[Cagey]

Work connections tend to be faster than those at home, he said.

I don't agree with this one. I think people do it at work because it's more fun that way and without all those "home distractions".

[Caipirabob]

Did my part today...over $500 before I got dressed. I know...TMI...

[bikepacker67]

And the sheep do as they are told... CONSUME!

[Extremely Extreme Extremist]

Online shopping rocks. Here's some hints:

* Always shop online on Friday or early Saturday, so your products will ship out first thing Monday am.

* NEVER, ever opt for overnight or 2-3 day shipping. Always get standard - it'll get there just as fast because the shipping companies have stepped up their shipping for the holiday season. In some cases overnight shipping is just next-day. Certain retailers have cut-off times for when the order ships out, say Noon EST. If you place a next-day ("overnight") order early in the afternoon, it's not going to arrive until the day after that. And if it's Friday, you're screwed until Monday anyway. If you're uncomfortable with standard shipping, ask for U.S. priority mail - some retailers will bump it up for free.

* If you're sending it to a P.O. Box YOU MUST USE PRIORITY MAIL!!

* If you live in an apt complex or in a high-crime area ASK FOR UPS or Fed-Ex GROUND SHIPPING!!

* ALWAYS correspond by email. Trust me - talking with someone over the phone about a problem sucks. With email, you can lay out your problem in detail and get a reply usually within 24 hours.

* ALWAYS order online instead of calling it in over the phone. People screw up the orders big-time.

* ALWAYS refer to the product with the product number when you're calling with a question about it, so you'll get faster service.

[RayChuang88]

Actually, after seeing that debacle of fisticuffs at this early morning's Black Friday sales, I think actual online shopping starts to peak from today till nearly Christmas. Who wants to suffer through that when they can do things far more conveniently online?

Besides, with more and more Americans connected to broadband Internet, online shopping is actually a breeze to do nowadays.

[goresalooza]

The article rings true...online buying is fantastic. No hassles, free shipping all over the place, no tax, and comparison shopping bigtime. I use Shopzilla, Dealtime to look for the lowest prices on items.

Who needs the hassle of a crowded, overpriced mall where I have to pay 8% sales tax on top of a marked-up item? Malls always price gouge, they do it subtly but they have to do it to make overhead. No need to hunt for a parking space...I can shop in my bathrobe and nightie...LOL

[Salvation]

Most of my shopping has been done already -- online! I will finished next Saturday -- online!