.
According to Coremetrics Analystics, sales online rose over 14 percent from Thanksgiving through Saturday this year over last, but Monday may be the biggest online sales day ever. That's because some of the best deals are only available Monday and in limited supply.
For example, at Amazon get the Flip Ultra Camcorder, in white, for $99.99, a savings of $50.
At Wal-Mart Monday, buy a Next 20-inch boys' or girls' bike for only $39.99, a special buy Monday.
Barnes and Noble has a "Mamma Mia!" DVD for just $3.39. The list price is $26.99.
Macy's is selling a 14-carat white gold aquamarine ring for only $199, regularly priced at $600.
At Amazon.com, a TomTom XXL 540M GPS was just $89.99 Monday; the list price was $229.
At Toysrus.com, get the Hooked on Phonics for Spelling kit, just $4.99 instead of 24.99.
With Macy's website, a Kenneth Cole Reaction pea coat for men is only $69.99, regularly $225.
And Barnes and Noble has the classic "Gone With the Wind" DVD for $8.74; list price is $24.99.
If you want to cash in on some of these great deals even after Cyber Monday, here is some advice:
- Join the retailer's e-mail list. Loyal shoppers can find out about special deals right away.
- Search for secret coupons. Promotional codes can save you even more, sometimes free shipping too.
- Check the return policy, just in case you have to ship something back.
- Ask for price-matching, including shipping costs.
No matter where you shop online make sure you browse safely:
- shop only reputable retailers
- make sure website is secure
- beware of fake Paypal-type sites
- use security software
Of course Cyber Monday is a day when shoppers can get some great holiday bargains online. But if by chance you're in the market for a new car, Tuesday is one of the best days all year to do your car shopping.
Tuesday is the last day of the month and that alone is when car dealers like to offer discounts and incentives. And since we're close to the end of the year, manufacturers sweeten the deals even more to make their quotas. Plus, this is the beginning of a new model year and dealers are under pressure to get rid of last year's new cars.
As big as online shopping is around the holidays and on Cyber Monday, it is only a small piece of the big shopping pie. Most surveys show that 90 percent or more of holiday shopping is actually done at the stores.