The old way of comparison shopping was to hunt down as many sites as possible selling the same or similar items, and then to check prices. It's still the most accurate way of finding bargains on many items, particularly obscure or unusual finds, but it's kind of a pain. One-stop price clearinghouses can ease the process. CNET Shopper lists prices on computer products and gadgets from dozens of vendors. If you're looking for other items, check out the Snap Product Finder or a site like BizRate or CompareNet.
Online auctions are another popular way to find bargains.
And, of course, be sure to follow the same safety tips that you would with any other kind of online shopping. Be Aware of Hidden Costs Factor in shipping and handling charges when you calculate the total, and remember that you often pay for the convenience of shopping from home. Many e-retailers, particularly computer and peripheral sellers, will also charge you when you return unsatisfactory merchandise. Read the fine print carefully. Sometimes the lowest price doesn't mean the best deal.