Amazon Shopping Tips

Most people on-line order from Amazon, at least occasionally. Here are a couple tips:

* You can cancel any Amazon order as long as it has not shipped yet.

* Returns are easy. Go to www.amazon.com/returns and there are simple instructions. You end up printing a return label from your own computer along with a sheet that you put inside the package. Pack up the unused, brand new item and use the return label, then drop off at any post office or give it to your postman. If the return was ‘your fault’, then Amazon will deduct the return postage cost from your refund. If it was their fault, like the wrong item was sent, they will pay the return shipping and give you a full refund. (Your fault = didn't like it, wrong size, changed my mind, etc.)

* Amazon no longer price adjusts, even if the price drops shortly after you order. The only way around that is to order again and return the first one, but the lost postage you would have to pay to return the first one would probably eat up any price drop.

* Amazon has excellent complete information about all your orders on the tab called "My Account". You can see all your orders for years back, and can track any current orders. Their system is so sophisticated that if you put something in your cart that you ordered 5 years ago, a box will pop up telling you that. You can also bank any Amazon gift codes you may have received from Swagbucks or from survey rewards.

If you order something from Amazon today, there is a good chance you will get it by Dec 24 even if you don't pay extra postage. That was my experience last year. I can't speak for Amazon, but they bend over backwards this time of year to prove that ordering on-line is a positive experience. I was pleasantly surprised that cheap toys were sent 2nd day air at their expense last year. If you order right now, you'll probably get an email within hours that it has shipped. With that in mind, look at the new discounts below on a separate post....