BARGAIN HUNTERS GUIDE

***FIVE SECRETS OF ONLINE BARGAIN HUNTERS***

Because of the economy, you're going to find a lot of great deals this holiday season. And a good way to save even more money is to do your shopping online. Here are five secrets that help online bargain hunters get the best deal possible . . .

#1.) SHOP SMALL AND SAVE ON TAX. Most small internet retailers are located in only one state and won't charge sales tax unless you live in the same state. Most websites list that information on their customer service or shipping page.

#2.) TAKE ADVANTAGE OF FREE SHIPPING. If you're buying something on a website that offers free shipping, take a minute and look around for more gifts to check off your list. Anything you can add without paying more for shipping is money saved.

#3.) BUY IN BULK. Wine glasses and drinkware are always good gifts, and they're also something you can buy in bulk at discounted prices. For the best deals, look for companies that sell to restaurants but don't have a minimum amount you have to order.

#4.) SIGN UP FOR E-MAIL SPECIALS. Sign up to receive special email offers. A company's e-mail list is essentially an online customer-appreciation program, and people who sign up almost always get the best offers available.

-And if you don't want to clog your personal email account with a ton of emails about special offers all year long, just setup a separate free email account, and use THAT address when you sign up.

#5.) SEARCH FOR COUPONS. If you find a great website but don't see any advertised deals, do a Google search for the store name and the word "coupon". And check blogs and chat rooms too. Savvy shoppers list a ton of coupon codes there. (Yahoo.com)